Name: Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte (Almond Milk Copycat)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 shots (2 oz) espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee; 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (barista style preferred); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons water; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; ⅛ teaspoon butter extract (optional); Whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping, for garnish (optional); Festive sugar sprinkles, for garnish

If you crave cozy winter flavors and dream of Starbucks' classic holiday drinks, this Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte (Almond Milk Copycat) is the answer to your sweet wishes! It's creamy, comforting, and packed with sugar cookie flavor-while being surprisingly simple to make right at home.

Each sip is a delightful blend of espresso, toasty almond milk, buttery vanilla, and sugar cookie syrup. The best part? You can whip this up in under 15 minutes without a fancy espresso machine. Perfect for chilly mornings or festive afternoons when you want that coffee shop magic in your own kitchen.

I fell in love with Starbucks' version but wanted a dairy-free copycat that tastes just like the original-and honestly, this homemade latte might be even better! Cozy up and treat yourself any time of year, but it's especially dreamy around the holidays.

Homemade Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte in a festive mug

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Captures the nostalgic, bakery-fresh taste of a sugar cookie in every sip
Easy to make with simple ingredients-no fancy equipment needed
Dairy-free, thanks to naturally creamy almond milk
Perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or decadent afternoon treats

Key Ingredients for Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte (Almond Milk Copycat)

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Espresso or Strong Coffee

The heart of this latte, espresso delivers a bold coffee flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness. If you don't have an espresso machine, don't worry! Strongly brewed coffee or concentrated instant espresso works perfectly here. You want a robust base to shine through the syrup and milk.

Almond Milk

Almond milk not only makes this latte dairy-free and vegan-friendly but also gives it that signature nutty undertone Starbucks fans love. Choose an unsweetened, barista-style almond milk for the best froth and a smooth finish. Oat milk or soy milk can be swapped in if you prefer, though the flavor will change slightly.

Homemade Sugar Cookie Syrup

This is what makes the drink truly special! A quick syrup made from sugar, water, vanilla, almond extract, and a hint of butter extract brings all the classic sugar cookie flavors into your cup. Butter extract is optional but highly recommended for that authentic bakery note. No butter extract? Use just vanilla and almond for a simpler (but still delicious) twist.

Vanilla Extract

A dash of pure vanilla extract enhances the syrup and makes the latte taste rich and indulgent. Real vanilla works best, but imitation is fine if that's what you have on hand.

Festive Sprinkles (Optional)

For that true Starbucks holiday flair, finish off your latte with colorful sugar sprinkles. Not only do they look delightful, but they also add a fun, sugary crunch. If you prefer, skip the sprinkles or substitute with a dusting of cinnamon for a more refined finish.

Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte (Almond Milk Copycat) cooking process

Instructions for Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte (Almond Milk Copycat)

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Make the Sugar Cookie Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved-about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter extract if using. Set aside to cool slightly.

Brew the Espresso or Coffee

While the syrup cools, brew your espresso shots or strong coffee. If using an espresso machine, pull 2 shots. For strong coffee, brew ½ cup using your preferred method. Pour into your favorite mug.

Heat and Froth the Almond Milk

Pour the almond milk into a small saucepan or microwave-safe pitcher. Heat until steaming but not boiling (about 2 to 3 minutes on the stovetop or 1 to 1.5 minutes in the microwave). Froth the almond milk using a hand frother, a whisk, or by shaking it vigorously in a tightly sealed jar.

Assemble the Latte

To your mug of espresso, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sugar cookie syrup (to taste). Top with hot, frothed almond milk, pouring slowly to create a layered effect. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish and Enjoy

Top with a dollop of whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping, if desired. Sprinkle with festive sugar sprinkles for a Starbucks-worthy finishing touch. Sip and enjoy instantly!

Recipe Variations

Make It Iced

Prefer your lattes cold? Let the espresso and sugar cookie syrup cool, then pour over ice. Top with cold, frothy almond milk for the ultimate iced holiday refresher.

Go Vegan

Skip the whipped cream or use a plant-based alternative to keep this latte completely vegan. Most store-bought festive sprinkles are also vegan-friendly, but double-check labels to be sure.

Gluten-Free & Nut-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! For nut allergies, substitute oat milk or coconut milk for almond milk. This will change the flavor, but your latte will still be deliciously creamy.

Vary the Milk

Try oat milk, soy milk, or whole milk for different tastes and textures. Each milk brings its own creamy twist, so experiment to see which you love best.

Switch Up the Syrup

Feel free to play with the flavorings in your syrup. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a drop of maple extract for a fun spin on the sugar cookie theme.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Sugar Cookie Latte with buttery shortbread cookies, classic biscotti, or a warm slice of coffee cake for the ultimate treat. For a festive touch, serve with whipped cream and a shower of bright sprinkles, just like your favorite barista would!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover sugar cookie syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; just give it a good stir or shake before using. If you make extra latte, refrigerate the mixture (without whipped cream or sprinkles) for up to 24 hours and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm and frothy. Freezing is not recommended, as the almond milk can separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte (Almond Milk Copycat) (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different non-dairy milk instead of almond milk?

A: Definitely! Oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk work well. Oat milk gives a super creamy latte, while coconut adds a subtle tropical flavor.

Q: How long does the homemade sugar cookie syrup last?

A: The syrup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It's great to have on hand for quick lattes!

Q: What if I don’t have espresso?

A: Use really strong brewed coffee or concentrated instant coffee instead. You'll still get plenty of rich coffee flavor.

Indulge in holiday café vibes from the comfort of your own kitchen with this Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte (Almond Milk Copycat)! It's simple, satisfying, and sure to put you in a festive mood. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out-don't forget to leave a comment or rating below!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 188 ratings