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Dunkin’s Cookie Butter Syrup is one of those unforgettable flavors that feels indulgent with every sip—whether it’s infused into a latte, a coffee, or even a cold brew. It’s the kind of treat that makes chilly mornings feel less daunting and everyday coffee routines feel a little more special.
Table of Contents
How to make Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Syrup
Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Syrup is a flavored syrup used in some of Dunkin’s seasonal drinks, designed to taste like brown sugar cookies and spiced cookie butter. It gives beverages a sweet, buttery, and slightly spiced flavor—similar to speculoos cookie butter spread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Follow these steps to whip up your homemade Cookie Butter Syrup in no time:
- Combine sugar and water: In a small saucepan, mix the brown sugar and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add butter: Once the sugar dissolves, reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsalted butter. Allow it to fully melt into the mixture, ensuring the syrup turns silky and smooth.
- Incorporate spices: Stir in your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using). Let the spices infuse the syrup for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent clumping. The aroma should remind you of warm cookie dough!
- Finish with vanilla and salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract for added sweetness and depth. Add salt to balance the syrup—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
- Cool and store: Let the syrup cool slightly before transferring it to a glass jar or container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Adjust sweetness and spices: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier syrup, feel free to tweak the ratios of sugar and spices to suit your taste. Start small and build the flavors to get them just right.
- Use high-quality vanilla: A good quality vanilla extract enhances the flavor significantly, so try to opt for real vanilla rather than artificial ones.
- Make it thicker or thinner: If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the syrup a little longer to reduce it further. To thin it out, simply add a splash of water and stir.
- Experiment with add-ins: For a more cookie-like flavor, try adding 2 tablespoons of crushed speculoos biscuits (like Biscoff cookies) into the syrup while it’s simmering. Strain them out before storing the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Syrup.
- Perfect pairing ideas: Use this Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Syrup in lattes, iced coffee, hot chocolate, or even drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or desserts like ice cream for a decadent treat.
Ingredients Substitutes
Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients from the original recipe—there are plenty of substitutions you can make without sacrificing too much of the flavor.
1. Brown Sugar
Substitute:
- White granulated sugar: Use it with 1-2 teaspoons of molasses to replicate the flavor and texture of brown sugar. Mix the molasses into the sugar thoroughly before adding it to the recipe.
- Coconut sugar: A natural alternative that mimics the caramelized flavor of brown sugar. It will yield slightly less sweetness but still works well in syrup recipes.
- Maple syrup or agave: While these offer more fluidity, they can add their own unique sweetness and work well in syrup recipes. Adjust the water quantity accordingly if using liquid sweeteners.
2. Unsalted Butter
Substitute:
- Vegan butter or margarine: For a dairy-free or plant-based alternative, vegan butter is a great substitute. Ensure you choose one with a creamy texture for the best results.
- Coconut oil: Provides a rich, smooth texture. Use refined coconut oil if you want a more neutral flavor (unrefined will add a coconut undertone).
- Nut butter: For added depth, consider adding a spoonful of almond butter or cashew butter instead of regular butter. It will add nuttiness to the syrup, making it more cookie-like.
3. Cinnamon
Substitute:
- Pumpkin pie spice blend: This includes cinnamon alongside nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, delivering a similar warm spice profile.
- Apple pie spice blend: Another great alternative, though it’s slightly milder than pumpkin pie spice.
- Cardamom: For a unique twist, add a pinch of ground cardamom to complement the cookie butter flavor profile.
4. Nutmeg
Substitute:
- Allspice or cloves (tiny amount): Both lend depth and spice, though they are more intense. Use sparingly (1/8 teaspoon or less).
- Pumpkin pie spice blend: Works well as an easy alternative.
5. Ginger
Substitute:
- Fresh grated ginger: Use sparingly (about 1/8 teaspoon or less) to keep the syrup smooth and avoid overpowering.
- Ground cardamom: Adds a sophisticated spice profile that complements other flavors.
6. Vanilla Extract
Substitute:
- Vanilla bean paste: This is a fantastic option for a richer vanilla flavor. Use the same quantity or slightly less.
- Almond extract: If you want a nuttier twist, almond extract can work as a substitute (use a reduced amount, as it’s often more potent than vanilla).
- Maple syrup: While not a direct vanilla substitute, it adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with the cookie butter flavor.
7. Salt
Substitute:
- Sea salt or kosher salt: Both work perfectly to balance sweetness.
- Flavored salt: For a creative option, try a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla-infused salt.
8. Crushed Speculoos Cookies (Optional Add-In)
Substitute:
- Biscoff spread: Instead of crushing cookies, adding a spoonful of Biscoff cookie butter spread is a fantastic way to amplify cookie butter flavors.
- Gingerbread cookies: Crush them as a substitute if you can’t find speculoos.
Final Thoughts
With this homemade Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Syrup recipe, you can enjoy the bakery-inspired sweetness that you love without leaving your house.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
- Copycat Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut Recipe
- Copycat Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut Recipe
- Copycat Dunkin’ Pumpkin Donut Recipe
- Copycat Dunkin’ Star Spangled Donut Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water: In a small saucepan, mix the brown sugar and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add butter: Once the sugar dissolves, reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsalted butter. Allow it to fully melt into the mixture, ensuring the syrup turns silky and smooth.
- Incorporate spices: Stir in your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using). Let the spices infuse the syrup for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent clumping. The aroma should remind you of warm cookie dough!
- Finish with vanilla and salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract for added sweetness and depth. Add salt to balance the syrup—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
- Cool and store: Let the syrup cool slightly before transferring it to a glass jar or container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
