If you love cinnamon rolls and you love coffee, this cozy drink is about to be your new favorite thing.
It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor—like drinking a cinnamon roll straight from the oven.
It comes together in minutes and tastes like a fancy coffee shop treat without the cost or the wait.
I first made this on a chilly weekend morning when I didn’t feel like baking but really wanted that nostalgic cinnamon roll taste.
One sip and I was hooked.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 1-2 shots espresso
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Extra ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional garnish)
Pro Tips
- Froth your milk well—if you don’t have a frother, just shake it in a jar and microwave!
- Don’t skip the brown sugar—it gives that caramel cinnamon roll flavor.
- Make your coffee strong so it balances the sweetness.
- Warm the milk slowly so it doesn’t scorch or get a skin.
- A cinnamon stick makes it look fancy but also adds flavor if it sits for a few minutes.
Tools Required
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Mug
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Milk frother or mason jar with lid (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Use oat milk or almond milk for dairy-free
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey
- Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth
- Make it iced—just skip the heating and pour over ice
- Use decaf coffee if you want the flavor without the buzz
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew the coffee ahead and keep it in the fridge
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla into a syrup and store for up to 5 days
- Froth milk just before serving for best texture
Recipe
Servings: 1
Cook time: 5 minutes
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
Brew ½ cup of strong coffee or pull 1–2 shots of espresso. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Milk Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk gently until warm and fully combined (do not boil).
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Remove the saucepan from the heat and froth the milk mixture using a milk frother or by shaking it in a mason jar with a lid.
Step 4: Combine Coffee and Milk
Pour the brewed coffee into your mug. Slowly pour in the hot frothed milk mixture over the coffee.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Top with whipped cream (optional), a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick if you want. Serve hot.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe hits all the cozy feels. I made it for the first time when I wanted something sweet but didn’t want to bake a whole batch of cinnamon rolls. This latte gave me everything I craved—sweet, creamy, warm cinnamon flavors, and that little bit of coffee magic.
- Tastes like a cinnamon roll in a cup
- Quick and easy, no fancy gear needed
- Customizable for sweet level or dairy-free
- Makes the whole house smell amazing
Macros Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugar: 22g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The brown sugar and cinnamon dissolve into the milk, creating a syrupy base that mimics the gooey center of a cinnamon roll. Frothing the milk introduces air, making the drink creamy and café-style. The strong brewed coffee balances the sweetness while keeping the cinnamon roll vibe front and center.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the milk – It can curdle or develop a skin. Warm it gently.
- Skipping the froth – This adds body and makes it feel like a real latte.
- Not mixing the spices well – Stir thoroughly so no cinnamon clumps float on top.
- Weak coffee – The drink ends up too sweet without that strong coffee base.
What to Serve With
- A warm cinnamon roll (obviously!)
- Biscotti or shortbread cookies
- A buttery croissant
- Toast with cinnamon sugar butter
- Apple slices and peanut butter for balance
FAQ
Can I make this without coffee?
Yes! Just skip the coffee and use more milk or a caffeine-free tea like rooibos for a steamer-style drink.
Can I use a milk alternative?
Definitely. Oat milk froths the best out of the non-dairy options, but almond, soy, or coconut all work.
Can I make it iced?
Yes—just chill the coffee, skip heating the milk, froth cold, and pour over ice.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely. Just scale everything up evenly and use a larger pot for warming the milk.
