The Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte, a fan favorite, boasts a luscious blend of rich espresso melded with the creamy, spiced sweetness of cookie butter. It is topped off with velvety foam and an extra drizzle of cookie goodness. This recipe will satisfy your taste buds and immerse them in a whirlwind of autumnal bliss.
How to make Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte
The Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte is a popular drink from Dutch Bros Coffee, a coffee chain known for its various flavored beverages. This particular latte is inspired by the flavors of cookie butter, a sweet, spiced spread made from crushed cookies, typically speculoos.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso or about 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon of cookie butter spread (Speculoos/Biscoff or similar)
- 1/2 cup of milk (feel free to use the milk of your choice, such as whole, skim, almond, or oat milk)
- Optional sweetener to taste (sugar, honey, or preferred alternative)
- Whipped cream or a frothy milk topping (for the Dutch Bros Soft Top™ effect)
- Cookie butter and/or crushed Speculoos/Biscoff cookies for garnish
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional for additional spicing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coffee Base: Begin by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. Aim for a more concentrated brew that resembles espresso strength if you’re using a coffee maker or French press.
- Heat and Froth the Milk: While your coffee is brewing, heat your milk. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warm but not boiling. Be careful not to scorch the milk. If you have a milk frother, froth the milk until it’s creamy and has doubled in volume. If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the warmed milk vigorously in a jar or use a whisk.
- Mix in the Cookie Butter: In your coffee cup, combine the freshly brewed espresso or coffee with the cookie butter. Stir until the cookie butter has fully dissolved into the coffee. Taste and add your preferred sweetener if you feel the drink needs more sweetness.
- Combine and Top: Pour the frothed milk over the coffee and cookie butter mixture. For a professional touch, hold back the foam with a spoon. Let the liquid milk pour in first, then top with foam.
- Garnish: For an authentic Dutch Bros experience, top your latte with a whipped cream swirl. Drizzle with a bit of cookie butter or sprinkle with crushed cookies. If you like, a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of spice.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte:
- Quality Coffee: Use freshly brewed high-quality coffee or espresso for the best flavor.
- Milk Texture: Properly frothed milk should be creamy and not too airy. Gentle heating and frothing prevent the milk from being too bubbly.
- Dissolving Cookie Butter: Ensure the cookie butter is at room temperature so it dissolves easily into the coffee.
- Balance the Sweetness: Cookie butter and toppings can make the latte quite sweet, so adjust the amount of added sweetener to your preference.
- Garnishes: Get creative with garnishes, perhaps adding a caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra indulgence.
- Dairy-Free Options: For a vegan-friendly latte, substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use dairy-free whipped cream.
What to serve with
Pairing the proper treats with your Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte can elevate your coffee experience to a whole new level. The richness of the cookie butter and the warmth of the espresso provide a fantastic canvas for a variety of companions.
1. Speculoos/Biscoff Cookies: Starting with the obvious, the crisp, caramelized taste of Speculoos or Biscoff cookies not only complements the cookie butter flavor in the Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte but also adds a delightful crunch. A simple yet perfect pairing!
2. Cinnamon Rolls: Imagine pulling apart a warm, gooey cinnamon roll with your fingers, the aroma mingling with that of your cookie butter latte. The sweet, spicy flavor and soft texture of cinnamon rolls make them an indulgent accompaniment.
3. Pumpkin scones are a seasonal treat that celebrates the flavors of fall, making them an excellent pairing with your latte. The spiced pumpkin flavor and sweet glaze complement the coffee’s richness and warmth.
4. Nutella-Stuffed Pancakes: Suppose you’re leaning towards a more decadent breakfast or brunch option. In that case, Nutella-stuffed pancakes are a fantastic choice—the hazelnut spread’s creamy sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spiced notes of your latte.
5. Almond croissants, with their flaky exterior, buttery layers, and rich almond filling, offer a delightful texture and taste that contrasts with the smooth and spicy latte. It’s a pairing that speaks of leisurely mornings and the joy of savoring every bite and sip.
6. Apple Pie: Serving a slice of warm apple pie with your cookie butter latte creates a quintessential fall experience. The spices in the apple filling, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, synergize with the latte’s flavors, while the buttery crust adds a satisfying crunch.
7. Cheese Board: For an unconventional but sophisticated pairing, try a cheese board featuring a selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruits. When paired with your cookie butter latte, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert can offer a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, while nuts and fruits add variety and freshness.
8. Homemade Oatmeal Cookies: Oatmeal cookies, particularly when they’re loaded with raisins or chocolate chips, offer a chewy, hearty treat that pairs splendidly with the creamy and spicy notes of the latte. They bring a homely, comforting vibe to your coffee moment.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte at home can be a delightful adventure, especially when you learn to play around with ingredient substitutes to cater to your taste and dietary preferences or simply work with what you have. Here’s how to substitute the main ingredients without compromising the essence of this delicious beverage.
Cookie Butter
- Homemade Cookie Butter: You can make your version using crushed Biscoff cookies or graham crackers mixed with butter and sweetened condensed milk to get the right spreadable consistency.
- Nut Butter: For a nuttier flavor profile, consider almond or cashew butter. These won’t replicate the spiced cookie taste but will add a creamy, nutty layer.
- Pumpkin Butter: For a fall-themed latte, pumpkin butter is an excellent substitute. This provides a different but equally delightful seasonal spice profile.
Espresso
- Strong-Brewed Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a strong-brewed coffee substitute. A French press or a dark-roasted drip coffee can work well.
- Instant Espresso Powder: Another quick alternative is instant espresso powder. It might not offer the depth of freshly brewed espresso, but it can be convenient and still tasty.
Milk
- Dairy-Free Alternatives: For a vegan or lactose-free option, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be excellent substitutes. Each will add a unique flavor note to the latte. Oat milk, for example, tends to be creamy and slightly sweet, complementing the cookie butter flavor well.
- Half and Half: You might use half and half instead of whole milk for a creamier texture.
Sweeteners
- Maple Syrup or Honey: If you’re avoiding refined sugars or simply want to experiment with different sweet profiles, maple syrup or honey can be great natural sweeteners. Adjust quantities to taste, as these can be sweeter than regular sugar.
- Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar: Brown sugar will add a richer, more caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the cookie butter flavor, while coconut sugar offers a lower-glycemic index alternative with a slight caramel note.
Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla Bean Paste: If you’re looking for an upgrade or a more intense vanilla flavor, vanilla bean paste can be a superior substitute for vanilla extract. A little goes a long way!
- Almond Extract: For a slightly different flavor profile, almond extract can add a nutty aroma, complementing the latte’s creamy and spiced notes.
Whipped Cream (Optional)
- Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Coconut whipped cream or any plant-based whipped topping can be used for those who avoid dairy but still want that luxurious finish.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer controlling the amount of sugar, homemade whipped cream is easy to make with heavy cream and a sweetener of your choice.
Garnishes (Optional)
- Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice can substitute for crushed cookie garnish for added aroma without the crunch.
- Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder instead of cookie crumbs for a chocolatey twist.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the steps and tips, it’s time to whisk up your Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte and revel in its exquisite flavors from the comfort of your home. Enjoy the aromatic pleasure as it fills your home and senses, reminding you of the simple joys of fall flavors.
More Dutch Bros Recipes:
- Copycat Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha
- Copycat Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai Recipe
- Campout Cold Brew (Dutch Bros Copycat)
- Dutch Bros Mangonada
- Dutch Bros Rebel Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso or about 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon of cookie butter spread (Speculoos/Biscoff or similar)
- 1/2 cup of milk (feel free to use the milk of your choice, such as whole, skim, almond, or oat milk)
- Optional sweetener to taste (sugar, honey, or preferred alternative)
- Whipped cream or a frothy milk topping (for the Dutch Bros Soft Top™ effect)
- Cookie butter and/or crushed Speculoos/Biscoff cookies for garnish
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional for additional spicing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Base: Begin by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. Aim for a more concentrated brew that resembles espresso strength if you're using a coffee maker or French press.
- Heat and Froth the Milk: While your coffee is brewing, heat your milk. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave until it's warm but not boiling. Be careful not to scorch the milk. If you have a milk frother, froth the milk until it's creamy and has doubled in volume. If you don't have a frother, you can shake the warmed milk vigorously in a jar or use a whisk.
- Mix in the Cookie Butter: In your coffee cup, combine the freshly brewed espresso or coffee with the cookie butter. Stir until the cookie butter has fully dissolved into the coffee. Taste and add your preferred sweetener if you feel the drink needs more sweetness.
- Combine and Top: Pour the frothed milk over the coffee and cookie butter mixture. For a professional touch, hold back the foam with a spoon. Let the liquid milk pour in first, then top with foam.
- Garnish: For an authentic Dutch Bros experience, top your latte with a whipped cream swirl. Drizzle with a bit of cookie butter or sprinkle with crushed cookies. If you like, a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of spice.
