When it comes to festive holiday drinks, Dunkin’ knows how to capture the season’s essence. From indulgent flavors like peppermint and toasted white chocolate to warm hints of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, Dunkin’s Signature Lattes (distinct from their standard lattes) are designed to embody the holiday spirit.
Among its seasonal lineup, one latte, in particular, is stirring up mixed reactions online: the Holiday Cookie Signature Latte. This unique creation, available both hot and iced, features a blend of espresso and whole milk infused with buttery cookie and toasted almond flavors.
What sets this drink apart—and sparks debate—is its topping. The latte is crowned with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cookie butter crumbles, introducing a crunchy texture that’s proving to be divisive among fans on Reddit.
While some appreciate the unexpected crunch, others would rather skip the crispy bits in their creamy latte. This disagreement mirrors age-old debates like pulp vs. no pulp in orange juice or chunky vs. creamy peanut butter.
What Makes the Holiday Cookie Latte Controversial?
At the heart of the debate are the cookie butter crumbles. While the crumbles provide a unique, crispy element to the drink, they can become soggy if left too long. For some, this textural twist adds a festive charm, but for others, it detracts from the experience, leaving them wanting a smoother sip.
Packed with 32 grams of total sugar (23 grams of which are added) in a small size, the latte is undeniably sweet—a treat tailored for those with a serious sweet tooth. However, for slower sippers, the crumbles can end up as mush at the bottom, which isn’t everyone’s cup of coffee.
How to Customize Your Holiday Cookie Latte
If the crunchy topping isn’t appealing, Dunkin’ offers an easy solution. You can customize your drink to skip the cookie crumbles. The Dunkin’ app even allows you to deselect the crumbles when placing your order. This tweak ensures a smoother latte experience without altering the essence of the drink.
It’s also worth noting that Dunkin’s Holiday Cookie Signature Latte is distinct from its popular Cookie Butter Cold Brew. While both drinks share cookie-themed names and feature cookie butter crumbles, the cold brew packs a higher caffeine content. Additionally, the latte edges out the cold brew in sugar content by only a few grams, making both indulgent options for the holiday season.
Limited-Time Holiday Offerings
As with all seasonal specials, Dunkin’s Holiday Cookie Signature Latte won’t be around forever. Though Dunkin’ doesn’t specify an official end date, these festive drinks are typically available until December 31. After the holidays, Dunkin’ is likely to transition to its spring menu, so fans of the latte should grab one while they can.
Conclusion
Dunkin’s Holiday Cookie Signature Latte is a bold addition to its seasonal menu, offering a unique blend of buttery cookie flavor and an optional crunchy texture. While opinions differ on the inclusion of cookie crumbles, the drink remains a standout choice for those seeking a sweet, festive treat.
Whether you’re team crunchy or team smooth, this latte is a reminder of the indulgent joy that holiday beverages can bring—just make sure to customize it to suit your preferences.
