How To Make a Cinnamon Latte (Step-By-Step)

Do you ever find yourself sprinkling cinnamon on things that don’t even need it? I totally get it!

I mean cinnamon has been my go-to spice for as long as I can remember. I’ve even been guilty of adding it to desserts that really didn’t call for it—like ice cream and, yes, even brownies. I just can’t help it! It brings warmth and comfort to everything it touches.

So when I discovered the cinnamon latte, it felt like the perfect excuse to sneak cinnamon into my daily coffee routine.

In this post, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make a delicious cinnamon latte at home. Plus my favorite variations and tips for avoiding the common mistakes. So let’s start brewing!

What Is A Cinnamon Latte?

A cinnamon latte is a cozy variation of your classic latte. It blends the warmth and subtle spice of cinnamon with the creamy richness of steamed milk and the bold kick of espresso.

The cinnamon adds a layer of flavor that makes the whole drink feel a little more indulgent without being too sweet. Also, cinnamon has health benefits like boosting metabolism and helping with blood sugar.

I love sipping it on a chilly morning. But it works any time you want something a bit more special than your regular coffee.

Note: I enjoy using Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon for its smooth and delicate flavor. While you can experiment with other brands, always opt for high-quality cinnamon to ensure the best flavor.

Making The Cinnamon Latte Step-By-Step

I'm going to share my simple way to make this latte at home. It'll save you from those daily coffee shop runs. So let's see the step-by-step process

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Total Time 10 minutes mins

Equipment

• An espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker is ideal for that authentic coffee shop experience.
• Alternative: If you don't have an espresso machine, don't worry! Brew strong coffee using a French press or a Moka pot, which gives you a similar concentrated flavor.
• Milk frother (handheld or electric) or a simple whisk to froth your milk.

Ingredients

  

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
• 1/2 cup of milk (I like using whole milk for a creamier texture, but almond or oat milk works too)
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon (I swear by Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon for a rich flavor)
• 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener (sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
• Cinnamon stick or a dash of extra ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

 

• Brew your espresso: Pull a shot of espresso or make strong coffee using your method of choice. The coffee base is key, so ensure it's bold.
• Heat and froth the milk: Warm your milk on the stovetop (but don't let it boil!). Once it's hot, froth it using a frother or whisk until it's nice and foamy. Frothing adds that irresistible texture to your latte.
• Mix the cinnamon and sweetener: In a mug, combine the ground cinnamon with your sweetener. Pour your hot espresso or coffee over the cinnamon-sweetener mix and stir until it's blended smoothly.
• Pour the frothy milk: Gently pour the milk into your mug, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once the milk is in, top your latte with the remaining froth.
• Garnish and serve: For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top or add a cinnamon stick for that extra flair.

Video

Notes

Tip: I love adding a splash of vanilla extract or even a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy twist. It gives the latte an extra depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.

Cinnamon Latte Variations: Exploring Flavorful Twists

One of the great things about a cinnamon latte is how versatile it is. Whether you want something sweet, spicy, or with an extra twist, there’s a variation to fit every mood. Here are three of my favorite ones:

Vanilla Cinnamon Latte

If you’re a fan of vanilla, this one is a no-brainer. By adding just a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup. You can take cinnamon’s warm, earthy flavor and turn it into a subtly sweet and aromatic delight.

The vanilla softens the spiciness of the cinnamon, making this latte super smooth. You’ll love it for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Now, this is one of my all-time favorites. The Cinnamon Dolce Latte has a bit more depth to it, with its blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of butteriness.

I think of it as a dessert in a cup and the extra sweetness from the brown sugar really complements the bold coffee flavor. I especially love making this one when I’m craving something more rich, creamy, and pure comfort.

Chai Cinnamon Latte

You can’t go wrong with a Chai Cinnamon Latte for a spicier twist. It combines the bold spices of chai—like cardamom, ginger, and cloves—with cinnamon’s warmth, creating a beautifully layered flavor experience.

If you’re a fan of chai tea or just looking for something that’ll wake up your taste buds, this is the one to try. Plus, the cinnamon adds an extra punch that pairs perfectly with the spices.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. So here are three common problems:

1 – Overpowering the Latte with Too Much Cinnamon

One of my early mistakes was getting too excited about the cinnamon—seriously, I went a bit overboard. I added too much and instead of improving the flavor, it overwhelmed the latte, making it taste almost bitter.

My tip: start small. A little cinnamon goes a long way! You can always sprinkle a bit more on top if you need an extra kick, but once it’s in, you can’t take it out.

2 – Not Dissolving the Cinnamon Properly

Another thing I learned is that cinnamon doesn’t dissolve very well in liquids. I’d just sprinkle it into the latte, expecting it to melt like sugar. Wrong!

It ended up clumping at the bottom of the cup, which wasn’t the best surprise when I took my last sip!

To avoid this: Mix the cinnamon with the sugar or syrup first, then stir it into the espresso or coffee before adding the milk. This helps it blend better.

3 – Using Cold Milk

One rookie mistake I made was not heating the milk enough—or sometimes not at all! I didn’t realize how much of a difference warm, frothy milk makes. Cold milk leaves the latte feeling flat and doesn’t create that creamy texture you want.

Always make sure to steam or heat the milk properly. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can gently heat it on the stovetop and whisk it to get some foam going.

Last Thoughts

Before we end this guide let me share with you one last tip:
try blending a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for extra warmth and depth. This subtle twist really improves the flavoring without overpowering it.

I’d love to hear how your cinnamon latte turns out! So feel free to leave a comment with your tips or questions—or share your own unique spin on the recipe. And with that voilà!