Starbucks Sugar Cookie Syrup
Buttery vanilla sugar cookie syrup made with five simple ingredients. This easy homemade copycat adds bakery-style flavor to lattes, iced coffee, milkshakes, pancakes, and more.
Servings: 24 tablespoons (1 ½ cups)
Calories: 33kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon butter extract
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Combine the Sugar and Water: Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved.
- Simmer the Syrup: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Extracts: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, butter, and almond extracts.
- Cool and Store: Cool completely, transfer to a clean airtight jar or bottle, and refrigerate.
Notes
- Extract amounts: 1½ teaspoons vanilla gives the cleanest sugar-cookie flavor, and 2 teaspoons tastes more like vanilla syrup. Butter extract is best at ¼ teaspoon (safe range ¼–⅓ teaspoon), and ½ teaspoon can taste artificial. Keep almond extract at ⅛ teaspoon.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar tastes closest to a classic sugar cookie. Light brown sugar adds caramel notes.
- Simmer: 2–3 minutes after the sugar dissolves is ideal. Five minutes makes the syrup thicker and stickier, and more likely to crystallize.
- Too thick: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons hot water.
- Too thin: Simmer 1–2 minutes longer after the sugar dissolves.
- Crystals: Keep the heat gentle, wipe the sides of the pan, and do not over-reduce.
- How much to use: 1–1½ tablespoons per latte. Two tablespoons makes a very sweet, dessert-style drink.
- Hot and iced: Hot coffee strengthens the butter and vanilla notes. Iced coffee mutes them and can taste sweeter, so stir well or warm the syrup slightly if it has thickened.
- Storage: Refrigerate in a clean, airtight jar for up to 2 weeks. It was still good on day 14, but watch for crystals or an off smell.
- Freezing: Freeze in small portions. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir. The texture stays nearly identical.
Nutrition
Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 33kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 0.4mg | Iron: 0.005mg