This creamy, Dutch Bros Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte, infused with the nutty richness of brown butter and topped with irresistible chocolate crunch pieces, is the perfect blend of sweet and bold—and yes, you can make it at home!
Table of Contents
How to make a Dutch Bros Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte
The Dutch Bros Coffee Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte is basically a dessert-in-a-cup seasonal coffee drink designed to taste like a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Ingredients
To recreate the perfect Dutch Bros Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte, you’ll need:
- 2 shots of espresso (or strongly brewed coffee)
- 1 cup of 2% milk (substitute with oat milk or almond milk for dairy-free options)
- 1 tbsp brown butter (instructions on how to make this below)
- 1-2 tbsp chocolate syrup or melted chocolate chips (adjust sweetness to taste)
- Whipped cream or soft top (Dutch Bros uses a special soft top, but whipped cream works beautifully)
- Chocolate crunch pieces (crushed cookie crumbs, chocolate shavings, or mini chocolate chips work well)
- Drizzle of chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Brown butter is the secret ingredient that creates the nutty, caramel-like flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the butter begins to foam and turns a golden brown color. You’ll notice a nutty aroma—this is when it’s ready!
- Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare 2 shots of espresso for a bold, rich coffee flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can brew a cup of strong coffee using your favorite method (French press or AeroPress is great!).
- In a small saucepan or using a frother, warm 1 cup of 2% milk until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in 1 tbsp of your prepared brown butter and chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate chips), whisking until the flavors are fully combined.
- Pour your espresso shots into a large mug or glass.
- Slowly add the flavored milk mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Top with whipped cream or soft top for that signature Dutch Bros touch.
- Sprinkle chocolate crunch pieces over the whipped cream, and finish with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for the perfect presentation.
Pro Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: Everyone’s sweet tooth is different! Tweak the amount of chocolate syrup to suit your taste.
- Texture Boost: If you can find cookie crunch topping (or crush cookies yourself), it will closely mimic the Dutch Bros topping.
- Frothing Milk: Use a handheld frother to create a silky texture for your milk. No frother? Shake warm milk vigorously in a jar with the lid tightly secured for a similar effect.
- Experiment: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist!
What to serve with
The Dutch Bros Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte is a rich and indulgent coffee drink, combining nutty brown butter, creamy milk, and sweet chocolate flavors.
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies: You can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie! The cookie shares similar rich, buttery, and chocolatey notes with the latte, making it an ideal pairing. Look for soft, chewy cookies to match the creamy texture of the drink.
2. Brown Butter Blondies: Blondies feature a caramel-like sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with the nutty flavors of brown butter in the latte. Their dense, moist texture also makes them satisfying alongside a coffee drink.
3. Caramel-Dipped Biscotti: Biscotti is always a great choice to serve with coffee. A caramel-dipped version can beautifully complement the latte’s brown butter and chocolate flavors, offering a delightful contrast in texture.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re excited to make the Dutch Bros Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte at home but don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand—or you’re looking for healthier, allergy-friendly, or alternative options—don’t worry! Plenty of ingredient substitutions can help you achieve a similarly decadent flavor.
1. Espresso / Coffee
Substitution Option 1: Strong Brewed Coffee
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make your latte using strong brewed coffee made with a French press, AeroPress, or drip coffee maker. Use about ½ cup of strong coffee in place of the 2 shots of espresso.
Substitution Option 2: Instant Espresso Powder
Instant espresso powder or granules can be used as a quick and convenient alternative. Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of the powder in about 2 ounces (60 ml) of hot water to mimic espresso.
Substitution Option 3: Decaf Coffee
If you’re looking to cut down on caffeine, use decaf espresso or coffee. The flavor profile will remain the same.
2. Milk
Substitution Option 1: Dairy-Free Milk
If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, swap out regular milk for plant-based alternatives. Here are some great options:
- Oat Milk: Creamy and neutral, oat milk froths beautifully and lends a mild sweetness.
- Almond Milk: Slightly nutty in flavor, almond milk pairs well with the brown butter note.
- Coconut Milk: For a richer and subtly tropical twist, use coconut milk. Opt for barista-style coconut milk for better frothing.
Substitution Option 2: Low-Fat or Non-Dairy Creamer
If you prefer a creamier latte, use a low-fat cream or a plant-based creamer (like soy or cashew). These are great for enriching the latte without heavy dairy.
Substitution Option 3: Lactose-Free Milk
For those who are lactose intolerant but still enjoy dairy, lactose-free milk is a perfect substitute that maintains the creamy texture of the recipe.
3. Brown Butter
Substitution Option 1: Clarified Butter or Ghee
Unsalted ghee or clarified butter can work as a replacement for brown butter. It has a similar nutty, caramel-like depth of flavor because of its concentrated milk-fat content.
Substitution Option 2: Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter
For a completely dairy-free or vegan version, substitute brown butter with refined coconut oil (for a neutral flavor) or vegan butter. While the nutty flavor of brown butter won’t be fully replicated, you’ll still achieve richness. You can also toast the coconut oil gently to mimic the nutty aroma.
Substitution Option 3: Caramel Sauce
If you’re missing the brown butter entirely, a drizzle of caramel sauce (especially one with salted butter) can mimic the sweet, buttery notes of the original.
4. Chocolate Syrup / Melted Chocolate Chips
Substitution Option 1: Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
If you don’t have chocolate syrup, you can substitute it with unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with 1–2 teaspoons of sugar and a splash of hot water to create a syrup-like consistency.
Substitution Option 2: Dark Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Bars
Melt dark chocolate chips or chop up your favorite chocolate bar (milk or dark chocolate) to substitute store-bought chocolate syrup. Melt in a double boiler or microwave with a touch of milk for added creaminess.
Substitution Option 3: Dairy-Free Chocolate
For a vegan option, look for dairy-free or plant-based chocolate bars or chips to melt and use in place of traditional chocolate syrups.
Final Thoughts
Recreating the Dutch Bros Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte at home is easy, fun, and incredibly delicious.
More Drink Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso
- 1 cup of 2% milk
- 1 tbsp brown butter
- 1-2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate crunch pieces
- Drizzle of chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Brown butter is the secret ingredient that creates the nutty, caramel-like flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the butter begins to foam and turns a golden brown color. You’ll notice a nutty aroma—this is when it’s ready!
- Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare 2 shots of espresso for a bold, rich coffee flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can brew a cup of strong coffee using your favorite method (French press or AeroPress is great!).
- In a small saucepan or using a frother, warm 1 cup of 2% milk until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in 1 tbsp of your prepared brown butter and chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate chips), whisking until the flavors are fully combined.
- Pour your espresso shots into a large mug or glass.
- Slowly add the flavored milk mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Top with whipped cream or soft top for that signature Dutch Bros touch.
- Sprinkle chocolate crunch pieces over the whipped cream, and finish with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for the perfect presentation.
