If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and a little indulgent, this Snickerdoodle White Hot Chocolate is everything you didn’t know you needed. Inspired by the seasonal favorite from Starbucks, it’s rich and creamy with sweet white chocolate, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla—all topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle. It’s quick to make on the stovetop and perfect for sipping all season long.
Ingredients Needed
- whole milk – no substitutions! Trust me when I say, you don’t want to use skim or even 1% with this recipe. It will taste like cinnamon water!
- kosher salt
- white chocolate chips
- ground cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- almond extract
- Sweetened Whipped Cream – or your favorite store-bought whipped cream
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Snickerdoodle White Hot Chocolate
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Stir frequently over medium heat.
- Pour into 4 mugs and top with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
- Serve immediately.
Storage & Other Tips
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer leftover hot chocolate to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays good for 3–4 days, similar to regular hot chocolate made with milk.
Reheating: Reheat gently—either on the stovetop or in the microwave—stirring frequently until hot. Don’t allow it to boil to preserve texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve never tried it, but I don’t see why you couldn’t! You can make a batch, store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well before serving.
Whole milk, full stop. Skim or 1% will taste like cinnamon water! If you had to, you could try 2% and adding some half-and-half. Whole milk will give you the best texture and flavor, no questions. If you try a dairy-free option, let us know how it goes!
Yes. If it’s too sweet, reduce the amount of white chocolate or add a pinch more salt to balance the flavor.
Definitely! It’s non-caffeinated and alcohol-free, making it a fun and festive drink for all ages.
Copycat Starbucks Snickerdoodle White Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup white chocolate chips you can use a full cup if you want it a little sweeter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash of almond extract probably ⅛ teaspoon–be careful, it's easy to overwhelm all the other flavors with almond
- Sweetened Whipped Cream or your favorite store-bought whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Stir frequently over medium heat until the chocolate is melted and the cinnamon and chocolate are incorporated.
- Pour into 4 mugs and top with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Questions & Reviews
Literally the best drink I’ve ever had. I’m usually not a huge fan of hot drinks, but MAN. It was so so good. Definitely one of my favorite drinks. 10/10–will try again.
Oh yay!!! This makes me so so happy!!
Could this be done in a crock pot?
I bet it could!! Or you could make it on the stovetop and then keep it warm in the crockpot.
Oh my gosh. I cannot tell you how much my daughter and I loved this! We made it for dessert tonight, and it’s a darn good thing we made a half-batch…?
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On Saturday, I tried the original. Yuck! Thank you for your legwork.
Wow, you got all the actions shots! I especially love the cinnamon! My husband and I secretly believe that a photo of a person or object in mid-air earns us major bonus points. Thanks for the fun recipe and funny post!
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I love gifting neighbors with hot chocolate mixes at the holidays. Now I’m wondering if I could make this in mix form using powdered almond and vanilla extracts? It would be festive and fun to gift white chocolate and regular hot chocolate mixes together.
If it were me, I’d melt the chips, add the cinnamon and extracts, pour it into ice cube trays (or something similar), and then tell them to drop 1 cube into 8 ounces of hot milk. ?
Mmmm this sounds SO good!! Definitely will have to try it. Also your explanation of your son made me laugh. I had our firstborn at 24 as well and I felt young but very wise (oh how I learned! Haha). Anyway, he (and his younger brothers) love to ask me questions that begin with “In the olden says when you were young.” :O Gee. Thanks guys. 😛
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????thank you for the recommendation!
Question;
Is the Almond extract necessary?
Nope! If you don’t like the flavor, just omit it. 🙂
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