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Cozy Copycat Gingerbread Latte Recipe

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This cozy copycat gingerbread latte recipe uses real molasses and a clever milk frothing technique to create a rich, spiced coffee drink that tastes like Christmas morning. It’s quick, easy, and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsulphured molasses
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon (0.25 g) ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Cinnamon stick or star anise (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee. Start by making 1 cup of strong coffee or a double shot of espresso.
  2. Combine the spices and sweeteners. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir with a fork to break up any clumps.
  3. Heat the milk. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil. Heat until hot to the touch but not steaming aggressively, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  4. Add the molasses and spice mix. Once the milk is warm, whisk in the molasses and the spice mixture. Whisk continuously until fully dissolved. The milk will turn a caramel color.
  5. Froth the milk. Remove the saucepan from heat. Use a handheld frother to froth the milk directly in the pan, moving in an up-and-down motion for about 30 seconds, until the milk doubles in volume and becomes thick and foamy. Alternatively, pour the warm milk into a jar, screw the lid on tight, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then microwave for 30 seconds to set the foam.
  6. Combine with coffee. Pour the brewed coffee into your favorite mug. Slowly pour the frothed milk over the back of a spoon to hold the foam back, then spoon the foam on top.
  7. Add vanilla and stir. Stir in the vanilla extract gently. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  8. Top and serve. Add a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t boil the milk, as it will prevent proper frothing. Use room temperature milk for best results. Whisk molasses thoroughly to avoid clumps. Adjust spice levels to taste. Clean the frother immediately after use to prevent molasses residue from drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread latte, copycat recipe, coffee drink, holiday drink, cozy drink, homemade latte