Copycat Mcdonald’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee Recipe

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You can recreate the comforting flavors of McDonald’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee right at home! Imagine sipping your own homemade version while curled up with a good book under a soft blanket.

How to make Mcdonald’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee

McDonald’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee is a seasonal fall drink that blends their freshly brewed Premium Roast coffee with a pumpkin spice–flavored syrup. It’s sweetened and lightly spiced with warm fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Syrup

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup OR 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup water

For the Coffee Base

• 1 cup freshly brewed coffee OR 1-2 shots of espresso
• 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
• 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• Whipped cream (optional) for topping
• Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or brown sugar), pumpkin pie spice, and water over medium heat.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer.
3. Let the syrup simmer for 2-3 minutes while whisking continuously. You want to infuse the spices fully into the liquid.
4. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the syrup cool slightly. (Pro tip: Store extra syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week!)

Step 2: Brew Your Coffee or Espresso

1. If you’re using coffee, brew your favorite blend. For a more authentic McCafé flavor, a medium roast works best. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, use a freshly pulled shot of espresso.

Step 3: Steam or Warm the Milk

1. For a hot latte: Heat your milk in a small saucepan until it’s warm (but not boiling). To create foam, you can whisk it vigorously or use a handheld frother.
2. For an iced version: Simply use cold milk instead, or froth it slightly for extra creaminess.

Step 4: Combine Coffee and Syrup

1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade pumpkin spice syrup to your brewed coffee or espresso. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness and pumpkin flavor. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Assemble the Drink

1. For a hot latte, pour your steamed milk over the coffee-and-syrup mixture and stir gently. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
2. For an iced version, fill a glass with ice, add your coffee-and-syrup mixture, and pour cold milk over the ice. Stir to combine and garnish as desired.

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you’re using brown sugar, you may want to tweak the quantity to suit your taste. Maple syrup gives a smoother sweetness, while brown sugar delivers a richer caramel flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree and good-quality spices will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your syrup.
• Make Extra Syrup: You’ll be surprised how versatile the syrup is! Use it not just for coffee but also for pancakes, oatmeal, or even smoothies.
• Dairy-Free Option: Oat milk and almond milk froth well and add a subtle sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice flavors perfectly.
• Experiment with Ratios: If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, reduce the milk slightly and increase the coffee or espresso to taste.

What to serve with

McDonald’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee (or your homemade version!) is a seasonal delight bursting with warm fall flavors. But why let the experience stop at the coffee itself? Pairing it with the right food can elevate the whole experience, turning your coffee break into a cozy fall retreat.

1. Pumpkin Muffins or Bread: The ultimate fall pairing! A slice of moist pumpkin bread or a pumpkin muffin amplifies the pumpkin theme and echoes the warm spices in the Mcdonald’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee. Consider spreading a bit of cream cheese or a cinnamon-honey butter on top for an extra treat.

2. Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls topped with icing are perfect companions to pumpkin spice flavors. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and coffee is basically autumn in every bite and sip.

3. Apple Crumble or Apple Pie: The tartness of apples and the sweetness of the crumble/pie complement the spicy and creamy notes in Pumpkin Spice Coffee. This is a great option if you’re enjoying coffee as a dessert pairing.

4. Donuts: A classic pairing! Glazed, cinnamon sugar, or pumpkin-flavored donuts work wonderfully. Their sweet glaze contrasts nicely with the spice of the coffee.

5. Scones with Fall Flavors: Scones flavored with cranberries, cinnamon, or even pumpkin are excellent choices. Serve with clotted cream or butter for a rich and satisfying pairing.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s an invitation to cozy up and savor the best of autumn.

More Coffee Recipes:

• Copycat Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Recipe
• Copycat Dutch Bros Pumpkin Spice 2025 Recipe
• Copycat Café Bustelo Espresso Recipe