Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte Recipe – Easy Bakery-Inspired Coffee Magic

Let me tell you, the Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte is the treat I never knew I needed. You know those days when you’re craving something sweet and cozy, but you also need a solid caffeine kick? That’s me most mornings, especially when the bakery smells waft in from the street and I’m trying to be “good” but the cinnamon rolls are calling my name. 😅

I remember the first time I tried this combo—cinnamon, brown sugar, creamy milk, and espresso—all swirled together over ice. It was at this tiny café near my college, and I swear, I felt like I’d discovered a secret. It’s honestly like sipping a cinnamon roll, but you don’t get the sugar crash afterward. Whenever I make this at home, it feels like a little bakery magic in my own kitchen.

If you love coffee drinks that taste like dessert but aren’t cloyingly sweet, you guys have to try this Dreamy Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte. It’s perfect for slow weekend mornings, a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or even a cozy coffee date with yourself. Seriously, it’s easy, it’s gorgeous, and it’s got that Pinterest-worthy swirl. Let’s get into all the delicious details!

Drink Inspiration & Background

This drink basically started out as a way to avoid spending $7 at my local coffee shop every time I got a cinnamon roll craving. The Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte is inspired by those mouthwatering bakery treats—soft, gooey, warm cinnamon rolls—but with a refreshing iced latte twist. I wanted something that felt indulgent without being too heavy, and coffee was the answer!

Cinnamon and brown sugar have been showing up in coffee forever, but this recipe amps things up by using a cinnamon syrup that tastes like the sticky center of a cinnamon roll. You get the warmth of cinnamon, the caramel notes of brown sugar, and a hit of vanilla for that bakery vibe. I think it’s the perfect drink for any season, but I especially love it in the spring and fall when I want something that feels comforting but not too cozy-hot. Plus, it’s iced—so you can enjoy those cinnamon roll flavors even when it’s warm out.

Honestly, if you’re the type who likes to make your own coffee shop creations at home (and get a little fancy with it), this is for you. It’s great for brunch, for impressing friends, or just for treating yourself after a long day. And if you’re like me and have a Pinterest board full of drool-worthy drinks, this one will fit right in!

What Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte Magic

• Espresso or Strong Coffee: You need about 2 shots (roughly 2 ounces) of espresso, but strong brewed coffee works, too. I use my little stovetop espresso maker, but honestly, any coffee you love will do. The boldness is key!
• Milk: You can use whole, 2%, oat, almond, or whatever milk you prefer. I love oat milk for this—it’s extra creamy and plays so well with the cinnamon flavors.
• Cinnamon Syrup: This is the secret sauce! You can buy cinnamon syrup, but making it at home is super easy. All you need is brown sugar, cinnamon, water, and a splash of vanilla extract. It makes everything taste like the gooey center of a cinnamon roll.
• Ice: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh, crunchy ice. Your drink needs to be cold and refreshing!
• Whipped Cream (Optional): If you want to go full bakery treat, a little swirl of whipped cream on top is dreamy.
• Extra Cinnamon or Brown Sugar (Optional): For sprinkling on top and making it look oh-so-pretty for your Instagram or Pinterest shots.

What makes this Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte special is the balance. The cinnamon syrup is spicy, sweet, and a little caramel-y, while the milk adds creaminess and the espresso brings that much-needed punch. If you don’t have brown sugar, regular sugar works. No cinnamon syrup? Just mix cinnamon and vanilla into your sweetener. I’ve swapped in coconut sugar, agave, and all sorts of milks, and honestly, as long as you stick to the cinnamon/vanilla/brown sugar flavor combo, you’re golden.

The only thing you really need to nail is that syrup—it’s what makes this a cinnamon roll, not just a cinnamon latte. You can find cinnamon syrup online or at some grocery stores, but making it is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it. And if you want to get extra, throw in a little pinch of salt or a splash of maple syrup. It’s magic!

Equipment & Tools

• Espresso Maker, Coffee Machine, or French Press: Whatever you already have works fine.
• Small Saucepan: For making the homemade cinnamon syrup.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Just for the syrup and coffee.
• Tall Glass or Mason Jar: For maximum iced latte vibes.
• Milk Frother or Whisk (Optional): If you want your milk extra creamy and foamy.
• Spoon or Straw: For stirring it all together.

Honestly, you don’t need anything fancy. I’ve made this with a basic coffee maker and a whisk, and it still tastes amazing. If you don’t have a frother, just shake the milk in a jar!

How to Make a Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte

Step 1: Make Your Cinnamon Syrup

1. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Let it cool. If you make extra, store it in a jar in your fridge for future lattes.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso or Coffee

1. Brew 2 shots of espresso (or about 2 ounces of strong coffee). Let it cool for a minute so it doesn’t melt all your ice right away.

Step 3: Assemble Your Latte

1. Fill a tall glass with ice. Trust me, the more ice the better for a frosty drink.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of your homemade cinnamon syrup to the glass.
3. Pour in the cooled espresso/coffee.
4. Top with 3/4 cup of milk (or more if you like it creamier). If you want, froth or shake your milk for extra foam.
5. Stir it all together with a spoon or straw until the syrup and milk are totally combined.

Step 4: Make It Extra Special

1. Add whipped cream on top for that bakery vibe.
2. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or brown sugar over the whipped cream. It looks gorgeous and tastes amazing.

If your syrup sinks to the bottom, just give it a good stir. Sometimes my ice melts fast (especially in summer!), so I throw it in the freezer for a minute before serving. If your coffee is too hot, just let it cool down a bit or add a little more ice. And don’t forget the final swirl—it makes it look Pinterest-perfect!

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overheat your syrup: If you cook it too long, it gets thick like caramel. Still tasty, but harder to mix in. I’ve done this more times than I can count!
• Use cold brew for extra smoothness: Sometimes I swap in cold brew instead of espresso for a less bitter, super smooth vibe.
• Make syrup ahead: Double the syrup recipe and keep it in a jar. It’s great for quick lattes, oatmeal, and even drizzling on pancakes.
• Shake your milk: If you don’t have a frother, just put your milk in a jar and shake it hard. Instant foam!
• Adjust sweetness: If you like it less sweet, start with 1 tablespoon of syrup and add more if needed.
• Try flavored coffee: Cinnamon, vanilla, or caramel flavored coffee beans work wonders in this drink.
• Go light on ice: If you want more flavor and less dilution, use bigger ice cubes or less ice.

One time I forgot to let my coffee cool, poured it over the ice, and ended up with a lukewarm latte. Not ideal! Now, I just pop my coffee in the freezer for a couple of minutes while I prep the syrup and milk. It makes all the difference.

Variations & Customizations

• Dairy-Free Version: Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk all work perfectly. Oat milk is my favorite—it’s so creamy!
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk and skip the whipped cream or use coconut whip.
• Sugar-Free Swap: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in the syrup. It still tastes amazing!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to your syrup for extra flavor.
• Stronger Coffee Kick: Use more espresso or add a shot of cold brew concentrate.
• Mocha Cinnamon Roll Latte: Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the cinnamon syrup before mixing.

One custom twist I love: I sometimes add a little maple syrup to the cinnamon syrup for a “sticky bun” feel. It’s so good, you guys! And if you want it extra fancy, rim your glass with cinnamon sugar before pouring in the drink. Seriously, this recipe is super flexible—make it your own!

Serving & Storage

The Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte is definitely best served cold, right after you assemble it. Pour it into a tall glass (I love mason jars for that bakery vibe), top with whipped cream, and sprinkle on some cinnamon. It’s gorgeous and instantly Instagram-ready. 🥤

If you want to prep ahead, you can make the cinnamon syrup and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Brew your coffee ahead and chill it in the fridge, too. When you’re ready, just assemble and go! If you have leftovers, pop them in the fridge and give it a good stir before drinking—just keep in mind the ice will melt, so you might want to add fresh ice later. I wouldn’t recommend reheating this one (iced is best!), but if you want a hot version, just skip the ice and warm up your milk.

Health Benefits

Okay, so the Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte isn’t exactly a green smoothie—but it does have some fun perks! Cinnamon is known for its antioxidants and can help with blood sugar (plus, it tastes amazing). If you use oat or almond milk, you get extra fiber and less saturated fat. You can control the sugar by adjusting the syrup or using sugar-free options. It’s a nice treat for dairy-free folks, and you can make it vegan in a snap. Just don’t go wild with the whipped cream every day, and you’re good!

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte with regular coffee?

Absolutely! Just use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso—it works great and still tastes bakery-fresh.

Can I make the cinnamon syrup ahead of time?

Yes! Make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. It makes assembling your latte super quick.

What milk works best for this recipe?

Any milk you love is fine. I personally adore oat milk for its creaminess, but regular dairy, almond, or soy all taste awesome.

Can I make this drink hot?

You bet! Just skip the ice, warm up your milk, and stir everything together. It’s like a cozy cinnamon roll latte for chilly mornings.

Is this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

It’s easily vegan if you use plant-based milk and coconut whip. And yes, it’s gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a coffee treat that feels like a bakery indulgence but is simple enough for a weekday morning, the Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte is your new go-to. It’s sweet, spicy, creamy, and totally customizable. Whether you’re making it for yourself or showing off on Pinterest, this drink is a little magic in a glass. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!

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