Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Copycat Recipe

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“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.

How-To-Make-Starbucks-Snickerdoodle-Hot-Chocolate-At-Home

It was like a cookie classic meeting a cold-weather favorite. And for the record, 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, 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 unveiled a cozy beverage for 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 is!

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Saucepan: I use a saucepan to combine cocoa powder, 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 accurate ingredient measurements.

Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients listed below will serve 1 person. However, you can increase or decrease the quantities of the ingredients based on the number of people you plan 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 favorite 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 until thoroughly combined. 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 into 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 add a pinch of sea salt to balance 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 adds a caramelized flavor to the hot chocolate, which pairs 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

Why is this hot chocolate grainy?

Hot chocolate may become grainy if it is not fully melted or is overheated. So make sure to melt the chocolate slowly, keeping the heat low, to ensure a smooth consistency. Also, don’t forget to stir it occasionally to avoid the grainy texture.

Why is this hot chocolate too sweet?

If you use more white chocolate syrup or sugar, then the hot chocolate can turn extra sweet. So, make sure to use only the required amount of white chocolate syrup and sugar. Additionally, you can also use unsweetened dark chocolate to balance the sweetness.

Why did the whipped cream melt too quickly?

If you add the whipped cream when the drink is too hot, it will melt quickly. So, make sure to only add it when the hot chocolate is a little cool.

Why is this hot chocolate watery?

If you use low-fat milk or do not simmer the cocoa powder and water mixture for a sufficient amount of time, it will become watery. Hence, make sure to simmer it for a longer period of time until it reaches a good consistency. You can also use whole milk or a mixture of milk and cream to increase its richness.

Why is the cinnamon flavor too strong in this hot chocolate?

If you add more cinnamon syrup, the flavours may overpower the whole drink. Make sure to add a small amount of the syrup and keep tasting gradually while adjusting the taste. You can also add more milk or chocolate to dilute the taste.

Why is this hot chocolate separating after cooling?

Separation may happen if you do not mix the chocolate well with the milk while heating because chocolates contain fat that may not mix well with the milk unless fully incorporated, leading to separation. Hence, stir the hot chocolate properly while it is still warm to ensure that the milk and chocolate are blended well. Moreover, you can also add a splash of cream or use a blender to blend the drink to ensure proper incorporation.

Can you prepare the hot chocolate in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can prepare and reheat the hot chocolate in advance.

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.

Starbucks-Snickerdoodle-Hot-Chocolate-Recipe

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 or churro cookies.
Keto-Friendly: I ditched sugar and used stevia instead to make it keto-friendly. 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.
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.

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 in the refrigerator, where it stays safe for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: If I wish to store this hot chocolate for longer, I freeze it. As with refrigeration, I first let it come to room temperature, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. Then I store it in the freezer for 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 cozy flavors. Then, a slice of warm gingerbread cake or small Cinnamon Rolls enriches the chocolate flavors 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

More Starbucks Recipes That You Can Try

Starbucks Copycat Banana Bread — Starbucks Banana Bread

Delicious Starbucks Pumpkin Pie Smoothie — Starbucks Banana Bread

Conclusion

This creamy, rich Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate is perfect for winter nights and Christmas Eves. It is a perfectly delicious treat that pairs well with your favorite 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.

Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Copycat Recipe

Equipment Required

Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time