Java Chip Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

JUMP TO RECIPE

Coffee, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips are blended with ice and a homemade Frappuccino base syrup to create this delicious Java Chip Frappuccino frozen drink, just like the one at Starbucks!

Java Chip Frappuccino in a cup with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Want to save this article?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, get recipes & tips every week!

Recipe Highlights

Java Chip Frappuccino is a Starbucks frozen drink that’s made in a blender. Ice, whole milk, coffee Frappuccino base syrup, instant coffee, mocha sauce, and Starbucks Frappuccino chips are blended together then the drink is topped with whipped cream. Frappuccino chips aren’t regular chocolate chips in that they contain cookie crumble.
All Frappuccinos are made with a Frappuccino base syrup that gives the drink the smooth texture. Without it, the drink won’t be smooth or creamy. This recipe uses a homemade Frappuccino base syrup to give it the same texture.
This copycat Frappuccino recreates the Starbucks recipe (including the quick homemade vanilla whipped cream) so it’s as close to their version as possible. This recipe makes a grande (16 ounces) Java Chip Frappuccino.
The coffee portion of this drink comes from instant coffee, so there’s no need to make espresso or brewed coffee.

Ingredient Notes

Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino copycat recipe ingredients.

Homemade Frappuccino base syrup: To get that perfect Frappuccino texture, you’ll need this base syrup. Make a batch of this and use it to make a few more Frappuccinos.
Chocolate syrup: Use store-bought or homemade chocolate syrup, but homemade is recommended since it’s easy and tastes so good, without any artificial flavors.
Chocolate chips: Since Frappuccino chips are hard to track down and purchase, use semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you like more more chocolate bits in your drink, use a dark chocolate bar or dark chocolate chips.
Instant coffee: Starbucks uses a coffee blend that’s made with Italian Roast instant coffee and their Signature Espresso. Use VIA Instant Italian Roast to get the closest flavor but you can also use any kind of instant coffee.
Milk: Frappuccinos are made with whole milk but you can use any kind of milk you like.
Heavy cream: This is to make the vanilla whipped cream topping.
Vanilla syrup: The whipped cream is sweetened and flavored with vanilla syrup. Store-bought or homemade vanilla syrup can be used.
Ice: Use ice made with filtered water for a better tasting drink.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

RELATED: Iced Mocha

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Whisk heavy cream and vanilla syrup to make whipped cream. Set aside.

Use a handheld milk frother to make whipped cream in seconds.

Chocolate sauce, chocolate chips, instant coffee, milk, ice, and homemade Frappuccino base syrup in a blender.

Step 2: Blend chocolate sauce, chocolate chips, instant coffee, milk, ice, and homemade Frappuccino base syrup until smooth. Start the blender on low, then turn it up to high. Use a tamper tool to make sure the ice gets blended evenly.

Step 3: Pour Frappuccino into a cup.

Spooning chocolate syrup on a frappuccino.

Step 4: Top drink with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.

My Blender Pick

It’s a splurge, but it’ll last for years. I’ve had mine for at least 10 and still works beautifully, making perfect Frappuccinos.

SHOP NOW

Expert Tips

To get an efficient blend, don’t put ice in first into the blender. Put ingredients into the blender as it’s in the recipe.
Homemade Frappuccino base syrup is made of a simple syrup and xanthan gum. If you don’t want to use the base syrup, you can use simple syrup instead to match the sweetness but you won’t get that smooth Frappuccino texture without the xanthan gum.
The longer you whisk the heavy cream, the stiffer it’ll get. My trick to making quick and easy whipped cream is to use a handheld milk frother. It should take less than a minute to get medium peaks. Spoon the whipped cream on top of your drink.
Instead of vanilla syrup, you can use regular white sugar to make whipped cream. Use 2 teaspoons of sugar and ¼ cup heavy cream.
The Frappuccino base syrup can be made ahead of time along with the homemade chocolate syrup and the homemade vanilla syrup.

RELATED: Mocha Frappuccino

Questions You May Have

How are Frappuccino chips different from chocolate chips?

Frappuccino chips are cookie crumbs covered in chocolate and sugar so they have a different texture than regular chocolate chips. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find the Frappuccino chips online so my recipe replaces it with chocolate chips.

Does Java Chip Frappuccino taste like Mocha Frappuccino?

Yes! Java Chip Frappuccino is a dressed up Mocha Frappuccino with Frappuccino chips and a drizzle of mocha.

Can I buy Frappuccino base syrup instead of making it?

The Frappuccino base syrup isn’t sold by Starbucks but you can find it on Amazon and Ebay.

Homemade Java Chip Frappuccino in a cup with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Want to save this recipe to Pinterest for later? Pin it now to your Pinterest board!