Looking for a delicious coffee drink that’s low in sugar but big on flavor? This cinnamon latte has you covered!

A cinnamon latte topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, cupped between two hands.

One of the best Starbucks drinks is definitely the cinnamon dolce latte. It’s sweet, creamy, and has the perfect balance of milk, espresso, and cinnamon.

The downside of the Starbucks version (besides the price tag!) is all the sugar from the cinnamon syrup. This healthy cinnamon latte delivers all the flavor you’re craving with less sugar and without the coffee shop markup.

About this recipe

Cinnamon lattes are smooth, refreshing, comforting, and perfect for any day of the year. An iced latte will keep you cool in the summer, and a hot latte is just what you need when the mercury drops. Try pairing them with cinnamon pancakes for a meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Making a latte at home is really easy! Once you give it a try, you’ll see how simple it is to skip the coffee shop and enjoy the convenience of your own kitchen with this recipe, an iced vanilla latte, or perhaps a pumpkin spice latte.

A healthy cinnamon latte can be made with any kind of milk. In general, whole milk will froth up thicker, but if you’re used to the “skinny” version of a latte, you’ll be just fine with a lower fat content in your milk. If you are dairy-free, you can find barista-specific version of non-dairy milk, like Oatly’s Barista.

The key to a creamy and delicious latte is a great espresso, and heating your milk until it’s just bubbling around the edges, but not boiling. Follow these easy instructions to make your perfect latte right at home!

Two lattes being dusted with ground cinnamon.

What you need

  • Milk: Whole milk will make your drink really creamy, but you can use a lower-fat milk or a non-dairy milk if you prefer.
  • Sugar: One tablespoon of granulated sugar for a really sweet latte, or less sugar if you’re making a “skinny” version. You could also use simple syrup, agave, or honey.
  • Cinnamon: You’ll need ground cinnamon, and plan on using a little extra for a garnish sprinkled on top of your latte to make it look pretty and smell amazing. Cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top is another option if you like a little extra sweetness!
  • Espresso: If you don’t have an espresso machine, really strong brewed coffee will also work in this recipe.
Overhead view of ingredients needed to make a cinnamon latte, including cinnamon, espresso, milk.

How to make it

In a small pot, add milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Heat over low heat until warm while whisking. Do not boil, but heat until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan, and then remove from heat.

Milk being poured into a mug.

Add freshly brewed coffee or espresso to the cinnamon milk.

Coffee being poured into milk in a mug.

Top it off with some whipped cream and sprinkle on additional cinnamon if desired.

Whipped cream being added to a mug of coffee.

FAQs

What is a cinnamon dolce latte?

A cinnamon dolce latte is a sweet cinnamon coffee beverage. It combines steamed milk, espresso, sugar, and cinnamon. 

What flavor is cinnamon dolce?

“Dolce” means “sweet” in Italian, so cinnamon dolce means “sweet cinnamon.” This recipe calls for a tablespoon of sugar for the cinnamon dolce flavor, or less sugar if you prefer.

Overhead view of two cinnamon dusted lattes, with cinnamon sticks balancing on the edge of the mugs.

How to make this latte your own

  • Cinnamon is great with other ground spices, like nutmeg or allspice. Try using cinnamon in your drink and garnishing with a dash of nutmeg. Perfection.
  • This latte is great hot or iced. To make it iced, you can freeze espresso into ice cubes to prevent the coffee from getting watered down, or you can make your express extra strong. You can also make the cinnamon milk and cool it in the fridge overnight so it doesn’t melt all the ice.
  • If you’re hosting friends, a latte bar is a great way to treat everyone to a delicious coffee. You can set out a pot of espresso, an insulated container of hot milk, and flavored drink syrups like gingerbread syrup, and ground spices.
  • Want to take the cinnamon flavor over the top? Spoon some cinnamon whipped cream on top of this latte and serve with crescent roll cinnamon rolls.
Two cinnamon lattes with a pink linen in the background.

Storage Suggestions

If you have any leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring well before drinking, or on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.

More warm beverages

Two mugs of coffee topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Looking for a delicious coffee drink that’s low in sugar but big on flavor? This cinnamon latte has you covered!
5 from 2 rating

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon extra for garnishing
  • ¼ cup strong coffee or 1-2 shots of espresso
  • whipped cream optional

Instructions

  • In a small pot, add milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Heat over low heat until warm while whisking. Do not boil, but heat until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan, and then remove from heat.
  • Pour freshly brewed coffee into a cup. Add the cinnamon milk.
  • Top it off with some whipped cream and sprinkle on additional cinnamon if desired.

Notes

  • Storage Suggestions: If you have any leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
  • Reheating Tips: Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring well before drinking, or on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
Calories: 165kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 87mg, Potassium: 312mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 298IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 213mg, Iron: 1mg