Are you craving that iconic Dunkin’ cold, creamy, caffeinated bliss without making a trip to the drive-thru? You’re in luck! This Dunkin’ frozen coffee recipe will satisfy your coffee shop cravings while saving you money and a trip out the door. Perfect for hot summer days or whenever you need that special coffee treat, this Dunkin’ frozen coffee copycat, blended iced coffee, coffee coolatta recipe captures that signature sweet, creamy flavor that made the original Coffee Coolatta famous before Dunkin’ transitioned to their current Frozen Coffee lineup. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this beloved frozen coffee drink in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps!

Ingredients List

For the Base:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (or 2 shots of espresso)
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (optional for mocha flavor)

For Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle
• Chocolate syrup
• Cinnamon or cocoa powder for dusting

Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk
• Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free vanilla syrup (2-3 tablespoons) instead of sugar
• Caffeine-Free Option: Use decaf coffee for a nighttime treat
• Extra Caffeine Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the mixture

Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus time to brew and cool coffee)
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes for pre-cooling coffee (optional but recommended)
• Blending Time: 1 minute
• Total Time: 36 minutes (6 minutes active time)

This homemade version saves you roughly 15 minutes compared to driving to Dunkin’, waiting in line, and returning home – plus you’ll save about $4-5 per drink!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee

Brew a cup of strong coffee using your preferred method. The stronger the coffee, the more authentic your frozen coffee will taste. For best results, use a dark roast similar to what Dunkin’ serves. Allow the coffee to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Pro tip: Make a batch of strong coffee the night before and refrigerate it to save time.

Step 2: Prepare Your Blender

Ensure your blender is clean and ready to go. A high-powered blender works best for achieving that perfectly smooth, Dunkin’-like consistency without ice chunks. If you have a standard blender, you might need to blend a bit longer to get the right texture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooled coffee, ice cubes, sugar, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract to your blender. If you’re making a mocha version, add the chocolate syrup now. For the most authentic taste, layer ingredients with ice at the bottom, then liquid ingredients, and sugar on top – this helps prevent sugar from sticking to the bottom of the blender.

Step 4: Blend to Perfection

Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no visible ice chunks. The consistency should be thick but still pourable – similar to a milkshake. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before pouring, taste your creation and adjust sweetness or flavor as needed. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar or flavored syrup. Need more coffee flavor? Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder and blend again briefly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Pour your frozen coffee into a tall glass. For the full Dunkin’ experience, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, and a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Add a straw and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 16 oz):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 35g
• Calcium: 8% of daily value
• Vitamin D: 6% of daily value

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used and optional toppings.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Create a lighter version of this dunkin frozen coffee recipe with these modifications:

• Lower Calorie Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and use skim milk instead of whole milk to cut approximately 120 calories.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, or try vanilla-flavored protein powder for sweetness with added protein.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Version: Substitute with oat milk and coconut cream for a creamy dairy-free alternative that maintains the rich mouthfeel.
• Low-Carb Option: Use unsweetened almond milk, heavy cream, and a sugar-free sweetener to reduce carbs to under 5g per serving.
• Added Nutrition: Blend in half a frozen banana or a tablespoon of chia seeds for added nutrients and fiber.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your homemade Dunkin’ frozen coffee experience with these creative serving ideas:

• Serve in a clear glass mug with a colorful straw for Instagram-worthy presentation
• Create a coffee bar with various toppings like chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or flavored syrups
• Pair with a classic Dunkin’ style donut or muffin for the complete experience
• For summer gatherings, prepare a larger batch and serve in a punch bowl with ice cream scoops floating on top
• Add a shot of Irish cream, Kahlúa, or Baileys for an adults-only evening version

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using hot coffee: Always cool your coffee completely before blending to prevent a watery drink.
2. Overloading with ice: Too much ice dilutes the coffee flavor. Start with the recommended amount and adjust if needed.
3. Under-sweetening: Dunkin’ drinks are known for their sweetness. Don’t be shy with sugar for an authentic taste.
4. Blending too long: Over-blending can melt the ice too much and result in a runny consistency instead of a thick, frosty treat.
5. Using weak coffee: For that authentic Dunkin’ flavor, your coffee base should be strong. Consider double-brewing or adding extra grounds.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Immediate Consumption: This frozen coffee is best enjoyed immediately after making for optimal texture and flavor.
• Short-term Storage: If needed, store in an insulated tumbler for up to 1 hour without significant texture loss.
• Prep Ahead Components: Make coffee ice cubes in advance by freezing cooled coffee in ice cube trays. Use these instead of regular ice cubes for a more intense flavor that won’t dilute as it melts.
• Coffee Concentrate: Prepare and refrigerate strong coffee concentrate up to 3 days ahead for quick assembly when cravings strike.

Conclusion

Creating your own dunkin frozen coffee recipe at home is not only cost-effective but allows you to customize to your exact taste preferences. This copycat recipe captures that distinctive Dunkin’ flavor while giving you the flexibility to adjust sweetness, coffee strength, and even make healthier adaptations. Whether you’re satisfying a craving, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this homemade version delivers all the creamy, caffeinated satisfaction of the original without leaving your kitchen.

Try making this recipe this weekend and experience the joy of creating your favorite coffee shop treat at home! Have you made other copycat coffee drinks? Share your experience in the comments below!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe without a blender?
A: While a blender gives the best results, you can use a food processor or even shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker with crushed ice, though the texture won’t be quite as smooth.

Q: How does this compare to the original Dunkin’ Coffee Coolatta?
A: The original Coffee Coolatta was discontinued in 2017 and replaced with Frozen Coffee. This recipe is closer to the original Coolatta in sweetness and creaminess but can be adjusted to taste more like the current Frozen Coffee by using less cream and more coffee.

Q: Can I prepare this drink ahead of time for a party?
A: It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare all components ahead of time and blend just before serving. For parties, consider setting up a DIY frozen coffee bar with the base recipe and various toppings.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes! Use heavy cream, unsweetened almond milk, and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. Skip any sweet toppings or use sugar-free versions.

Q: Why is my frozen coffee separating quickly after blending?
A: This is likely due to the ice melting too quickly. Try using colder ingredients, coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice, or adding a small pinch of xanthan gum (1/8 teaspoon) to help stabilize the mixture.