Cookie Butter Latte: The Best Homemade Recipe & Variations

Have you ever sipped on something so warm, creamy, and rich that it instantly felt like a hug in a cup? If not, let me introduce you to the cookie butter latte—a heavenly blend of coffee, steamed milk, and that irresistible spiced cookie butter.

Whether you’re a coffee lover or just someone who enjoys trying new flavors, this latte is a game-changer. It’s got the comforting essence of speculoos cookies (the same ones in cookie butter spreads like Biscoff) mixed with the boldness of espresso. The result? A drink that tastes like a cookie dunked in a creamy latte!

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—from what exactly a cookie butter latte is, how to make it hot or iced, and even how it compares to the ones you can buy at Dunkin’ or Dutch Bros. Plus, I’ll share some mistakes to avoid and ways to customize your latte like a pro. Let’s dive in!

What is a Cookie Butter Latte?

A cookie butter latte is a rich, spiced coffee drink made by blending espresso with cookie butter spread, steamed milk, and a touch of sweetness. The flavor is deeply comforting, with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized sugar notes from the cookie butter.

Cookie butter itself is a creamy, peanut-butter-like spread made from crushed speculoos cookies—the same ones served on airplanes! This spread is slightly spiced, sweet, and buttery, making it a perfect addition to lattes.

Fun Fact: The famous Biscoff cookie butter was first created in Belgium and quickly became a worldwide favorite. Now, it’s used in everything from desserts to coffee drinks!

Why is the Cookie Butter Latte So Popular?

So, what makes this latte such a big deal?

• It’s like dessert in a cup. The blend of cookie butter and coffee creates a sweet, comforting flavor profile.
• It’s easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can skip the coffee shop and whip up your own in minutes.
• It pairs well with breakfast. Whether it’s a croissant, pancakes, or toast, this latte makes any breakfast feel gourmet. If you’re a fan of classic breakfast recipes, you might love exploring the best bread for French toast to pair with your latte.
• Big brands like Dunkin’ and Dutch Bros have added it to their menus. When coffee chains jump on a trend, you know it’s worth trying!

Ingredients Needed for a Cookie Butter Latte

Making your own cookie butter latte is incredibly simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

Best Cookie Butter Brands to Use

Not all cookie butters are created equal! Here are some of the best ones to use:

• Lotus Biscoff Cookie Butter – The classic! Rich, spiced, and creamy.
• Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter – A cult favorite with a slightly chunkier texture.
• Generic Grocery Store Brands – Many stores now have their own version, which can be just as delicious.

Dairy vs. Dairy-Free Alternatives

Want to make your cookie butter latte dairy-free? No problem! Here are some great substitutes:

• Almond Milk – Light, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well.
• Oat Milk – Creamy and rich, closest to dairy milk.
• Coconut Milk – Adds a subtle tropical sweetness.
• Soy Milk – A classic alternative that froths well.

How to Make a Cookie Butter Latte at Home

Now for the fun part—making your own cookie butter latte! You don’t need fancy equipment; just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a café-style latte at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew the Espresso – Make 1-2 shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee.
2. Heat the Milk – Warm the milk in a saucepan or microwave. If you have a milk frother, even better!
3. Melt the Cookie Butter – In a mug, mix the cookie butter with a small amount of hot coffee until smooth.
4. Combine Everything – Pour the espresso over the cookie butter mixture and stir well.
5. Add the Milk – Slowly pour in the heated milk, stirring as you go.
6. Top It Off – Sprinkle with cinnamon, add whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra cookie butter!

Pro Tip: For extra froth, shake the milk in a sealed jar before pouring it in. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to a milk frother!

How to Make a Cookie Butter Iced Latte at Home

Prefer your latte cold? Here’s how to make an iced cookie butter latte:

1. Brew Espresso – Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast.
2. Mix with Cookie Butter – Stir the cookie butter into the warm espresso until fully blended.
3. Add Ice – Fill a glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour in Milk – Use cold milk instead of steamed milk.
5. Top It Off – Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies for a coffee-shop-style touch!

Tip: Want a blended cookie butter latte? Just throw everything into a blender with ice and blend until smooth!

Cookie Butter Latte Recipe Variations

While the classic cookie butter latte is already a treat, why not switch things up? Here are some delicious variations to satisfy every preference—from dairy-free options to refreshing iced versions.

Vegan Cookie Butter Latte

Love the idea of a cookie butter latte but want to keep it dairy-free and vegan? No problem! Here’s how to make a plant-based version without sacrificing that rich, creamy flavor.

What You’ll Need:

• Dairy-free milk (Oat milk is the best choice for creaminess.)
• Vegan-friendly cookie butter (Check labels to ensure no dairy or honey.)
• Espresso or strong brewed coffee
• Maple syrup or coconut sugar (For extra sweetness.)

How to Make It:

1. Heat the dairy-free milk in a saucepan until warm (but not boiling).
2. Blend in the cookie butter and stir until fully melted.
3. Pour in the espresso and mix well.
4. Top with frothed oat milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent twist, add a dairy-free whipped topping or a drizzle of melted cookie butter.

Iced Cookie Butter Latte

Sometimes, a hot latte isn’t what you’re craving—especially in warmer weather. Here’s how to make a refreshing iced cookie butter latte that’s just as delicious as the warm version!

How to Make It:

1. Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix cookie butter with a small amount of warm coffee to dissolve it completely.
3. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the espresso mixture.
4. Add cold milk and stir well.
5. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookie crumbs!

Alternative: If you love blended drinks, turn this into a cookie butter frappé by blending everything with ice!

Sugar-Free & Healthier Options

Want to enjoy a cookie butter latte but keep it lower in sugar? Here’s how:

• Use a sugar-free cookie butter. Some brands offer low-sugar or keto-friendly versions.
• Skip the added sweeteners. The cookie butter itself adds plenty of flavor.
• Opt for unsweetened milk. Almond, oat, or coconut milk without added sugars work best.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This enhances the sweetness naturally!

Did you know? Many commercial cookie butter lattes contain over 40 grams of sugar! Making your own allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy a healthier alternative.

Common Mistakes & Solutions

Even the best home baristas make mistakes. Here are some common issues when making a cookie butter latte—and how to fix them.

Why Does My Latte Taste Too Sweet?

Possible Reasons:

• You added too much cookie butter.
• Your milk is already sweetened.
• You used flavored syrups in addition to cookie butter.

Solution:

• Reduce the cookie butter to 1 tbsp instead of 2.
• Use unsweetened milk to balance the flavors.
• Skip any extra sweeteners unless absolutely necessary.

How to Get the Perfect Latte Froth

A frothy latte makes all the difference, but not everyone has a fancy espresso machine with a steam wand. Here’s how to froth milk at home using simple tools:

• Mason Jar Method: Pour warm milk into a jar, seal it tightly, and shake for 30 seconds. Instant froth!
• Whisk Method: Heat the milk, then vigorously whisk until foamy.
• French Press Method: Add warm milk and pump the plunger up and down until frothy.

Pro Tip: Oat milk froths the best among dairy-free options, making it the best pick for a creamy latte!

Best Coffee Types for a Cookie Butter Latte

The type of coffee you use can make or break your cookie butter latte. Here’s what works best:

Avoid weak, watery coffee! Cookie butter is thick and rich, so it pairs best with stronger coffee.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Cookie Butter Latte

Now that you know how to make a perfect homemade cookie butter latte, let’s compare it to the ones you’ll find at popular coffee shops.

Is It Worth Buying from Coffee Shops?

Let’s face it—sometimes, we just want to grab a latte on the go. But how does store-bought compare to homemade?

Verdict: If you love saving money and controlling your ingredients, homemade is the way to go! But for a quick treat, coffee shop versions are still a great option.

Popular Coffee Shops That Offer Cookie Butter Latte

What’s in the Cookie Butter Latte at Dunkin’?

Dunkin’ introduced their Cookie Butter Cold Brew in 2022, made with:

• Cold brew coffee
• Sweet cookie butter syrup
• Brown sugar topping

Tip: Want to make a Dunkin’-style cookie butter latte at home? Use a dash of brown sugar and cold brew coffee instead of espresso!

Does Dutch Bros Have a Cookie Butter Latte?

Yes! Dutch Bros offers a Cookie Butter Breve, which is a creamier version of a latte, made with:

• Espresso
• Half-and-half instead of milk
• Cookie butter syrup

Dutch Bros lattes tend to be extra creamy, so if you love rich, indulgent coffee drinks, their version is worth a try!

Pairing Your Cookie Butter Latte with Breakfast Foods

A cookie butter latte is already a treat on its own, but pairing it with the right breakfast foods takes the experience to a whole new level. Whether you prefer something sweet, savory, or healthy, there’s a perfect match for your latte.

Best Pastries to Enjoy with Your Latte

Since a cookie butter latte has a sweet and spiced flavor, pairing it with buttery, flaky, or slightly spiced pastries works best. Here are some delicious options:

• Croissants – The buttery layers complement the rich coffee and cookie butter flavors.
• Cinnamon Rolls – A warm, spiced roll enhances the cinnamon notes in the latte.
• Danish Pastries – Their mild sweetness allows the cookie butter flavor to shine.
• Biscoff Cookie Crumble Muffins – Double the cookie butter goodness!

Tip: Want to go all out? Spread a little extra cookie butter on your croissant or muffin for an even richer experience!

Healthy Breakfast Options That Pair Well

If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy your latte without an overload of sugar, consider pairing it with nutritious breakfast choices. A warm, fluffy stack of pancakes is always a winner—especially if you try this chocolate chip pancake recipe for a touch of indulgence!

• Oatmeal with Cinnamon & Almonds – The warm spices in the oatmeal blend beautifully with the latte.
• Greek Yogurt with Granola – A protein-packed, crunchy pairing that balances the sweetness of the latte. If you’re a granola lover, you’ll enjoy this guide on making a crunchy and tasty granola breakfast to pair with your morning coffee.
• Whole Wheat Toast with Almond Butter – A fiber-rich breakfast that keeps you full.
• Banana Pancakes – Naturally sweet and packed with potassium! If you love banana-based breakfasts, you might also be curious about why letting banana bread sit overnight enhances its flavor. Learn more in this guide: Why does banana bread have to sit overnight?.

Fun Fact: Since cookie butter is made from crushed speculoos cookies, its flavors pair well with spiced breakfast dishes like cinnamon oatmeal or nutty granola!

FAQs

To wrap things up, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about cookie butter lattes!

What is in the Cookie Butter Latte?

A classic cookie butter latte includes:

• Espresso (or strong coffee)
• Cookie butter spread
• Steamed milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• Optional sweeteners and toppings like cinnamon or whipped cream

The result? A creamy, spiced coffee drink that tastes like a liquid cookie!

What’s in the Cookie Butter Latte at Dunkin’?

Dunkin’s Cookie Butter Cold Brew is a bit different from a traditional latte. It’s made with:

• Cold brew coffee
• Sweet cookie butter syrup
• Brown sugar topping for extra crunch

Unlike homemade versions, the Dunkin’ recipe uses syrups instead of real cookie butter, giving it a slightly different taste.

DIY Tip: To recreate Dunkin’s version at home, use cold brew coffee and add a pinch of brown sugar!

Does Dutch Bros Have a Cookie Butter Latte?

Yes! Dutch Bros offers a Cookie Butter Breve, which is similar to a latte but made with half-and-half instead of milk.

Their version includes:

• Espresso
• Cookie butter syrup
• Half-and-half for a creamy finish

Want a similar taste at home? Simply swap regular milk for half-and-half in your homemade latte recipe!

How to Make a Cookie Butter Iced Latte at Home?

Making an iced version of a cookie butter latte is simple:

1. Brew espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix cookie butter with warm coffee until it dissolves.
3. Pour over ice in a tall glass.
4. Add cold milk and stir well.
5. Top with whipped cream and cookie crumbs for an extra touch!

This method ensures the cookie butter blends smoothly, preventing clumps in your drink.

Conclusion

The cookie butter latte is more than just a trendy drink—it’s a cozy, flavorful experience that brings together the best of coffee and cookies in a single cup. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, dairy-free or extra creamy, there’s a version for everyone.

Why You Should Try Making It at Home

• Cost-Effective: Homemade versions are cheaper than buying from coffee shops.
• Fully Customizable: Adjust sweetness, milk type, and toppings to suit your taste.
• Healthier Choices: Control sugar levels and use natural ingredients.

Final Thought: If you haven’t tried a cookie butter latte yet, now’s the time! Grab your favorite coffee, a jar of cookie butter, and get brewing!