If you have ever wished your morning coffee could taste like a warm cinnamon roll fresh from the oven this is the recipe that makes that happen. A cinnamon roll latte is exactly what it sounds like and it delivers completely on that promise. Brown sugar and cinnamon in the bottom of the mug, two shots of espresso pulled right over, and silky frothed whole milk swirled in until the whole thing comes together into a creamy, warmly spiced latte that smells and tastes like a bakery in a cup. Four ingredients and five minutes and you will wonder why you have not been making this every morning for years.
This is part of the fall coffee drink series on the blog and it might be the most universally appealing one in the whole lineup. Cinnamon roll flavor is not polarizing. Everyone loves a cinnamon roll. And having that warm brown sugar and cinnamon sweetness paired with bold espresso and creamy frothed milk creates something that hits that sweet spot between cozy comfort and actual caffeine that makes mornings feel genuinely good. This is the latte for slow weekends when you want your coffee to be a whole experience rather than just fuel.
The brown sugar and cinnamon is doing all the heavy lifting here: it has that perfect balance of brown sugar richness and warm cinnamon that tastes just like a real cinnamon roll rather than just cinnamon candy. Right in the bottom of the mug before the espresso goes in means the syrup dissolves and distributes into every layer of the drink as the espresso and milk are added.
The milk froth is the finishing element that makes this feel like a proper cafe latte rather than just coffee with syrup. A steam wand gives you the most velvety microfoam but a handheld frother does an excellent job and creates enough froth to swirl beautifully into the espresso. Pour it slowly in a circular motion so it creates those beautiful swirls through the syrup and espresso below. Dust generously with cinnamon on top and drink it while it is hot. This is the coffee drink that makes someone who does not think they are a morning person become very enthusiastic about mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Four ingredients and five minutes is genuinely all it takes for a latte that tastes like you spent your morning at a really good bakery cafe
- This is the most universally appealing drink in the fall coffee series because cinnamon roll flavor is something that absolutely everyone loves in any form it takes
- The brown sugar cinnamon syrup dissolves into the espresso and milk creating a sweetness that runs through every single sip from the first one to the last rather than just sitting at the bottom
- This works hot or iced depending on the morning so it covers you no matter what the weather or your mood is calling for
Key Ingredients:
- Brown sugar cinnamon syrup: The ingredient that makes this taste specifically like a cinnamon roll rather than just a cinnamon latte. Two tablespoons is the right amount for a properly sweet and spiced latte that tastes intentional without being overwhelming. The linked one in the recipe card is the recommended choice for the most authentic cinnamon roll flavor
- Espresso: Two shots pulled directly over the syrup in the bottom of the mug so the hot espresso begins dissolving and infusing the syrup immediately. Strongly brewed coffee works as a substitute if you do not have an espresso machine
- Whole milk: Nine ounces frothed until silky and creamy gives you the richest, most velvety latte base. Any milk you prefer works but whole milk gives you the best froth and the most satisfying creamy finish in the cup
- Cinnamon: The finishing dusting that adds visual warmth and aroma to every sip. A generous amount makes this look beautiful and smell like a cinnamon roll the entire time you are drinking it
Tips for Success:
- Add the syrup to the bottom of the mug before pulling the espresso shots so the hot espresso dissolves and distributes the syrup through the drink as it is added rather than having it sit undissolved at the bottom
- Froth the milk until it is silky and velvety with small tight bubbles rather than large foamy ones for the smoothest most cafe-quality latte texture. Tap the frothing pitcher on the counter and swirl to break down any large bubbles before pouring
- Pour the frothed milk in slowly in a circular motion so it creates beautiful swirls through the espresso and syrup rather than just landing on top in a lump
- Dust the cinnamon on right before serving while the foam is still thick and fresh so it sits on the surface rather than immediately sinking in
Storage:
This cinnamon roll latte is best enjoyed immediately while it is hot and the milk froth is at its freshest and thickest. The brown sugar cinnamon syrup keeps indefinitely at room temperature or in the refrigerator and is ready to use every single morning without any prep. For an iced version pour the syrup over ice, add cold espresso, and top with cold frothed milk for a cold foam version rather than steamed milk. The iced version requires no reheating and comes together in the same five minutes
FAQ:
Can I make my own brown sugar cinnamon syrup instead of buying it?
Yes. Combine equal parts brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add a half teaspoon of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla, stir, and remove from heat. Let it cool before storing in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The homemade version is slightly less concentrated than a store bought syrup so you may want to add an extra half tablespoon to get the same flavor intensity.
Can I make this iced?
Yes and it is just as delicious cold. Fill a glass with ice, add two tablespoons of syrup, pour in two shots of cold espresso or cold brew, and top with cold frothed milk. For the iced version use a hand frother to froth cold milk for about thirty seconds until frothy and pour over the top. Dust with cinnamon and stir before drinking so the syrup distributes evenly throughout the cold drink.
What if I do not have an espresso machine?
Strongly brewed coffee works as a substitute and gives you a very similar result. Brew your coffee at double strength by using twice the amount of coffee grounds with the same amount of water. A quarter cup of strongly brewed coffee is the right amount to substitute for two espresso shots. The flavor will be slightly less intense than true espresso but the cinnamon roll latte will still be delicious.
Cinnamon Roll Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso or 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee
- 1 Tbs Brown Sugar
- ยผ tsp cinnamon
- 9 oz whole milk
- cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Fill the bottom of your mug with the brown sugar and cinnamon
- Pull 2 shots espresso and add to your mug. Stir.
- Froth your milk using your espresso machine steam wand or hand frother if you dont have one and swirl into espresso.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
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