Hey coffee lover! If you're craving that signature Starbucks drink without leaving your kitchen, this cinnamon dolce latte recipe is exactly what you need. This cozy beverage combines rich espresso with sweet cinnamon dolce syrup and steamed milk, creating a warm hug in a mug that rivals any coffee shop version.
The best part? You'll learn how to make your own cinnamon dolce latte recipe using simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you want an iced cinnamon dolce latte recipe or hot version, this guide covers everything. No fancy equipment required; just pure coffee magic!

Why This Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe Wins Every Time
The cinnamon dolce latte recipe has become a fan favorite since Starbucks introduced it years ago, and for good reason. This starbucks cinnamon dolce latte recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon with buttery brown sugar notes, creating a flavor profile that feels like autumn in a cup; even when it's not fall. Unlike other coffee drinks that can taste artificial or overly sweet, this recipe cinnamon dolce latte strikes the perfect balance between spice, sweetness, and bold espresso.
What makes this dolce cinnamon latte recipe truly special is its versatility. You can serve it hot on cold mornings, turn it into an iced version for afternoon pick-me-ups, or even make it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. Plus, learning how to make the cinnamon dolce syrup at home means you control the sugar content and quality of ingredients. This homemade coffee drink pairs beautifully with breakfast pastries, makes a great afternoon treat, and impresses guests every time.
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Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup:
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
For the Latte:
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Milk
- Cinnamon dolce syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Substitutions: For a vegan dairy-free cinnamon dolce latte, use oat milk or almond milk. Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. If you don't have an espresso machine, use ½ cup strong brewed coffee instead.

See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- Combine water and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat
- Stir constantly until sugar dissolves completely (about 3 minutes)
- Add ground cinnamon and whisk thoroughly to prevent clumps
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt
- Let cool completely, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar
Step 2: Brew Your Espresso
- Pull 2 shots of espresso using your espresso machine
- If using a Moka pot, brew according to manufacturer instructions
- For French press method, use 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee with 2 ounces hot water
- Let espresso sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly before building your latte
Step 3: Steam and Froth the Milk
- Pour milk into a steaming pitcher or microwave-safe container
- If using a steam wand, position it just below the milk surface
- Steam until milk reaches 150-160°F and doubles in volume
- For stovetop method, heat milk in a saucepan while whisking vigorously
- Use a handheld frother for 30 seconds to create foam
Step 4: Assemble Your Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of cinnamon dolce syrup to your favorite mug
- Pour in the hot espresso and stir to combine with syrup
- Slowly pour steamed milk over the espresso, holding back foam with a spoon
- Spoon the foam on top for that coffee shop presentation
- Top with whipped cream if desired and dust with ground cinnamon
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick for the full experience
Pro tip: For an iced cinnamon dolce latte recipe, pour espresso and syrup over ice, add cold milk, and stir well before topping with cold foam.
Expert Cooking Tips
Making the perfect cinnamon dolce latte recipe requires a few insider tricks:
- Don't skip straining the syrup ; those cinnamon bits create a gritty texture. A fine-mesh sieve catches all the sediment.
- Temperature matters for milk ; keep it between 150-160°F. Overheating above 170°F scalds the milk and creates a burnt taste.
- Start with less syrup than you think ; begin with 2 tablespoons and adjust to your taste preference.
- Use fresh ground cinnamon ; old spices lose their potency. Check if your cinnamon still has a strong aroma.
- Whole milk creates the best foam ; the fat content helps create stable, creamy microfoam.
- Make extra syrup and store it ; it keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated, making morning lattes quick and easy.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this cinnamon dolce latte recipe is how easily you can customize it to match your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some tried-and-true variations:
Dietary Modifications:
- Diet/Skinny version ; use sugar-free sweetener in the syrup and skim milk to cut calories significantly while keeping the cinnamon flavor
- Vegan option ; substitute oat milk or soy milk for dairy, and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based sweetener
- Keto-friendly ; replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, and use heavy cream instead of regular milk
- Dairy-free ; almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk all work beautifully in this recipe
Flavor Twists:
- Brown sugar cinnamon latte ; double the brown sugar and reduce cinnamon slightly for a sweeter, less spicy version
- Cinnamon vanilla combo ; add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to the syrup for a smoother flavor
- Spiced latte upgrade ; include a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom in your syrup for a chai-inspired twist
- Caramel cinnamon fusion ; drizzle caramel sauce inside your mug before adding the latte
- White chocolate addition ; add 1 tablespoon white chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert drink
Equipment Recommendations
You don't need a professional coffee bar setup to make an incredible cinnamon dolce latte recipe. Here's what works best:
- Espresso machine ; the gold standard for authentic taste, but a Moka pot or AeroPress works great too
- Milk frother ; handheld frothers cost under $20 and create professional-quality foam in seconds
- Small saucepan ; essential for making your homemade syrup; any 1-2 quart pot works perfectly
- Fine-mesh sieve ; removes cinnamon sediment from syrup for smooth texture
- Glass storage jar ; keeps syrup fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
- Kitchen thermometer ; helps achieve perfect milk temperature every time
- Steaming pitcher ; if you have a steam wand, this makes the process much easier
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Making this cinnamon dolce latte recipe part of your routine is easy with proper storage:
Syrup Storage:
- Refrigerator ; store syrup in an airtight glass jar for up to 2 weeks
- Freezer ; pour syrup into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months; pop out one cube per latte
- Shake before use ; natural settling occurs, so give the jar a good shake
Batch Preparation:
- Make syrup in bulk ; double or triple the recipe and store in multiple jars
- Pre-measure portions ; use small containers with 2-3 tablespoons of syrup each for grab-and-go convenience
The Secret to Coffee Shop Quality
Want to know what separates a good cinnamon dolce latte recipe from an absolutely incredible one? It's all about the bloom. After making your syrup, let it sit for 24 hours before using it. This resting period allows the cinnamon to fully infuse into the sugar syrup, creating a deeper, more complex flavor that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. The difference is remarkable; first-day syrup tastes good, but day-two syrup tastes extraordinary.
Another game-changer for your cinnamon dolce latte recipe is the reverse pour technique. Instead of pouring milk into espresso, try pouring your espresso mixture over steamed milk. This creates beautiful layering and keeps your foam perfectly intact on top. Baristas use this trick to create latte art, and it works just as well for home brewing. The foam stays airy and light instead of sinking, giving you that Instagram-worthy presentation every single time.
FAQ
What is in a cinnamon dolce latte?
A cinnamon dolce latte recipe contains espresso, steamed milk, and cinnamon dolce syrup made from brown sugar and cinnamon.
How to make a homemade cinnamon latte?
Brew espresso, add cinnamon dolce syrup, then top with steamed milk. This simple cinnamon dolce latte recipe takes just minutes.
How to make cinnamon dolce?
Simmer equal parts water and brown sugar with cinnamon for 5 minutes, strain, and cool. Perfect for any cinnamon dolce latte recipe.
How many pumps of syrup are in a cinnamon dolce latte?
Use 2-3 tablespoons (about 4 Starbucks pumps) for your homemade cinnamon dolce latte recipe. Adjust based on sweetness preference.
Your New Morning Ritual Awaits
Now you have everything you need to make an amazing cinnamon dolce latte recipe right in your own kitchen. This cozy coffee drink saves you time and money while delivering that signature coffee shop taste you love.
Ready to expand your homemade coffee menu? Try our Brown Sugar Iced Coffee for another sweet treat, or dive into our indulgent Oreo Iced Coffee Recipe when you want dessert and coffee in one drink. Drop a comment below and let me know how your cinnamon dolce latte recipe turned out!
Life's too short for bad coffee; make it count! ☕
; Emily
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe:

Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve
- 1 Espresso machine or Moka pot
- 1 Milk frother or whisk
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- 1 Mug
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- 1 cup Water Base for syrup
- 1 cup Brown sugar Adds caramel sweetness
- 2 tablespoon Ground cinnamon Warm spice flavor
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds depth
- 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor
For the Latte
- 2 shots Espresso Substitute strong coffee if needed
- 1 cup Milk Whole or plant-based milk
- 3 tablespoon Cinnamon dolce syrup Adjust sweetness
- 2 tablespoon Whipped cream Optional topping
- 1 stick Cinnamon Optional garnish
Instructions
- Combine water, brown sugar, and cinnamon in saucepan; simmer 5 minutes.
- Add vanilla and salt; let cool and strain.
- Brew espresso or strong coffee.
- Steam or froth milk until foamy.
- Pour syrup and espresso into mug; stir.
- Add milk, top with foam and whipped cream.













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