Starbucks introduced a festive favorite: the Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte. Here you’ll find a clear, easy-to-follow copycat recipe so you can make this holiday latte at home, either hot or iced.
Copycat Starbucks Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
If you love the Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte and want to recreate it at home, this recipe is a faithful dupe. It captures the mild, buttery sugar cookie flavor layered with espresso and almond milk. The recipe works equally well hot or iced—both versions are delicious.
Why you’ll love it!
Easy: Ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Authentic flavor: The sugar cookie simple syrup gives the latte the classic cookie profile.
Saves time and money: Make it at home for a fraction of the cost of a coffee shop version.
What You Need
Sugar Cookie Simple Syrup
The defining element is the sugar cookie simple syrup. It’s quick to make and builds the cookie flavor for the latte.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar is used for the classic sugar cookie taste.
- Water: Combined with sugar to form a simple syrup base.
- Vanilla extract: A full teaspoon adds warm, familiar cookie notes.
- Butter or butter extract: A small amount of butter (or butter extract) provides the buttery cookie profile. Use salted butter or a tiny amount of butter extract to mimic the flavor.
Make it refined sugar free
To avoid refined sugar, substitute maple syrup or honey for the granulated sugar. The flavor will change slightly but will still be delicious.
Latte Ingredients
Espresso: Use hot espresso for a hot latte or chilled espresso concentrate for iced. If you can brew a lighter roast or “blonde” espresso, that will match the flavor profile Starbucks often uses.
Espresso options
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee, cold brew concentrate, or a concentrated brewed coffee as a substitute. Any concentrated coffee will work for this recipe.
Vanilla extract: A touch of extra vanilla in the latte base enhances the sugar cookie character.
Almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is recommended for the authentic version, though oat, soy, or dairy milk are fine substitutes.
Red & green sprinkles: Optional holiday sprinkles add a festive finish for seasonal servings.
Simple Instructions
Make the Simple Syrup
- Combine water, sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat, add the butter or butter extract, and whisk until fully incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make it Hot
For a hot latte, place the sugar cookie syrup into the bottom of a mug, add hot espresso, and stir to combine.
Heat the almond milk and additional vanilla gently on the stove or with a milk steamer—do not boil. Once warm, froth the milk with a hand frother or steam wand if available.
Pour the steamed milk over the espresso and syrup, gently stir to combine, and top with festive red and green sprinkles if desired.
Top it!
Whipped Cream
If you prefer, top the hot latte with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
Make it Iced
To prepare an iced version, fill a tall glass with ice. Add the espresso concentrate, sugar cookie simple syrup, and vanilla extract, then stir.
Top with almond milk and finish with holiday sprinkles. If you used melted butter in the syrup, you might notice small solidified bits in the iced drink; a quick stir will reintegrate them.
Quick note
If you use real butter (rather than butter extract) and serve the latte iced, the butter can firm slightly in the cold drink. A thorough stir will disperse it and restore a smooth texture.
More copycat favorites
Copycat Starbucks Recipes
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Sous Vide Egg Bites
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
- Spinach Feta Wrap
Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
This copycat Starbucks Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. It reproduces the signature sugar cookie flavor with an easy syrup and pairs perfectly with espresso and almond milk.
By: Lee Funke
Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 5 mins • Total: 10 mins • Servings: 1
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Simple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or substitute maple syrup for refined sugar free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon salted butter* (or 1/8 teaspoon butter extract; use vegan butter to make dairy-free)
Latte
- 2 oz hot espresso or chilled espresso concentrate
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- Red and green sprinkles, to taste
Instructions
Sugar Cookie Simple Syrup
- Place the water, sugar, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until fully melted and combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
For an Iced Latte
- Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the espresso or espresso concentrate.
- Add the sugar cookie simple syrup and the additional vanilla extract, then stir to combine.
- Top with almond milk and finish with holiday colored sprinkles. Stir if any butter solids have formed.
For a Hot Latte
- Pour the sugar cookie syrup into the bottom of a mug, add the hot espresso, and mix.
- Heat the almond milk with the vanilla extract over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Froth the milk if you prefer foam.
- Pour the warmed milk over the espresso and syrup, gently stir while preserving any foam.
- Sprinkle with holiday colored sprinkles and serve.
Tips & Notes
- Butter: If you prefer to avoid dairy, use vegan butter or substitute a small amount of butter extract for the buttery note. If serving iced with real butter, stir well to recombine any firmed butter.
- Sweeteners: White sugar creates the most authentic sugar cookie flavor, but honey or maple syrup can be used as alternatives.
Nutrition
Calories: 143 kcal • Carbohydrates: 16 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 7 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 13 g
Nutrition values are approximate and should be used as a guideline.
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