Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Macchiato Easy Copycat Recipe

My love affair with Dunkin’s Iced Caramel Macchiato began during those brutal afternoon slumps when I needed the perfect balance of caffeine and sweetness to power through the rest of my day. At nearly $5 per drink, my daily habit was becoming expensive, but the rich caramel flavor and creamy texture kept me coming back for more.

After countless attempts to recreate that distinctive taste at home, I discovered the secret lies in using authentic caramel sauce rather than artificial syrups. This copycat recipe delivers the same luxurious flavor and beautiful layered presentation as the original while costing a fraction of the price. Now you can enjoy this afternoon indulgence anytime without breaking the budget.

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What Makes the Dunkin’ Iced Caramel Macchiato the Perfect Afternoon Pick-Me-Up Drink? 

The magic lies in the quality and layering technique. Using real caramel sauce instead of artificial syrup creates that signature rich, buttery flavor that perfectly complements strong espresso without overwhelming it. The layering method creates the beautiful visual effect that makes macchiatos so appealing, while the milk-to-coffee ratio delivers the perfect creamy texture.

The key is not stirring immediately after adding the espresso, which preserves those Instagram-worthy layers.

Ingredients For Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Caramel Macchiato 

For the Coffee Base:

• Espresso or extra-strong coffee – Provides the essential caffeine kick and robust coffee flavor that anchors this drink
• Whole milk – Creates the creamy, smooth texture that makes this macchiato so satisfying

For the Signature Flavor:

• Caramel syrup – The star ingredient that gives this drink its distinctive sweet, buttery flavor profile

Ingredient Notes

You don’t need an espresso machine to make this recipe. See the section below on preparing an Iced Caramel Macchiato without freshly brewed espresso. 

A high-quality caramel sauce is critical for this recipe. Skip the caramel-flavored sauces and choose something made from real caramel, like King’s Cupboard Organic Caramel Sauce.

Authentic caramel sauces are more expensive, but their flavor makes them worth it. You can also use salted caramel sauce if you prefer the taste.

How To Make an Iced Caramel Macchiato Dunkin Style

1. Brew the espresso. Since this is an iced drink, you can make the espresso in advance and store it in the fridge, but it’s not necessary. The small amount of hot espresso won’t water down the macchiato too much. If you don’t have an espresso machine, check out the section below to discover alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe.

2. Pour the milk into the serving glass

3. Add the caramel sauce.

4. Stir well then fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour two shots of espresso slowly over the ice.

6. Don’t stir if you want a nice layer effect in the glass.
7. Sip from the glass or use a straw.

No Espresso Maker? Here Is How To Make Strong Coffee at Home 

Don’t skip this Caramel Iced Macchiato Dunkin recipe just because you don’t have an espresso machine at home. Go ahead and brew an extra-strong cup of coffee by using one and a half times the usual amount of coffee in your standard brewing method.

Pick up a package of Dunkin’ Espresso-Style extra dark roast coffee directly from the donut shop if you decide to go this route. For some reason, it just tastes better than the Dunkin coffee you can buy in the supermarket. You can even make cold brew coffee with it.

Alternatively, you can use an instant espresso powder, such as Medaglia D’Oro Instant Espresso Coffee.

What Goes With an Iced Caramel Macchiato

The Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Caramel Macchiato doesn’t come with any garnish at the restaurant, but feel free to top your homemade version with a dollop of whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.

If you’re feeling a bit hungry, avocado toast, a blueberry scone, a croissant, or a toasted bagel with cream cheese pairs well with a Dunkin’ Iced Caramel Swirl Macchiato.

See our recommended coffee products to make coffee-house quality drinks at home.

Love Iced Coffee Recipes? Try some of these cold coffee favorites

• Brown Sugar Cold Brew
• Caramel Iced Coffee
• Cruller Donut
• Iced Cake Batter Latte

Favorite Coffee Drinks

• Caramel Cappuccino
• Caramel Latte
• Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
• Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato
• Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Iced White Chocolate Mocha
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Starbucks Mocha Coffee
• Vanilla Iced Latte

Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best copycat fast food recipes on CopyKat!