With the return of the Starbucks holiday menu, we set out to review the most aesthetically pleasing and trendy items. Before going in, we decided we would rank each item on a few criteria. Most importantly is the taste — however, we also considered visual appeal and festive holiday vibes. With about $30 less in our bank accounts, we would definitely say we got a good sense of their seasonal menu. Let’s just say that some items left us speechless in the best way and others not so much.
Cinnamon pull-apart: $3.65
Rating: 10/10
We started off strong with Starbucks’ signature cinnamon pull-apart. The crispy outside and smooth center made for a delicious treat, which was quite easy to share through its small pull-apart pieces. We noted that, unlike other pull-apart treats we have previously tried, this Starbucks cinnamon pull-apart had perfect levels of doughiness, without feeling artificial or inedible. With so much room for error, we were overjoyed when we bit into the firm and steamy middle, which reminded us of Auntie Anne’s pretzel treats from our childhood. Because it was served hot, we agreed that we would most definitely come back to try this throughout winter’s coldest days.
Caramel brulée latte (12 oz): $5.95
Rating: 9.5/10
With winter snowfalls most definitely on their way, we imagined ourselves pairing the cinnamon pull-apart with Starbucks’ caramel brulée latte to stay warm during the frosty season. The sweet, sugary aroma was complemented by the chocolate toppings, which floated on the surface of the drink. With bursts of creme brulée and vanilla as the main flavor components, we felt as though the caramel was a bit left behind. Yet, we still adored this warm and cozy drink, which made us excited for the holidays.
Polar bear cake pop: $3.45
Rating: 9.2/10
As big fans of Starbucks’ pink birthday cake pop, we had high expectations for this version with a polar bear — and it delivered. We were greeted by a festively smiling polar bear placed above a red and white striped candy cane stick. We melted over the adorable red winter hat and wholesome blue frosting accents. The hard shell comprising the polar bear’s face threw us off a bit, but the tasty filling inside redeemed it. With a similar taste to the classic birthday cake pop, we felt that this was a reliable choice for a holiday sweet treat, leaving us wanting to order a second.
Iced sugar cookie latte (12 oz): $5.95
Rating: 6.8/10
This was probably the menu item we were most excited to try. We have been seeing this drink all over our social media pages and were curious to see what it was all about. There were tiny, green and red nonpareil sprinkles on top, which was such a cute touch that we appreciated. All in all, the drink was good, but it was not what we expected. It did not really taste like a cookie; rather, it had a strong syrupy flavor. It was extremely sweet and sugary — the drink on its own could serve as a sufficient dessert. It also could have been a bit creamier, as the consistency was a bit thin and watery. This iced sugar cookie latte definitely had some flaws, but it was very aesthetically pleasing and brought holiday cheer.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate (12 oz): $4.25
Rating: 4.5/10
As the weather has been getting colder, we were overjoyed to try this. To us, hot chocolate and peppermint are a legendary combination that has holiday cheer written all over it, so we expected this drink to blow us away. The hot chocolate was topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. On paper, this sounds like the holiday drink of our dreams. However, we hate to say that we were underwhelmed. Although there was a rich and decadent taste of dark chocolate, it was completely overshadowed by the strong peppermint flavor. This is subjective, but we think that a peppermint hot chocolate should taste mostly of chocolate, with a hint of peppermint. Unfortunately, this drink left a lingering flavor of toothpaste. We will definitely opt for the regular hot chocolate next time.
Snowman sugar cookie: $3.45
Rating: 3.1/10
While Starbucks’ snowman sugar cookie looks sweet and tempting in the case, the flavor was unexpectedly savory. The cookie had a striking cheesiness, which completely threw us off. If we had to compare the taste of this cookie to one thing, it would be Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies. The decorations were extremely cute and detailed, with piped scarves and white sugar crystals. Even with the adorable exterior, we could not get past its overpowering flavor and smell of cheese. This pastry left us feeling both confused and unsatisfied — we would not recommend it.
In all, we felt as though Starbucks’ holiday menu is very strong, and we will most definitely be returning. Although some items may not have suited our flavor palettes, there is truly a holiday treat for everyone on the 2025 menu. We encourage everyone, whether you prefer sweet or savory treats, to experiment with the holiday menu at Starbucks — you will not regret it.
