The first time I made a cookie butter latte at home, it was purely accidental. I had a jar of cookie butter sitting on my counter, a chilly afternoon, and a strong craving for something comforting but indulgent.
One spoonful stirred into my usual latte, and I was completely sold. The warm spices, subtle caramel notes, and creamy coffee base felt like a café treat but better, because it was made exactly to my taste.
This cookie butter latte recipe has since become one of my most-requested homemade coffee drinks. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet but balanced, and incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients.
Whether you’re a Biscoff lover, a latte enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys cozy drinks at home, this recipe delivers that coffeehouse magic in your own kitchen.
What Is a Cookie Butter Latte Recipe?
A cookie butter latte is a coffee-based drink made by blending espresso or strong brewed coffee with milk and cookie butter, a smooth spread made from spiced cookies (often known as speculoos or Biscoff spread).
The result is a creamy, spiced latte with notes of caramel, cinnamon, and toasted biscuit.
Origins and Background:
Cookie butter originated in Europe, particularly Belgium, where speculoos cookies are a cultural staple. When the spread became popular globally, creative coffee lovers began incorporating it into drinks, leading to the rise of the Biscoff latte and speculoos latte trends in cafés.
How It Differs From Other Lattes:
Unlike a vanilla latte or caramel latte, this drink gets its flavour from real cookie butter rather than syrups. That means deeper spice, richer texture, and a more dessert-like experience without artificial sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, spiced flavor with real cookie butter
- Creamy café-style texture without special equipment
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- Customizable for dairy-free or vegan diets
- Perfect for fall, winter, or cosy mornings year-round
Ingredients Overview
Here’s everything you need to make this cookie butter latte recipe at home.
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee – 1 cup (240 ml): Provides the bold coffee base. You can use espresso, Moka pot coffee, or French press.
- Milk – 1 cup (240 ml): Whole milk yields the creamiest results, but oat or almond milk works well for dairy-free versions.
- Cookie butter (Biscoff or speculoos spread) – 1 ½ tablespoons: The star ingredient that adds sweetness, spice, and richness.
- Brown sugar or maple syrup – 1–2 teaspoons (optional): Adjust the sweetness based on how sweet your cookie butter is.
- Vanilla extract – ¼ teaspoon: Enhances the warm, dessert-like flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – a pinch: Optional, but adds extra warmth.
- Whipped cream – optional, for topping: For a true coffeehouse-style cookie butter latte.
Substitutions
- Use oat milk or soy milk for a vegan cookie butter latte.
- Swap sugar for honey or date syrup if preferred.
- Decaf coffee works perfectly for an evening drink.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brew the Coffee
Start with 1 cup (240 ml) freshly brewed espresso or extra-strong coffee. This is the flavor foundation, so quality matters. Use espresso shots, a moka pot, French press, or pour-over any method that delivers a bold, full-bodied cup works beautifully.
For the richest aroma and café-level depth, grind beans fresh and brew slightly stronger than usual. A concentrated coffee prevents the drink from tasting diluted once milk and cookie butter are added.
Brew the coffee hot and serve immediately. Freshly brewed coffee unlocks deeper notes, smoother balance, and a luxurious finish that elevates the entire latte experience.
Heat the Milk
Pour 1 cup (240 ml) milk into a small saucepan and warm it gently over medium heat. Heat until the milk is steaming and hot to the touch, but do not let it boil.
Slow heating creates a smoother texture and preserves the natural creaminess needed for a cafe-style latte.
Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming and to ensure even warmth. Warm milk helps the cookie butter melt effortlessly, creating a rich, velvety base without graininess.
For extra luxury, use whole milk. For a dairy-free option, oat milk delivers the best body and foam while keeping the flavor balanced and smooth.
Add Cookie Butter
Once the milk is warm, add 1½ tablespoons cookie butter (Biscoff or speculoos spread) directly to the saucepan. Whisk gently but continuously until the cookie butter fully melts and blends into the milk. This step is essential for creating a smooth, creamy texture with no lumps.
Warm milk activates the natural oils and spices in the cookie butter, releasing deep caramel notes and cozy cinnamon flavor. The mixture should look glossy and uniform, not separated.
If you prefer a lighter sweetness, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust gradually. Properly blended cookie butter is what gives this latte its signature rich, indulgent taste.
Sweeten and Flavor
With the cookie butter fully blended, enhance the latte by adding 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup, depending on your preferred sweetness level. Cookie butter already brings natural sweetness, so start small and adjust for perfect balance.
Next, stir in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to round out the flavor and add a smooth, bakery-style aroma. For extra warmth, add a small pinch of ground cinnamon. These subtle additions deepen the flavor profile without overpowering the coffee.
Whisk gently until everything is fully dissolved. This step creates a well-balanced, café-quality latte with layered sweetness and rich, comforting spice notes in every sip.
Combine with Coffee
Pour 1 cup (240 ml) freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee into a large mug to create the bold base of the latte. Slowly add the warm cookie butter milk mixture, allowing the flavors to blend naturally. Stir gently to achieve a smooth, well-balanced texture.
This step is where rich coffee meets creamy sweetness, creating a perfectly layered drink with café-style depth. The warmth of the coffee helps maintain a silky consistency while enhancing the spiced notes of the cookie butter.
Taste and adjust if needed. Add a splash of milk to mellow the strength or a little extra coffee for a stronger, more robust finish.
Finish and Serve
Complete the latte by topping it with 2–3 tablespoons whipped cream, if desired, for a luxurious, coffee house-style finish. For extra indulgence, drizzle 1 teaspoon melted cookie butter over the top, allowing it to slowly melt into the foam.
Serve the latte immediately while hot to enjoy the full aroma, creamy texture, and deep spiced flavor. The final presentation should look rich and inviting, with smooth layers and a glossy surface.
For a polished touch, sprinkle a light pinch of cinnamon or crushed cookie crumbs on top. These small details elevate the drink and turn a simple homemade latte into a café-worthy experience.
Expert Tips for Best Results
Use 1½ tablespoons cookie butter for a rich, balanced flavor without overpowering the coffee. Always warm 1 cup (240 ml) milk gently; boiling can cause separation and dull the creamy texture. Whisk continuously to create a smooth, velvety base.
Brew 1 cup (240 ml) strong coffee or espresso slightly stronger than usual to maintain bold coffee flavor once milk is added. Freshly brewed coffee delivers better aroma and depth.
Taste before serving. Adjust sweetness with 1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup if needed. For extra foam, froth the milk before combining. These small, expert adjustments ensure consistent café-quality results every time.
- Always warm the milk before adding cookie butter to prevent clumping.
- Use a milk frother or blender for extra foam and café-style texture.
- Avoid boiling the milk, which can dull the flavor.
- If the latte tastes too sweet, add a splash of plain milk or extra coffee to balance it.
- For stronger spice notes, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
Variations & Substitutions
For a lighter drink, reduce cookie butter to 1 tablespoon and add an extra splash of ¼ cup (60 ml) milk. To make a dairy-free version, use 1 cup (240 ml) oat milk or almond milk, which blends smoothly and keeps the latte creamy.
Create an iced version by chilling 1 cup brewed coffee, then mixing with cold milk and 1½ tablespoons cookie butter dissolved separately. For a chocolate twist, stir in 1 teaspoon cocoa powder while heating the milk.
To lower sugar, skip added sweeteners and rely on the natural sweetness of the cookie butter. These simple swaps keep flavor rich while fitting different preferences
Flavor Variations
- Iced cookie butter latte: Let the coffee cool, shake with milk and cookie butter, then pour over ice.
- Cookie butter mocha: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.
- Spiced cookie butter latte: Add pumpkin spice or extra cinnamon.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk and vegan cookie butter.
- Gluten-free Cookies: Most cookie butter brands are gluten-free, but always check labels.
- Low sugar: Use unsweetened milk and reduce cookie butter to 1 tablespoon.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
This latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cookie butter milk in advance.
- Refrigerator: Store the milk mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as milk and cookie butter can separate.
- Make-ahead tip: Brew coffee fresh and reheat only the cookie butter milk for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a cookie butter latte without espresso?
Yes. Strong brewed coffee works perfectly and still delivers a rich flavor.
Is a cookie butter latte very sweet?
It’s naturally sweet from the cookie butter, but you can easily adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I use Biscoff spread specifically?
Absolutely. Biscoff spread is the most popular choice for this recipe and gives the classic speculoos flavor.
How do I make an iced version?
Dissolve cookie butter in warm milk first, then chill and pour over ice with cold coffee.
Is this latte vegan-friendly?
It can be. Use plant-based milk and confirm your cookie butter is vegan.
Can I froth this latte?
Yes. Frothing the milk before mixing creates a creamy, café-style cookie butter coffee drink.
Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions
This cookie butter latte recipe is one of those drinks that feels indulgent but incredibly easy. I love serving it on slow mornings, during afternoon breaks, or as a cozy treat when friends visit.
Pair it with biscotti, shortbread cookies, or a simple slice of banana bread for the ultimate comfort combo.
Once you try this homemade cookie butter latte, it’s hard to go back to plain coffee. It’s warm, spiced, and just sweet enough proof that a little creativity can turn an everyday cup of coffee into something truly special.
