Discover the delightful fusion of white chocolate and macadamia nuts in this homemade version of Starbucks’ White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew. This recipe offers a perfect balance of mild sweetness, nutty undertones, and a bold coffee kick.
When Starbucks announced their summer 2023 cold brew featuring macadamia nuts, it raised eyebrows as an unconventional choice for the season. However, following the success of their pistachio-infused beverages, Starbucks decided to explore another popular nut flavor. Combining macadamia nut essence with sweet white chocolate proved to be a brilliant move, as this new cold brew quickly became a crowd favorite, leaving many lamenting its limited-time availability.
Fortunately, I’ve conducted extensive testing to bring you the ultimate copycat recipe. This White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew mirrors Starbucks’ version and is exceptionally easy to prepare at home.
Homemade White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew (STARBUCKS COPYCAT)
What Is White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew?
Starbucks has introduced a series of flavored cold brews topped with cold foam in recent years, including Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, and Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew. Additionally, I’ve shared a basic sweet cream cold foam recipe on my blog, which serves as the foundation for these creamy concoctions, allowing for various flavor enhancements using syrups and sauces.
Starbucks describes their latest creation as “Starbucks signature cold brew sweetened with macadamia syrup, topped with a silky white-chocolate macadamia cream cold foam and finished with toasted cookie crumbles.” It’s an indulgent iced coffee with a subtle sweetness, creamy texture, and a hint of nuttiness that many Starbucks enthusiasts find absolutely delightful.
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
If you’re already a fan of Starbucks’ macadamia cold brew, you’ll be thrilled to replicate it at home. While this recipe comprises several components, many of them can be prepared or purchased in advance, allowing you to whip up this refreshing drink quickly whenever the craving strikes. Most importantly, it faithfully recreates the Starbucks experience.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of nuts, I encourage you to give this cold brew a try. Macadamia nuts offer a unique sweetness with subtle buttery and coconut undertones, making them a perfect match for white chocolate and lending an air of luxury to this iced beverage.
Ingredients
The recipe involves several components, but I aim to simplify the process while maintaining the authenticity of the original Starbucks creation. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cold Brew: You can make your own or opt for store-bought Starbucks cold brew.
Macadamia Nut Syrup: Create your own using my recipe or purchase a bottle of macadamia syrup.
White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Foam: This must be prepared from scratch. You can either follow my recipe for white chocolate mocha sauce or purchase a bottle of white mocha sauce (the one Starbucks uses).
Sugar Cookie Crumbles (for garnish): Simply crush a sugar cookie.
Ice
For homemade macadamia nut syrup, you’ll need:
Water
Granulated sugar
Roughly chopped macadamia nuts (preferably roasted and lightly salted; alternatively, macadamia nut extract)
For White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Foam, you’ll require:
2% milk
Heavy cream
Vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
Macadamia syrup
White chocolate mocha sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For homemade white chocolate mocha sauce, gather:
White chocolate (roughly chopped)
Fat-free sweetened condensed milk (or full-fat, if preferred)
2% milk (or your preferred dairy/non-dairy alternative)
How to Make Macadamia Syrup
Creating your own macadamia nut syrup is straightforward, but you can also purchase it if preferred. I recommend using toasted macadamia nuts for a more pronounced flavor. Here’s a summary:
Combine water, sugar, and chopped macadamia nuts (or macadamia nut extract) in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and let the syrup rest for 30 minutes if using nuts, allowing the macadamia flavor to infuse further.
Strain the nuts from the syrup and refrigerate the syrup to cool and thicken.
How to Make White Chocolate Mocha Sauce
Prepare the white mocha sauce for added richness and flavor. Here’s how:
Place roughly chopped white chocolate in a heat-proof bowl.
In a small saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and 2% milk over medium-low heat until it simmers.
Pour the milk mixture over the white chocolate, let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
Transfer the sauce to a jar or bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to Make White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Foam
Now, let’s create the creamy cold foam. You can prepare this in advance and froth it just before serving. Here’s the process:
Mix 2% milk, heavy cream, vanilla syrup, macadamia syrup, and white mocha sauce in a bowl until well combined. Alternatively, place all the ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously.
Store this macadamia cold cream in the fridge until you’re ready to froth it into cold foam.
To froth, use an electric frother, hand mixer, blender, or simply shake the mixture in a mason jar until it becomes frothy.
How to Assemble Your Cold Brew
Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble your homemade White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew:
Pour cold brew into a glass filled with ice.
Stir in approximately 1 oz (2 tbsp) of macadamia nut syrup.
Add about 1/3 cup of the macadamia cream cold foam.
Garnish with crushed sugar cookies.
Take that eagerly awaited first sip, enjoying the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee boldness. Adjust the syrup and foam to your preference for sweetness and creaminess.
Can I Use Iced Coffee Instead of Cold Brew?
Yes, you can use iced coffee instead of cold brew if you prefer. Starbucks also offers a nitro cold brew version of this drink, but iced coffee will work just as well.
Caffeine Content
A grande-sized White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks contains approximately 185 milligrams of caffeine. For reference, a grande cold brew with milk from Starbucks contains about 205 mg of caffeine.
Variations
Customize your homemade cold brew to your liking:
Add white chocolate mocha sauce directly to the coffee for extra richness.
Include more cold foam for a creamier coffee experience.
Add a splash of oat milk to reduce the bitterness of the cold brew.
Line the cup with caramel sauce or drizzle caramel sauce over the drink to enhance the macadamia and white chocolate flavors further.