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Lightened-Up Copycat Starbucks Christmas Sugar Cookie Latte

lightened up copycat starbucks christmas sugar cookie latte - featured image
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A lightened-up version of the Starbucks Christmas Sugar Cookie Latte that’s quick, easy, and uses simple ingredients. It delivers the same buttery, vanilla-almond warmth without the sugar crash.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk (preferably Califia Farms or Silk unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso (dark roast recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure, such as Nielsen-Massey)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey/agave)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (such as Simply Organic)
  • A pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Optional: Coconut whipped cream (such as So Delicious), for topping
  • Optional: Crushed sugar cookie or cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso (2 minutes). Make about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of strong coffee. If using an espresso machine, pull a double shot. Set it aside while you prepare the milk.
  2. Heat the almond milk (3 minutes). Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened almond milk into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s steaming but not boiling—about 3 minutes. You should see small bubbles forming around the edges, but no rolling boil. Boiling almond milk can make it separate, so keep an eye on it.
  3. Add the flavorings (1 minute). Once the milk is warm, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Whisk until everything is well combined. Taste it here—if you want it sweeter, add a little more maple syrup.
  4. Combine with coffee (30 seconds). Pour the brewed coffee into your mug. Slowly pour the warm spiced milk over the coffee. Stir gently to combine. The coffee will lighten in color to a beautiful caramel shade.
  5. Top and garnish (1 minute). If using, add a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of cinnamon or a few crushed sugar cookie crumbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the almond extract—it’s the secret to the sugar cookie flavor. Use unsweetened almond milk to control sweetness. Heat milk low and slow to avoid curdling. Taste the milk mixture before combining with coffee to adjust spices or sweetness. For extra froth, shake warm milk in a jar for 30 seconds.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie latte, Starbucks copycat, lightened-up latte, healthy coffee drink, almond milk latte, Christmas latte, holiday coffee

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/lightened-up-copycat-starbucks-christmas-sugar-cookie-latte/