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Quick Copycat Starbucks Christmas Sugar Cookie Latte

Copycat Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte - featured image

A quick and easy copycat recipe for a Starbucks Christmas Sugar Cookie Latte made with simple ingredients like coffee, milk, sugar, and extracts. This creamy, nostalgic holiday drink comes together in under 10 minutes and is perfect for satisfying your festive cravings without leaving home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) almond extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon butter extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
  • Red and green sprinkles (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso (2 minutes): Make one cup of strong coffee or pull a double shot of espresso. Set it aside. It should be hot but not boiling.
  2. Make the quick ‘cookie syrup’ (1 minute): In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter extract (if using). Stir it with a spoon until it forms a thick, grainy paste.
  3. Heat the milk (2 minutes): Pour the milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm it until it’s steaming but not boiling—about 150°F (65°C). You should see small bubbles forming around the edges, but no rolling boil. If using the microwave, heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
  4. Froth the milk (1 minute): If you have a frother, submerge it just below the surface and turn it on. Move it in a slow, circular motion until the milk doubles in volume and has a thick, velvety foam on top. If you’re whisking by hand, whisk vigorously until frothy—about a minute.
  5. Combine the syrup and coffee (30 seconds): Pour the hot brewed coffee into your mug. Add the sugar paste and stir until it’s mostly dissolved.
  6. Pour the milk (30 seconds): Hold a spoon just above the coffee and pour the hot milk over the back of the spoon. This helps create a nice layer. Pour slowly to keep the foam on top.
  7. Top and garnish (30 seconds): Spoon the remaining foam on top. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream if you’re using it. Finish with a pinch of red and green sprinkles.
  8. Serve immediately: Give it one gentle stir to incorporate the flavors, then take a sip.

Notes

Don’t boil the milk—it will get a skin and a scorched taste. The almond extract is essential for the authentic sugar cookie flavor; start with a small amount as it is very potent. Make a double batch of the syrup and store it in the fridge for up to a week for quick lattes. For best froth, froth the milk while cold, then heat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie latte, Starbucks copycat, Christmas latte, holiday coffee, quick latte, easy latte, homemade latte