Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, whisk 2 cups milk (dairy or oat), 2–3 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1–1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla, a tiny pinch of salt, and 1–2 drops butter-flavored extract if using. Warm over medium heat, whisking often, until steaming and lightly foamy, 3–5 minutes. Don't boil — you want cinnamon-scented foam, not a skin on top.

2. 2

   Divide 2 cups hot strong brewed coffee or espresso between mugs.

3. 3

   Pour the cinnamon milk over the coffee and stir. Taste and add a little more brown sugar if you want it sweeter — it should taste like cinnamon toast in a cup.

4. 4

   Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if you like. Serve warm. You want a cozy cinnamon coffee with a toast-like sweetness — not a bland latte with cinnamon dust floating on top or bitter burnt milk.