Pumpkin had its turn. Starting Wednesday, November 4, Dunkin' switches to holiday mode at participating restaurants nationwide, with two returning flavor lineups and brand-new packaging starring a character called the Donutcracker.
Here is everything in the official Dunkin' announcement, plus what we would actually order on a rushed weekday morning.
Meet the Donutcracker
The Donutcracker is not something you can eat. It is the new design on Dunkin's holiday cups, donut boxes and MUNCHKINS boxes: a classic nutcracker reimagined with donut details, sprinkles and the brand's pink and orange. Chief marketing officer Jill Nelson says the cups and packaging "have become part of the season for so many of our guests," and Dunkin' promises "more surprises still ahead." If you are bringing a box of Munchkins to an office potluck or a holiday party in December, this is the box you will be carrying.
The Cookie Butter lineup
Cookie Butter returns across six drinks. The Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is espresso, Cookie Butter syrup and milk under Cookie Butter cold foam and cookie butter crumbles, and the Cloud Dunkalatte does the same with coffee milk. There is a Cookie Butter Hot Chocolate with whipped cream and crumbles, a Cookie Butter Matcha made with whole milk, an Iced Cookie Butter Oat Chai Latte, and the simplest of the bunch, the Spiced Cookie Iced Coffee, which is iced coffee, oatmilk and the syrup.
The Toasted White Chocolate lineup
Toasted White Chocolate comes back in four forms. The Cloud Latte pairs it with espresso, whole milk and Sweet Cold Foam, while the Signature Latte goes full dessert with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar. The Almond White Chocolate Shakin' Espresso adds toasted almond, oatmilk and a double shot, and the Raspberry White Chocolate Matcha is the pink-drink option of the season.
What to order first
If you want a treat without a dessert-sized sugar crash, the Spiced Cookie Iced Coffee is the most restrained option: no foam, no whipped cream. If you want the full holiday moment, the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is clearly the drink Dunkin' is building the season around. For an afternoon pick-me-up, the Almond White Chocolate Shakin' Espresso has the most caffeine of the new lineup thanks to that double shot.
Dunkin's announcement does not list prices, and they vary by location, so check the app before you promise anyone a round.
Rewards days to put on the calendar
Dunkin' Rewards members get a string of app offers. Every Monday through November 30, ordering ahead earns 100 bonus points on beverages. November 4 and 5 bring 3X points on all beverages, November 17 is 4X points on Avengers beverages, November 19 is 3X points on drinks ordered ahead, and November 23 is 4X points on espresso drinks for National Espresso Day. Each offer has its own fine print and has to be activated in the app first.
A small way to give back
From November 4 through November 30, guests who donate $1 or more to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation at participating restaurants get a limited-edition sticker sheet. Donations work at the register or the drive-thru, and the foundation supports children facing hunger or illness. It is an easy yes on your way to work.
