“Wait, what? Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Copycat Recipe at home! Are you kidding me right now!!” That was exactly my reaction when my friend served it to me at her dinner party. I was awestruck by how somebody could make such a delicious hot chocolate at home that mimicked the one I had at Starbucks.
It was like a cookie classic meeting a cold-weather favourite. And for the records, I’m a huge fan of white chocolate, vanilla, almond, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. All these delights in one drink? Can you imagine?
Therefore, I was excited to make it myself at home and asked her for the recipe. Let me tell you, it was warm and cozy and extremely delicious. It had a rich, velvety, and irresistible taste. You won’t believe it, but after acing the recipe, I even thought of opening my own cafe!
I mean, I had unveiled a cozy beverage to have on all my winter movie nights. So, no offense to Starbucks, but they lost a customer here! Just kidding! So yaa! If you’re searching for a nostalgic and cozy drink to fill you up with comfort on chilly winter nights, here it goes!
Equipment Required
- Saucepan: I use a saucepan to combine the cocoa powder with sugar and water.
- Mug: A mug helps me mix cinnamon dolce and chocolate syrup.
- Whisk: I recommend using a whisk to stir everything well.
- Measuring Cups And Spoons: They ensure the ingredients’ measurements are accurate.
Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients that I have listed down below will help you serve 1 person. However, you can increase or decrease the quantities of the ingredients according to the number of people you are willing to serve.
- ⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder: When I don’t have cocoa powder, I often use unsweetened chocolates, chocolate chips, carob powder, or cacao nibs.
- ⅓ Cup Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or agave nectar, anything will do.
- ⅓ Cup Water
- 1 Cup Milk: You can use any of your favourite milks, such as almond, coconut, cashew, or hemp milk.
- 2 Tablespoons White Chocolate Syrup: You just can’t skip this but use alternatives like sweetened condensed milk, milk chocolate, vanilla chips or evaporated milk.
- 1-2 Tablespoons Cinnamon Dolce Syrup: When cinnamon syrup is unavailable, I recommend using vanilla syrup or honey with cinnamon. However, caramel apple spice with brown sugar or pumpkin spice syrup can also work.
- 2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream: Coconut cream or cool whip can come to the rescue.
- 1 Snickerdoodle Cookie ( crushed into crumbs ): If you don’t have snickerdoodle cookies, you can use cinnamon shortbread cookies, churro cookies, or any sugar cookies.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 15 Minutes |
How To Make Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate At Home
Step 1
In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and water.
Step 2
In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Add milk to the chocolate mixture and heat thoroughly. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the mixture becomes smooth and warm.
Step 3
Now, in a mug, mix hot white chocolate syrup with cinnamon dolce syrup.
Step 4
Then, pour hot chocolate in that mug.
Step 5
Top it with whipped cream and crushed Snickerdoodle cookies. Your decadent Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate is ready. Garnish it with tiny cinnamon sticks, and enjoy
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I usually make whipped cream at home by combining heavy cream with vanilla and a small amount of cinnamon sugar. It adds a luxurious touch to the drink and tastes way better than the store-bought whipped cream.
- To make my hot chocolate creamier, I use a milk frother to froth the milk. Trust me; this one adds a cafe-level touch to my homemade Snickerdoodle.
- I incorporate a pinch of sea salt to balance out all the sweetness and enhance the flavor profile of my hot chocolate. It gives more depth to the drink.
- Before heating the milk, I sometimes add a tablespoon of butter to the saucepan. This step provides a caramelized flavor to the hot chocolate that goes very well with the cinnamon.
- I also add a hint of almond or coconut extract to give the drink a nutty and tropical note, respectively.
FAQs About Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate is an indulgent treat rather than a healthy drink. Although milk adds protein and calcium, the sugar, white chocolate syrup, and whipped cream add a high calorie content. Hence, it is recommended to enjoy it occasionally.
Have a look at the nutritional table below.
| Calories | 710 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 143 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 33 mg |
| Sodium | 209 mg |
| Potassium | 848 mg |
| Fibre | 10 g |
| Sugar | 116 g |
| Vitamin A | 455 IU |
| Calcium | 312 mg |
| Iron | 5.8 mg |
People on a vegetarian and flexitarian diet can have this hot chocolate without any worries.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan: A vegan version of this hot chocolate sounds interesting, right? Well, here’s the deal: I just used almond milk instead of whole milk and swapped white chocolate syrup with vegan white chocolate. Then, I went for coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream and replaced snickerdoodle cookies with vegan snickerdoodle cookies or vegan churro cookies.
- Gluten-Free: Making this Snickerdoodle gluten-free version was damn easy. Just use gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies made with gluten-free flour blend, and it’s done.
- Keto-Friendly: I ditched sugar and used stevia instead for a keto-friendly version. Then, I replaced regular milk with almond milk, white chocolate syrup with sugar-free white chocolate syrup, and cinnamon dolce syrup with a combination of powdered cinnamon and stevia. You can also use a mixture of heavy cream and stevia as an alternative to white chocolate syrup. Then, I went for coconut whipped cream and snickerdoodle cookies made from almond flour and stevia.
- Paleo: To make a paleo version, I just use carob powder instead of cocoa powder, maple syrup instead of sugar, and coconut milk instead of whole milk. After that, I replace white chocolate syrup with a mixture of maple syrup and vanilla extract, cinnamon dolce syrup with powdered cinnamon mixed with honey, and coconut cream instead of whipped cream. Lastly, I opted for paleo cookies made from almond flour and coconut sugar instead of regular snickerdoodle cookies.
- Low-Sugar: To make a low-sugar version of this hot chocolate, I ditch sugar and use erythritol and unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk. Moreover, I also made my own cinnamon dolce syrup by mixing powdered cinnamon with stevia, used sugar-free whipped cream, and store-bought low-sugar Snickerdoodle cookies. You can also go for a homemade version of these cookies by using ingredients like almond flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, coconut oil, erythritol or stevia, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerator: To refrigerate hot chocolate, I first let it cool to room temperature. Then, I transfer it to a clean, airtight container or a glass jar and finally put it inside the refrigerator, where it stays safe for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: If I wish to store this hot chocolate for a longer period of time, I freeze it. Just like refrigeration, I first let it come to room temperature and then pour it into freezer-safe containers. Then, I store it in the freezer for up to 1 to 2 months.
Reheating
- Stovetop: To heat it on a stovetop, I first pour the hot chocolate into a saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating. I continue to stir until it reaches my desired temperature.
- Microwave: This method is the quickest and easiest. I simply pour the hot chocolate into a microwave-safe mug or bowl and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure it is evenly heated. I just heat it until it’s hot but not boiling.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Whenever I serve my delicious Snickerdoodle hot chocolate, I like to pair it with a number of treats to make it more indulgent. I serve it with Mini Muffins and Fruit Skewers to complement its cosy flavours. Then, a slice of warm Gingerbread Cakes or small Cinnamon Rolls enriches the chocolate flavours of the drink.
I also love to have it with Mini Pancakes and Dark Chocolate Truffles as a luxurious contrast to the creamy hot chocolate. This decadent drink also tastes wonderful with Egg And Cheese Protein Box and Pumpkin Spice Cakes.
Printable Version
Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder
- ⅓ Cup Sugar
- ⅓ Cup Water
- 1 Cup Milk
- 2 Tablespoons White Chocolate Syrup
- 1-2 Tablespoons Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream
- 1 Snickerdoodle Cookie crushed into crumbs
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mug
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and water.
- Bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the mixture becomes smooth and warm. Add milk to the chocolate mixture and heat thoroughly.
- Now, in a mug, mix hot white chocolate syrup with cinnamon dolce syrup.
- Then, pour hot chocolate in that mug.
- Top it with whipped cream and crushed Snickerdoodle cookies. Your decadent Starbucks Snickerdoodle hot chocolate is ready. Garnish it with tiny cinnamon sticks, and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- I usually make whipped cream at home by combining heavy cream with vanilla and a small amount of cinnamon sugar. It adds a luxurious touch to the drink and tastes way better than the store-bought whipped cream.
- To make my hot chocolate creamier, I use a milk frother to froth the milk. Trust me; this one adds a cafe-level touch to my homemade Snickerdoodle.
- I incorporate a pinch of sea salt to balance out all the sweetness and enhance the flavor profile of my hot chocolate. It gives more depth to the drink.
- Before heating the milk, I sometimes add a tablespoon of butter to the saucepan. This step provides a caramelized flavor to the hot chocolate that goes very well with the cinnamon.
- I also add a hint of almond or coconut extract to give the drink a nutty and tropical note, respectively.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
This creamy, rich Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate is perfect for winter nights and Christmas Eves. It is a perfectly delicious treat that can be served with your favourite cookies and cakes. The cozy cinnamon flavor makes it all the more indulgent and delightful.
So, are you not excited to make a barista-like Starbucks snickerdoodle hot chocolate at home? The good news? You don’t even need fancy equipment to whip this up. So, don’t waste a minute and impress your family with this luxurious treat. See you soon with more exciting recipes.
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