Copycat Starbucks Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for that cozy, cinnamon-sweet espresso fix without waiting in a drive-thru line or dropping nearly six bucks, this copycat Starbucks Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte is your shortcut to bliss. It’s smooth, cold, and kissed with warm cinnamon sugar, tasting like a chilled cinnamon roll in a cup.

You can make it as rich or as light as you like, dairy-free or even sugar-free. Best part? Once you’ve got the syrup made, it’s just a minute to mix and sip. This is the kind of drink that makes iced coffee season stretch all year.

How to make Starbucks Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Start with a homemade cinnamon dolce syrup: it’s a quick simmer of brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla that fills your kitchen with that nostalgic spice-bakery smell. From there, pour espresso over ice, stir in the syrup, and top with milk. The whipped cream is optional, but that signature cinnamon-sugar sprinkle on top? Essential.

For the best texture, chill your espresso first and shake or stir everything just before serving. It’s a hug in a glass, but make it iced.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 290
Total Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Sugar: 35 g
Protein: 9 g
Caffeine: 150 mg

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for syrup)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

For the latte:

• 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
• 1 cup milk of choice (2% is the Starbucks default)
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon dolce syrup (see below)
• 1 cup ice
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Cinnamon dolce sprinkles (optional but iconic)

For the cinnamon dolce syrup (yields ~8 servings):

• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the cinnamon dolce topping:

• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon non-fat milk powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 drop butter extract

Tools you’ll need

• Espresso machine or moka pot (or coffee maker)
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Milk frother or whisk
• 16 oz glass
• Spoon or straw
• Jar for storing syrup

Instructions

Make the syrup

Add water, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of salt to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Let cool, strain, and store. (Takes about 10 min)

Prepare the topping

Mix sugar, milk powder, cinnamon, salt, and butter extract (if using) in a small bowl. Store in an airtight jar. (1 min)

Brew and chill

Make 2 shots of espresso and let them cool for 1–2 minutes. You can speed this up by pouring over a single ice cube. (2 min)

Build the latte

Fill your glass with ice. Pour in espresso, then stir in 2 tbsp of cinnamon dolce syrup. Add milk over the top. (1 min)

Top and serve

Add whipped cream and dust with cinnamon dolce topping if you’re feeling fancy. Give it a light stir or leave the layers for that Starbucks look. (1 min)

Tips

• Use blonde espresso for a sweeter, smoother flavor.
• Pre-chill espresso to avoid watered-down drinks.
• Oat milk or almond milk foams nicely and works great here.
• Store the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—perfect for daily lattes.
• Make extra topping to sprinkle on oatmeal or toast too.

What to serve with

Fresh and crunchy

• Cinnamon apple slices – Crisp and juicy with a dash of lemon juice and cinnamon powder. Keeps the cozy theme going.
• Toasted granola clusters – A nutty contrast that adds crunch without overpowering the drink’s delicate sweetness.
• Fruit salad with honey-lime drizzle – Bright and fresh to balance the creamy latte.

Comforting treats

• Snickerdoodle cookies – The most obvious choice. Cinnamon-on-cinnamon? Always.
• Coffee cake slices – The crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the smooth drink.
• Mini banana muffins – Warm, soft, and just lightly spiced. Makes for a well-rounded brunch.

Savory counterpoints

• Cheddar egg bites – Salty, protein-rich bites are great alongside iced lattes.
• Breakfast sandwich with ham or bacon – Sweet and savory is always a winning combo.
• Savory herb scone – Subtle, earthy herbs give a surprising match to the sweet drink.

Variations

Sugar-Free Dolce Latte
Make the syrup with monk fruit or erythritol, and skip the whipped cream. Tastes lighter but still spiced.

Iced Blonde Cinnamon Latte
Use Starbucks Blonde Roast espresso for a softer, caramel-style version.

Cold Foam Top
Blend cold milk and syrup into foam with a frother. Spoon over the top like a cloud.

Iced Dolce Shaken Espresso
Pour espresso, syrup, and ice in a shaker. Shake until frothy and pour over milk for extra chill and boldness.

Dairy-Free Version
Use almond milk or oat milk and top with coconut whipped cream.

Hot Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Same syrup, same build—just steam the milk and skip the ice.

Ingredient Substitutes

Espresso
Original: 2 shots espresso
Substitutes: Strong brewed coffee, cold brew concentrate, or instant espresso

Milk
Original: 2% milk
Substitutes: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, whole milk

Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
Original: Homemade syrup
Substitutes: Store-bought cinnamon syrup, brown sugar cinnamon creamer, maple syrup with cinnamon

Whipped Cream
Original: Dairy whipped topping
Substitutes: Coconut whipped cream, almond whip, or none at all

Cinnamon Dolce Topping
Original: Sugar, milk powder, cinnamon
Substitutes: Cinnamon sugar, sweetened cocoa powder with cinnamon, or just cinnamon alone