Copycat Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte Recipe

When Dunkin’ rolled out their Cookie Dough Latte, my coffee-loving heart skipped a beat. A drink that combines the creamy richness of coffee with the nostalgic sweetness of cookie dough? Sign me up!. I’ll walk you through an easy, DIY recipe to recreate Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte right in your kitchen.

How to make a Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte

The Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte is a sweet, dessert-inspired coffee drink—part of Dunkin’s limited-time, ice-cream‑flavored lineup that debuted for summer.

Ingredients

For the Espresso:

• 1-2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee

For the Cookie Dough Syrup:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon butter extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the Latte:

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk)
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Mini chocolate chips, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce the heat and add vanilla, butter extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt.
4. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Transfer it to a clean jar or bottle for storage.

Brew Your Coffee:

1. Prepare 1-2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine. If you don’t have one, brew a very strong cup of coffee using your regular method.

Froth the Milk:

1. While your espresso is brewing, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave.
2. Froth the milk using a milk frother or whisk until it’s foamy.

Assemble the Latte:

1. In your favorite mug, stir together the espresso and 1-2 tablespoons of the cookie dough syrup (adjust to taste).
2. Pour the frothed milk over the espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon to allow the milk to mix well.
3. Gently spoon the remaining milk foam on top of the latte.

Garnish:

1. Top your latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
2. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for that authentic cookie dough touch.

Tips

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter latte, add more cookie dough syrup to your cup. This syrup can also be used to flavor other drinks or desserts!
• Use Fresh Espresso: For the best flavor, use freshly brewed espresso. Investing in a small espresso machine or an Aeropress can make a big difference.
• Try Different Milks: Experiment with different types of milk to find your favorite combination. Oat milk or almond milk can add unique flavors and textures to your latte.
• Syrup Storage: Store any leftover cookie dough syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Shake well before using.

What to serve with

A rich, creamy Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte deserves a pairing that’s just as indulgent to elevate your coffee break or dessert moment.

1. Soft-Baked Cookies

When your latte is inspired by cookie dough, it’s only natural to pair it with cookies! Soft-baked treats, especially chocolate chip cookies, echo the flavors of the latte perfectly. Warm them slightly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Best Choices:

• Classic chocolate chip cookies
• Double chocolate cookies
• White chocolate macadamia nut cookies

2. Brownies or Blondies

Dense, fudgy brownies or buttery blondies pair perfectly with the warm, rich coffee of the latte. Their slightly chewy texture and chocolate-forward taste make them an irresistible match. Slice them into small squares for bite-size perfection.

Tip: Add mini chocolate chips or cookie dough chunks into your brownie batter to make the pairing even more thematic.

3. Pastries for Breakfast or Brunch

Turn your Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte into the centerpiece of a cozy breakfast or brunch spread by pairing it with pastries. The buttery, flaky layers of croissants or cinnamon rolls complement the smoothness of the latte, while their mild sweetness won’t overpower the cookie dough flavors.

Best Choices:

• Croissants (plain or chocolate-filled)
• Cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing
• Danish pastries

4. Biscotti

For a crunchy, dunk-worthy option, serve biscotti on the side. These twice-baked Italian cookies are excellent companions to coffee drinks, such as lattes, as they soften slightly when dipped into the warm beverage.

Best Choices:

• Almond biscotti
• Chocolate chip biscotti
• Hazelnut and cocoa biscotti

5. No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites

Why not go all-in on the cookie dough theme? Make or buy no-bake edible cookie dough bites to serve alongside your latte. These poppable treats amplify the dessert-like nature of your drink and are a fun, thematic addition.

Tip: Roll cookie dough bites in chocolate chips or drizzle them with melted chocolate for a polished finish.

6. Muffins or Quick Breads

Muffins and quick breads provide a hearty, slightly sweet counterpart to your latte. The latte’s creamy flavors pair especially well with baked goods that have chocolate, nuts, or warm spices.

Best Choices:

• Chocolate chip muffins
• Banana bread with chocolate chips
• Cinnamon streusel coffee cake

Ingredients Substitutes

If you want to replicate the Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte at home but are missing some ingredients or have dietary restrictions, there are plenty of substitutes you can use to craft this indulgent beverage.

1. Espresso

The Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte typically uses espresso as its base. If you don’t have access to espresso or prefer a different flavor profile, here are some substitutes:

Substitutes:

• Strong Brewed Coffee: Brew coffee using double the amount of grounds for a richer flavor similar to espresso.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder with hot water for a quick solution.
• Cold Brew Concentrate: Use cold brew concentrate for a smoother, less acidic coffee base. Adjust the amount for the desired strength.

2. Milk or Cream

Milk adds creaminess to the latte, but you can easily substitute it to meet dietary restrictions such as dairy-free, vegan, or lower-calorie preferences.

Dairy-Free Options:

• Almond Milk: Gives a nutty flavor that pairs well with cookie dough.
• Oat Milk: Creamy and neutral in flavor, oat milk is excellent for lattes thanks to its frothability.
• Soy Milk: It has a richer texture and adds a mild sweetness.
• Coconut Milk: Offers a tropical twist and silky texture (best when paired with lighter coffee flavors).

Low-Calorie Options:

• Skim Milk: Lower fat content but still creamy enough for a latte.
• Light Creamer or Half-and-Half: Adds less fat while still maintaining the richness.

3. Cookie Dough Syrup or Flavoring

The signature flavor in the Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte comes from cookie dough syrup or flavoring. If you don’t have store-bought cookie dough syrup, homemade alternatives and flavor extracts work well.

Substitutes:

• Chocolate Syrup: Combine with vanilla extract for a cookie dough-like flavor.
• Caramel or Butterscotch Syrup: Adds sweetness and a flavor reminiscent of baked cookies.
• Vanilla + Butter Extracts: A mix of these two extracts mimics the buttery, cookie dough impression.
• Homemade Cookie Dough Syrup: Mix brown sugar, vanilla, and melted butter into a water-based syrup for a DIY solution.

4. Sweeteners

The latte is usually sweetened to bring out the cookie dough flavors. You can tailor this to your taste or dietary needs.

Substitutes:

• Maple Syrup or Agave: Natural sweeteners that dissolve well in coffee.
• Honey: Adds a floral sweetness to the latte.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Zero-calorie options for those avoiding sugar.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the cookie dough theme with its molasses-like flavor.

5. Chocolate Chips or Garnish

Chocolate chips are often topped onto the Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte to finish it with a dessert-like flair. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider the following:

Substitutes:

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Smaller size means they melt faster and distribute evenly in the drink.
• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to shave a chocolate bar for a more decorative look.
• Cocoa Powder: Sprinkle over the whipped cream for a lighter garnish.
• Caramel Drizzle: Swap chocolate for caramel drizzle to completely change the flavor profile.

6. Whipped Cream

The whipped cream topping adds decadence to the Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte but can be swapped out for other creamy garnishes.

Substitutes:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Perfect for dairy-free or vegan diets.
• Non-Dairy Cool Whip: Store-bought alternatives for those avoiding dairy.
• Marshmallow Cream: Adds a thick and extra sweet topping instead of whipped cream.
• Foamed Milk: For a simple latte, skip the whipped cream and top with frothy, foamed milk instead.

7. Cookie Dough Add-In

Some homemade recipes might call for a dollop of edible cookie dough (or cookie dough crumbles) to heighten the theme. If you don’t have cookie dough on hand, try these alternatives:

Substitutes:

• Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle crumbles of chocolate chip cookies or shortbread over the latte for a delightful treat.
• Chocolate Chip Granola: A crunchier alternative with similar flavors.
• Brown Sugar Crumble: Mix brown sugar with butter and chocolate chips to replicate cookie dough flavors.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the recipe in hand, it’s time to treat yourself to a café-quality drink at home. Enjoy each sip of your homemade Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte as you kick back and relax.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkin Cookie Dough Iced Coffee Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe