Every sip of the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte feels like a gentle hug on a chilly day. But what if you could skip the drive-thru and recreate this dreamy drink in your own kitchen?
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How to make Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte
The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is a seasonal iced latte from Dunkin’ that blends espresso with brown sugar and baked cookie flavors, topped with a layer of cookie butter–flavored cold foam and finished with cookie butter crumbles.
Ingredients:
To create the perfect Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte, here’s what you’ll need:
For the latte:
- 1 cup espresso or strongly brewed coffee (Dunkin’s coffee works best for authenticity; substitute with your preferred espresso)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk is recommended for a creamy texture, but you can use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon cookie butter (available at most grocery stores or use brands like Biscoff)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (for that rich depth of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a warm, aromatic undertone)
For the “cloud” foam:
- 1/3 cup heavy cream or frothy milk substitute
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Optional: ground cinnamon for decoration
To top it off:
- Whipped cream
- Crumbled cookies (Biscoff or speculoos cookies work perfectly)
Instructions:
Step 1: Begin by brewing 1 cup of espresso or strong coffee. If you’re using regular coffee, make sure it’s bold and robust to balance out the sweetness of the cookie butter.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cookie butter, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Microwave for about 10–15 seconds (just enough to loosen the cookie butter), then stir until smooth.
Step 3: Heat the milk on the stove over medium heat (or microwave for 1–2 minutes). Once warm, whisk vigorously or use a frother until it becomes frothy and creamy.
Step 4: Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug, then stir in the melted cookie butter mixture until fully combined. The cookie butter will create a slightly thick and rich texture.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form—it should be light and fluffy but not overly stiff. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, use frothy foamed milk instead.
Step 6: Pour the frothed milk over the cookie butter coffee base in your mug. Top with the whipped “cloud foam.”
Step 7: Finish your masterpiece by adding whipped cream on top, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and crumbled cookie pieces. These toppings give the latte its characteristic indulgence and Dunkin-inspired flair.
Tips and Tricks:
- Don’t skip the cookie butter!: The cookie butter is the star of this recipe, lending that warm, spiced sweetness reminiscent of homemade cookies. Biscoff cookie butter works best, but any brand will do.
- Master the foam consistency: The “cloud foam” is meant to be light and airy. To achieve the perfect texture, chill the heavy cream beforehand and avoid overwhipping.
- Personalize your latte: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a twist on flavor. You can even drizzle caramel on top for added decadence.
- Use a frother: If you have an electric frother on hand, it can save time and effort when frothing milk or creating foam.
- Garnish creatively: For a visual treat, try piping whipped cream or arrange cookie crumbs neatly for extra flair. The toppings make all the difference!
What to serve with
The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is already a decadent treat on its own, but pairing it with the right food can elevate the experience even further.
1. Cookies
Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to this latte, and the possibilities are endless!
- Biscoff or speculoos cookies: The most obvious choice! These spiced, caramel-like cookies match the latte’s flavor perfectly and are ideal for dunking.
- Snickerdoodles: A great pairing with the cinnamon hints in the latte, snickerdoodles have a soft, chewy texture that makes this duo a dream.
- Shortbread cookies: Their buttery, crumbly texture complements the creaminess of the latte without overwhelming the palate.
- Chocolate chip cookies: If you’re craving some chocolate goodness, opt for a warm cookie filled with melty chips to contrast the spiced flavors.
2. Pastries
Flaky, buttery pastries pair beautifully with the rich and creamy notes of the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte.
- Croissants: Go for plain, almond, or even chocolate-filled croissants for a delicate balance of flavor.
- Cinnamon rolls: Warm cinnamon rolls, with a drizzle of icing, make an indulgent companion, amplifying the holiday vibes.
- Danish pastries: Cheese, apple, or cherry Danishes add a fruity or creamy contrast to the cookie flavor.
- Scones: Sweet scones, especially ones with cinnamon, nutmeg, or raisins, are wonderful with this latte—classic pairing for any coffee break!
Ingredients Substitutes
While the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte recipe shines bright with its unique blend of flavors, it’s also incredibly forgiving and customizable. If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand or want to adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs and preferences, there are plenty of substitutions that won’t compromise on taste or texture.
1. Espresso or Coffee Substitute
Original Ingredient: Espresso or strongly brewed coffee
The espresso in this latte provides bold flavor and richness, but not everyone has an espresso machine. If you don’t have this ingredient, here are some alternatives:
- Instant coffee: Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of quality instant coffee in 1 cup of hot water to create coffee strong enough for the latte.
- French press coffee: Brew a highly concentrated cup using a French press for a rich and smooth alternative.
- Cold brew coffee: Use cold brew concentrate—either store-bought or homemade—and warm it slightly before blending with the other ingredients.
- Decaf coffee: Perfect for those avoiding caffeine, any decaf coffee will work as a substitution.
2. Cookie Butter Substitute
Original Ingredient: Cookie butter
Cookie butter is the star of this recipe, but if you don’t have it at home (or can’t find it in stores), don’t worry—here are great alternatives:
- Speculoos cookies: Crush or blend speculoos cookies with a bit of warm milk or cream to create a DIY cookie butter.
- Peanut butter: Although it’s not an exact match, creamy peanut butter brings a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with coffee. Add a touch of cinnamon or brown sugar to make it closer to cookie butter.
- Almond butter: For a subtle sweetness and nutty flavor, almond butter can also work. Again, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg takes it closer to the original flavor.
- Nutella: If you want a fun twist, Nutella adds a chocolaty, hazelnut vibe that complements the latte’s creamy texture.
- Homemade cookie butter: Blend shortbread, graham crackers, or similar cookies with butter, brown sugar, and a little milk to recreate cookie butter at home.
3. Milk Substitute
Original Ingredient: Whole milk
Whole milk provides the signature creamy richness in the latte, but there are plenty of non-dairy or lighter options if you’d prefer to adapt it for dietary needs:
- Oat milk: The best non-dairy option for creaminess, oat milk provides a silky texture similar to whole milk.
- Almond milk: A lighter substitute that adds a mild nuttiness. Be sure to use unsweetened almond milk to prevent overpowering the latte’s sweetness.
- Soy milk: Creamy and neutral in flavour, soy milk is a great vegan option for frothing.
- Coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a tropical undertone, but it’s richer and sweeter than other alternatives, so use it sparingly.
- Skim milk: If you want a lighter latte, skim milk is a good low-fat choice. However, it lacks the creaminess of whole milk, so consider adding extra foam on top.
- Half-and-half or cream: For an extra indulgent version, you can replace the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for ultra-richness.
4. Brown Sugar Substitute
Original Ingredient: Brown sugar
The brown sugar adds depth and a slight caramel-like sweetness to the latte. Substitutes for this include:
- Granulated white sugar: Simple and straightforward, though it lacks the molasses undertones of brown sugar.
- Coconut sugar: A refined sugar alternative with natural caramel notes that mimic brown sugar perfectly.
- Maple syrup: Adds sweetness with a warm, earthy touch—perfect for cozy coffee drinks.
- Honey: Natural and slightly floral, honey is a great replacement for a milder sweetness.
- Agave syrup: A vegan-friendly alternative that provides smooth sweetness without sacrificing the latte’s flavor balance.
5. Heavy Cream Substitute (For Cloud Foam)
Original Ingredient: Heavy cream
The “cloud foam” is made with whipped cream for a light yet indulgent topping. If you’re looking for substitutes, here’s what you can use:
- Non-dairy whipping cream: Vegan options like coconut cream or almond-based whipping cream are perfect for creating lovely foam.
- Whole milk foam: If you don’t want heavy cream, frothy milk warmed and whisked thoroughly can create a lighter cloud-like topping.
- Greek yogurt: Mix Greek yogurt with a splash of milk and whip lightly to create a creamy alternative to heavy cream.
- Cool Whip or Ready Whip: Store-bought whipped topping can work in a pinch, although it might not be as fluffy as freshly whipped cream.
Final Thoughts
The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is the ultimate cozy indulgence, but pairing it with the right snack can take your coffee break to new heights.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
Ingredients
For the latte:
- 1 cup espresso
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cookie butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the "cloud" foam:
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Optional: ground cinnamon for decoration
To top it off:
- Whipped cream
- Crumbled cookies
Instructions
Step 1: Begin by brewing 1 cup of espresso or strong coffee. If you’re using regular coffee, make sure it’s bold and robust to balance out the sweetness of the cookie butter.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cookie butter, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Microwave for about 10–15 seconds (just enough to loosen the cookie butter), then stir until smooth.
Step 3: Heat the milk on the stove over medium heat (or microwave for 1–2 minutes). Once warm, whisk vigorously or use a frother until it becomes frothy and creamy.
Step 4: Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug, then stir in the melted cookie butter mixture until fully combined. The cookie butter will create a slightly thick and rich texture.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form—it should be light and fluffy but not overly stiff. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, use frothy foamed milk instead.
Step 6: Pour the frothed milk over the cookie butter coffee base in your mug. Top with the whipped "cloud foam."
Step 7: Finish your masterpiece by adding whipped cream on top, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and crumbled cookie pieces. These toppings give the latte its characteristic indulgence and Dunkin-inspired flair.