Yes, the Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappe Contains Coffee
The standard Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino at Starbucks includes coffee, specifically their Frappuccino Roast coffee base. This provides the beverage's coffee flavor profile. Starbucks offers a way to customize the drink for those who prefer to avoid caffeine. By ordering the "Crème Frappuccino" version, the coffee base is replaced with a caffeine-free alternative, while still retaining the mocha sauce and cookie components.
How Starbucks Makes the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
Starbucks baristas prepare the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino by blending ice, milk, Frappuccino Roast coffee, and mocha sauce. Frappuccino chips (chocolate-covered cookie pieces) are also blended in. The drink is then assembled with layers of whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumble, and finished with more whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and cookie crumbles on top.
Ordering a Non-Coffee Version
To order a version of the cookie crumble frappe without coffee, you can specifically request the "Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino." Adding "Crème" indicates that the caffeine-free base is desired. Confirming with the barista that it should be made without Frappuccino Roast is another way to ensure the drink is coffee-free. The crème version offers a flavor that is sweeter and more like a chocolate and cookie milkshake compared to the coffee-based option.
Comparing Coffee vs. Crème Frappuccinos
Here's a comparison of the coffee-based and crème-based versions:
| Feature | Coffee-Based Frappuccino | Crème-Based Frappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredient | Frappuccino Roast (instant coffee) | Caffeine-free base syrup |
| Caffeine Content | ~95mg (Grande) | ~15mg (from chocolate only) |
| Flavor Profile | Balanced coffee, chocolate, and cookie | Sweet chocolate and cookie |
| Audience | Coffee drinkers | Those avoiding caffeine |
| Customization | Can be made with less or no coffee | Default coffee-free option |
Homemade Copycat Recipe
For a homemade version, adjust the coffee content to preference. Here is a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- Ice
- Cold milk
- Cold brew coffee (for coffee version) or omit (for non-coffee version)
- Mocha sauce
- Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Drizzle mocha sauce in your glass and set aside some crushed cookies for garnish.
- Blend ice, milk, coffee (if using), most of the mocha sauce, and most of the crushed cookies until smooth.
- Pour into the glass.
- Top with whipped cream, remaining mocha sauce, and reserved cookie crumbles.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino typically contains coffee through its Frappuccino Roast base. Customers can easily order a coffee-free "Crème" version to enjoy the chocolate and cookie flavors without caffeine. Both options provide an enjoyable blended beverage experience.
The Versatility of Frappuccino
Starbucks' Frappuccino line includes a variety of blended drinks, some with coffee and others, like the Vanilla Bean Crème, that are naturally caffeine-free (aside from minimal caffeine in chocolate components). The ability to order most flavors as a "Crème" version means that the cookie crumble flavor, and many others, can be enjoyed by individuals who prefer to avoid coffee or caffeine.
