Kick back with a copycat Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte next time you need an afternoon pick-me-up. Cinnamon and a hint of vanilla pair flawlessly with coffee and cream in this delightfully delicious drink.
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About this Copycat Cinnamon Dolce Latte recipe
Right now I am on a tear to visit new places in town, from coffee shops to craft cocktail bars to cafes. We’ve had pizza, Thai, Peruvian, tapas and sushi, and a couple weeks ago we went to our first new-to-us coffee shop in a while.
I was surprised there are so many coffee shops on our list, because I used to buy coffee out every day! Back then, I was crazy about trying new coffee shops, but not as much now that I’m older, more frugal and work from home!
These days, we made coffee at home. Two cups each, every morning. At least. Sometimes, I need an extra kick of caffeine and I whip up a quick latte or iced coffee. It’s so nice to be able to enjoy my favorite drinks without having to leave the house!
This Cinnamon Dolce Latte is just like the one at everyone’s favorite coffee shop, Starbucks, but it’s so easy (and cheap) to make with a homemade cinnamon dolce syrup. It’s infused with cinnamon sticks and real vanilla beans *, so the flavor is super fresh and omnipresent, not washed out by strong espresso flavor.
Note from the author
2025 update: I first published this recipe back in 2019, but I have since I updated it with new photos, an improved Cinnamon Dolce Syrup recipe and even more tips for making the coziest latte.
What is a Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
The Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a year-round menu item at Starbucks coffee shops. Their spiced latte features steamed milk, classic espresso and cinnamon dolce syrup and can be ordered hot or iced. The drink is topped with sweetened whipped cream and “cinnamon dolce sprinkles,” a buttery-sweet cinnamon topping.
At the time of writing (in August 2025), the latte is still on the Starbucks menu. However, at the holidays, the cinnamon syrup can be hard to find. That’s because the fan-favorite gingerbread latte was discontinued a few years back, and the cinnamon syrup is a key ingredient in a secret menu dupe of the gingerbread drink that’s popular to order at this time of year.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Worried about not being able to find the Cinnamon Dolce Latte? Make it at home! I love to make my own coffee syrups for easy coffee flavoring, and this is one of my faves:
- This copycat Cinnamon Dolce Latte is easy to make at home at a fraction of the cost at the coffee shop.
- You can use store-bought or homemade cinnamon vanilla simple syrup (but we highly recommend making it yourself!).
- Customize it with your favorite milk and espresso brew, or enjoy it iced.
- The cinnamon dolce latte tastes just like a cinnamon roll!
I’m obsessed with making my own PSLs with pumpkin spice syrup in the fall now, which is made similarly to my cinnamon vanilla syrup, only with even more warm spices and real pumpkin.
Ingredients
To make a cinnamon bun latte, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. I aim to show you how to make yours like a copycat Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte, but I do make a few modifications to make it my own. You can make yours your own too! You’ll need:
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
For the syrup
Cinnamon vanilla syrup is so easy to put together with just four ingredients: cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans * or extract, sugar and water. My recipe is below! But if buying your own cinnamon syrup is what you prefer, try this Monin Cinnamon Bun Syrup * that has a similar flavor.
- cinnamon sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks offer up a stronger flavor and less grainy texture than ground cinnamon *.
- vanilla bean *: Whole beans are a little pricier (but worth it). You can also substitute a little vanilla extract * if you prefer.
- sugar: You can use brown sugar or white sugar for the same amount of sweetness, just slightly different.
- water: Use the best water you have available.
For the latte
Once you have the syrup, you can make your latte!
- espresso: I recommend a darker or medium roast. Feel free to make decaffeinated espresso — it is practically the same in flavor. A really strong coffee or cold brew will also work in a pinch.
- your milk of choice: You can use whole milk, 2%, soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.! Whole milk and oat milk are the best for frothed milk.
- toppings: Add a little bit of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or just enjoy it as it is.
favorite espresso makers
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moka pot stovetop espresso maker
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Toppings
Toppings are always optional. However if you want to make a true Starbucks copycat recipe, they add whipped cream and cinnamon dolce sprinkles, both of which you can make at home.
I am not a latte foam artist by any means, but I am seriously obsessed with this drink. Homemade whipped cream is amazing, but truthfully: I don’t usually do this for my lattes at home because I love the froth of the steamed milk on its own.
If you don’t want to make homemade cinnamon dolce sprinkles like the Starbucks version, a little sprinkle of ground cinnamon * on top goes a long way! You can also use spice blends that contain cinnamon, like chai spice, pumpkin pie spice * or apple pie spice to bring in a little more spiced flavor.
Substitutions & variations
Try one of these variations on this popular drink:
Decaf cinnamon dolce latte: Make it decaf by using decaf espresso beans or a very strongly-brewed decaffeinated coffee.
Dairy-free cinnamon dolce latte: Choose your favorite milk for this sweet cinnamon latte. Whole milk is my go-to, but sometimes I will make mine dairy-free with either lactose-free milk or nut milk. A cinnamon latte with oat milk is actually really good because oat milk froths really well. Almond milk, soy milk or any other non-dairy milk would also be just fine!
Vegan cinnamon latte: My homemade cinnamon spice syrup contains no animal products, so as long as you use a plant-based milk, then you can enjoy a vegan cinnamon latte.
Iced cinnamon latte: You can make this homemade version of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte over iced if you prefer. Just throw in some ice cubes and the syrup, then top with cooled espresso and frothed milk.
Boozy cinnamon latte: And if you like things a little boozy on occasion, a shot of cinnamon whiskey would work instead of the cinnamon syrup.
Homemade Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
Cinnamon Dolce Syrup is essentially a cinnamon vanilla syrup. It’s a liquid sweetener made with a simple mixture of sugar and water that are infused with cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans. You can also add a little vanilla extract * to homemade cinnamon syrup.
The result is a delicious spiced syrup that’s good as a syrup for coffee and cocktails. You can make a big batch to enjoy all month long! The process to make this syrup is simple:
- Cut a vanilla bean * in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and do not discard them. (If you’re using extract, wait to add the vanilla until the syrup has cooled.)
- Add the cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean pod halves and the seeds to a small saucepan of water.
- Bring to a boil. After 5 minutes, lower heat.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove the pods and cinnamon sticks. (You may reserve them for bottling, if desired). Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer * to filter out clumps of vanilla seeds.
- Store in a food-safe, airtight container such as a mason jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 1 month. If the syrup begins to look cloudy, it’s time to toss it.
favorite syrup storage
These syrup bottles and jars make fridge storage easy and gifting even easier.
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Instructions
This cinnamon dolce latte is super simple! Let’s take it step-by-step.
- Start by brewing a shot of espresso. Meanwhile, warm up some steamed milk, or use a handheld milk frother.
- In a latte mug, add the your espresso and as much cinnamon syrup as you like. (I do ½ ounce because I like things on the less-sweet side.) Stir together.
how to make espresso
The easiest way is with an espresso machine — I use a Nespresso* for quick lattes, cappuccinos and even the occasional espresso martini. But you don’t need one to make this drink. A strong pot of coffee, a stovetop moka pot* or even cold brew concentrate will work too.
- Then pour or spoon in the steamed milk. If you know how to do latte art (lucky you!), then have at it here — but you can probably skip the fancy technique if you’re adding whipped cream.
- If you’re adding whipped cream, that comes next. Sprinkle on a little bit of cinnamon, and enjoy! (I use this dusting wand.)
Craving an iced cinnamon dolce latte? No problem! Just pour the syrup and slightly cooled espresso over ice and top with the steamed milk. Give it a gentle stir so as not to melt the ice too much. You can add whipped cream or cold foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top if you like.
favorite milk frothers
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Tips & tricks
These pro tips will help you make the perfect Cinnamon Dolce Latte every time:
- Use fresh espresso or strong coffee. A latte tastes best with a bold base. If you don’t have an espresso machine *, a moka pot or Aeropress * will give you rich, concentrated coffee.
- Froth your milk well. Warm your milk until it’s hot but not boiling, then froth it with a milk frother, French press * or whisk. The foam adds that coffee-shop feel at home.
- Make your syrup at home. Homemade cinnamon dolce syrup is fresher, more flavorful and a lot cheaper than store-bought versions.
Food pairings
A cinnamon latte is great for breakfast or brunch. Enjoy it with spiced treats like chai muffins or these raisin scones with a cinnamon glaze. Cinnamon palmiers would be the perfect for afternoon treat.
You could also enjoy them with fluffy cinnamon rolls like these colorful birthday cake cinnamon rolls or these spiced chai cinnamon rolls. Or take it up a notch for a big crowd and serve up a cinnamon roll casserole.
You could even have one after a lovely chilly season dinner, perhaps alongside a slice of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting.
FAQ
Not at all. You can use a moka pot, Aeropress or strong brewed coffee as a substitute. For milk, any frother, French press or even a whisk will help create foam.
Whole milk makes the creamiest foam, but 2% and non-dairy milks like oat or almond work too. Just note that some plant-based milks froth better than others — I prefer oat milk for a good froth!
Yes — just pour espresso or strong coffee over ice and add cold milk instead of steamed milk. You can skip the foam or add cold foam on top.
More latte recipes
Cinnamon Latte
ingredients
Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- ⅓ cup espresso or very strong coffee
- ½ ounce cinnamon dolce syrup
- ½ cup whole milk oat milk, or your favorite milk
- ¼ cup whipped cream optional
- 1 pinch cinnamon for topping
instructions
Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds (do not discard).
- Add the cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean pod halves and the seeds to a medium pot of water.
- Bring to a boil. After 5 minutes, lower heat.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove the pods and cinnamon sticks. (You may reserve them for bottling, if desired). Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer * to filter out clumps of vanilla seeds.
- Store in a food-safe, airtight container such as a mason jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 1 month. If the syrup begins to look cloudy, it’s time to toss it.
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Make your espresso. Then add to a latte mug and add cinnamon syrup. Stir to combine.
- Make steamed milk. Use a milk frother machine or a milk frother tool to froth warm milk.
- Pour the milk over the espresso.
- Top with whipped cream, if desired, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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Sandy Garvey says
Sounds delicious. I just bought some Java House cold brew. Will make this today.
Susannah says
Wonderful! I hope you enjoy it, Sandy!
Jessica says
If I don’t have cinnamon sticks how much ground cinnamon would I put in?
Susannah says
Hey Jessica, I would use about a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, but know that it will be a bit gritty. The cinnamon sticks provide flavor without adding color or texture, so they’re a better choice but ground cinnamon will work in a pinch! I would definitely taste the syrup and add more if you see fit.
//susannah