Starbucks newest holiday drink: Sugar Cookie Oat Latte

By Heidi Peiper/Starbucks Stories

Even if you didn’t grow up with spritz cookies, chances are you’ve seen them at a holiday gathering or cookie exchange. They are the prettiest cookies on the plate. They get their name from the German word spritzen, which means “squirt” and pretty much describes how the cookie is made by squeezing the dough through a cookie press into festive shapes.

These slightly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treats are the inspiration for Starbucks newest holiday drink, Sugar Cookie Oat Latte. The non-dairy iced beverage is made with sugar cookie flavoured syrup, combined with Starbucks® Blonde Espresso, oat beverage, and topped with red and green cookie sprinkles. It is just as delicious hot, with steamed oat beverage and a cap of foam with sprinkles.

“We wanted to harness the buttery and vanilla notes of the cookie, which you can pick up in the aroma from that first sip from the sugar cookie flavoured syrup and sprinkles,” said Erin Marinan from Starbucks R&D, who led product development with Starbucks partner (employee) Sara Bennett. “It reminds me of making cookies with my mom and sisters growing up. It gives me all the nostalgic feels of the holiday.”

The beverage is the first non-dairy holiday coffee beverage on the Starbucks menu. It joins Irish Cream Cold Brew, which is making its earliest debut on the holiday menu this year, also on Nov. 4. Customers will also find these drinks alongside seasonal classics Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brule Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, along with new holiday cups, food items and gifts.

“At this time of year, I always think back to the fun I had baking cookies with my mom and sisters growing up. It’s such a warm memory,” Marinan said. “Everyone seems to have a different recipe they like to make over the holidays, whether it’s to give as a gift to a group of friends or leave out for Santa. I love how this moment brings everyone together.” The beverage is available at stores in Canada, as well as for delivery through Starbucks Delivers on Uber Eats. There are several convenient ways to order the Starbucks menu, read more here.