On the coldest January morning last winter, I stumbled into my local Starbucks desperate for something warm and comforting. The barista enthusiastically recommended their new Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate, describing it as their classic hot chocolate elevated with cinnamon dolce and white chocolate syrups. One sip of that perfectly spiced, creamy indulgence topped with actual snickerdoodle cookie crumbles, and I knew I had discovered my new winter obsessio
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe transforms ordinary hot chocolate into a gourmet coffeehouse experience by combining two signature syrups perfectly. The cinnamon dolce syrup provides that distinctive snickerdoodle spice profile, while white chocolate syrup adds luxurious sweetness and creamy depth. Making the hot chocolate base from scratch ensures rich, authentic chocolate flavor that commercial syrups can enhance rather than mask. The crushed snickerdoodle cookie garnish adds textural contrast and reinforces the cookie flavor theme throughout every sip.
Recipe Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate Base:
- Cocoa powder – Provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor foundation for the drink
- Sugar – Balances cocoa’s natural bitterness and creates smooth sweetness
- Water – Helps dissolve cocoa powder completely for a smooth texture
- Milk – Creates creamy richness and proper hot chocolate consistency
For the Snickerdoodle Flavor:
- White chocolate syrup – Adds luxurious sweetness and creamy vanilla notes
- Cinnamon dolce syrup – Delivers the signature snickerdoodle spice and warmth
- Whipped cream – Provides light, airy contrast to rich chocolate base
- Snickerdoodle cookie – Creates authentic cookie flavor and delightful textural crunch
You may need a couple of commercial syrups to make this recipe.
How to Make Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
- Heat cocoa, sugar, and water in a saucepan until smooth.
- Add milk and heat through.
- Place white chocolate and cinnamon dolce syrups in a mug. Pour in hot chocolate.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed snickerdoodle cookie.
Recipe Notes
The key to authentic Starbucks flavor lies in using quality commercial syrups rather than trying to make them from scratch. Ghirardelli White Chocolate Sauce and Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Syrup are the closest matches to the in-store ingredients.
For extra richness, you can substitute half the milk with heavy cream. If you prefer a quicker version, high-quality instant hot chocolate mix can replace the from-scratch base, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Immediate Serving: Best enjoyed immediately while hot for optimal flavor and texture
- Short-term Storage: Base can be held warm for 30 minutes, stir before serving
- Reheating Method: Reheat gently over low heat, whisking frequently to prevent scorching. Add fresh milk if too thick
- Syrup Storage: Commercial syrups keep for months in a cool, dry place according to package directions
Love hot chocolate? Be sure to try these recipes
- How to Make Frozen Hot Chocolate with Swiss Miss
- How to make Hot Chocolate From Scratch
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Favorite Chocolate Recipes
- Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty Recipe
- Milk Chocolate Fondue
- Hershey Sauce
- Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake
- Melted Chocolate Cake
- Doubletree Hotel Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Chocolate Chipper Cookie
- Toll House Chocolate Pie
- Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
Take a look at more copycat drink recipes and easy homemade cookies.
Starbucks Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate – Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 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
Instructions
Stovetop Preparation
- In a small saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil and make sure to press out any lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for a minute or two, or until the mixture is smooth and warm.
- Add milk to the chocolate mixture and heat through.
- Add white chocolate syrup and cinnamon dolce syrup in a mug.
- Pour in the hot chocolate and stir.
- Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and snickerdoodle cookie crumbs.
- Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!
Microwave Preparation
- Mix together the cocoa powder and sugar in a mug.
- Warm the milk and water in the microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
- Pour the milk mixture over the cocoa powder and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the white chocolate syrup and cinnamon dolce and stir.
- Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce and snickerdoodle cookie crumbs.
Do you think I could use Torani cinnamon syrup? I can’t find the Starbucks kind.
I think that would work well.
It’s great that you’re helping people to boycott that place!
I am all about recreating restaurant food at home, that’s my personal agenda. I hope you enjoy these sous vide egg bites.
Thanks dear. ..love it!!!