Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe

A cinnamon dolce latte is a latte sweetened with a cinnamon brown sugar syrup and finished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. To make one at home, stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of homemade cinnamon dolce syrup into two shots of espresso, add about 3/4 cup of steamed milk, and top with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. The syrup takes 10 minutes and keeps for two weeks.

Dolce is Italian for “sweet,” and that sums up the drink: warm, cozy and dessert-like, with a caramel note from the brown sugar. Here is the full recipe, plus an iced version and some tips.

What Is a Cinnamon Dolce Latte?

The drink has three parts:

• Espresso: one or two shots for the coffee backbone.
• Cinnamon dolce syrup: brown sugar, white sugar, water, cinnamon and a touch of vanilla, simmered into a syrup.
• Steamed milk and topping: steamed milk, whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

The brown sugar is what sets it apart from simply adding ground cinnamon to a latte. Ground cinnamon does not dissolve, so it tends to clump or sink. A syrup carries the flavor evenly through every sip and adds a toffee-like depth from the molasses in brown sugar.

Homemade Cinnamon Dolce Syrup

Makes about 1 cup (240 ml), enough for 8 to 12 lattes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
• 2 cinnamon sticks, or 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• Small pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon and salt in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly thickened. It will thicken more as it cools.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
5. Let the cinnamon sticks steep as the syrup cools for a stronger flavor, then remove them. If you used ground cinnamon, strain through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove the grit.
6. Pour into a clean jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Tip: Dark brown sugar gives a deeper, more caramel-like flavor; light brown sugar keeps it brighter and lets the cinnamon lead.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated or turbinado sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Turbinado adds a pleasant crunch on top of whipped cream. Store in a small jar or shaker.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe

Makes one 12 oz (355 ml) latte.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso (2 oz / 60 ml)
• 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) cinnamon dolce syrup
• 3/4 to 1 cup (180 to 240 ml) milk of choice
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon sugar topping

Instructions

1. Pull two shots of espresso into a warmed mug. No machine? Use 1/2 cup (120 ml) strong moka pot, AeroPress or double-strength brewed coffee. Our guide on making espresso at home covers the options.
2. Stir the syrup into the hot espresso so it dissolves completely.
3. Steam the milk to about 140 to 150°F (60 to 65°C) with a light layer of microfoam. Without a steam wand, heat it and whisk with a handheld frother.
4. Pour the milk into the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon a little foam on top.
5. Add a swirl of whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte

1. Stir 1 1/2 tbsp (22 ml) syrup into 2 hot espresso shots.
2. Fill a 16 oz glass with ice and pour in 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold milk.
3. Pour the sweetened espresso over the top for a layered look.
4. Top with cold foam or whipped cream and cinnamon sugar.

For more on building iced milk drinks, see our iced latte recipe.

How Sweet Should It Be?

The right amount of syrup depends on your cup size and your sweet tooth. Use this as a starting point:

Variations and Tips

• Dairy-free: oat milk is the best match. Its natural sweetness and creamy body pair perfectly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Brown butter version: melt 1 tbsp butter until golden and nutty, then add it to the syrup pan with the sugar for a richer, cookie-like flavor.
• Spiced up: add a pinch of nutmeg, a few cloves or a strip of orange peel to the syrup while it simmers.
• Cinnamon dolce cold brew: stir 1 tbsp syrup into cold brew, top with a splash of milk.
• Use the syrup elsewhere: drizzle it on oatmeal, pancakes or vanilla ice cream, or stir it into hot cocoa.
• Use a bold espresso: sweet syrups and milk soften coffee, so a dark or medium-dark roast keeps the drink from tasting like warm sugar milk.

If you love warm spice in your cup, try our homemade pumpkin spice latte or the dirty chai latte next.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte FAQ

What does cinnamon dolce taste like?

Like a cinnamon roll in drink form: warm cinnamon, caramel-like brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. It is sweet but not as sharp as plain sugar syrup, thanks to the molasses in the brown sugar.

Can I just add ground cinnamon to my latte?

You can, but it will not dissolve. It tends to float, clump or settle at the bottom. A syrup spreads the flavor evenly, and the brown sugar adds the depth that makes this drink distinct.

How long does cinnamon dolce syrup last?

Kept in a clean, sealed jar in the refrigerator, it lasts about 2 weeks. Discard it if it turns cloudy or smells off.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes. Use a brown sugar substitute that dissolves in water and follow the same method. The syrup may be thinner and will not keep as long, so make smaller batches.

Your New Cozy-Season Latte

A cinnamon dolce latte is easy to make at home once you have a jar of syrup in the fridge, and it tastes every bit as cozy as the café version. Start with a bold espresso like our 6 Bean Blend. Short on time? Brew a pot of Cinnabun flavored coffee or Cinnamon Hazelnut and add a splash of milk for a quick cinnamon fix. Every Feel Espresso order is roasted 1 to 5 days before delivery.