This Java Chip Frappuccino recipe is a perfect Starbucks copycat. It's frosty cold, and the coffee and chocolate flavors play so well together. All in all, it's a pretty delicious sweet treat with a buzzy kick.
I've been known to pick up one of these drinks when visiting Starbucks, particularly in the warmer months. And why not? They're really good! I had long considered them to be a treat that I had to buy, not one that I could make.
However, it turns out that they're actually really easy to make! If you have a blender, you can whip up one of these frappuccinos in no time flat.
If you're looking for more Starbucks copycat recipes, click through to try some of my other recipes. Try my Iced Peppermint Mocha or Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew! A Chocolate Cream Cold Brew will scratch that coffee/chocolate itch, too.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
It tastes just like the drink from Starbucks. This is a Starbucks copycat recipe, so it tastes just like the Starbucks treat.
It's easy to make. If you can operate a blender, you can make this drink!
It tastes great! It's like a caffeinated milkshake!
What is a Java Chip Frappuccino?
A Java Chip Frappuccino (sometimes misspelled as Java Chip Frapuccino, with only one 'p') is a blended iced coffee drink popularized by Starbucks. Sadly, this frozen concoction is no longer on Starbucks' menu as of March 2025. Don't you hate when that happens?? Part of a "broader menu simplification effort," or so I've read.
However, Starbucks' website previously described this treat as a blend of "Frappuccino chips with coffee, milk and ice" that is topped off "with whipped cream and a mocha drizzle to bring you endless java joy."
How to order a Java Chip Frappuccino
Even though it's no longer listed on the menu, fear not! You can still order a Java Chip Frappuccino. It just goes by a different name now. If you're ordering in the store or drive thru, all you need to do is:
- Order a Mocha Frappuccino
- Ask them to add Frappuccino chips
And if you're ordering through the app, here's how:
Equipment
- Drinking glass - If you want to fit all of this frapp into your glass at once, you'll need one that holds 16 oz
- Blender - The Ninja blender that I have is so old that they don't even make it anymore, but this blender is pretty close to it
- Espresso maker - You have a lot of different options when it comes to making espresso. I have a Breville Barista Pro (it honestly brings me so much joy daily) and a Nespresso Vertuo
Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Espresso: It all starts with espresso. Delicious, strong, caffeinated espresso. See the section below for substitutions.
- Milk: I've made this recipe with cow's milk and with oat milk, but can't speak to how it turns out with other non-dairy milks.
- Chocolate syrup: Use whatever chocolate syrup you like. I opted for a dark chocolate syrup.
- Chocolate chips: I used semi-sweet mini chips. Semi-sweet because I didn't want an overly sweet drink, and mini because they looked cute as a garnish on top of the whipped cream.
- Whipped cream: For topping!
- Ice: Nothing fancy. Just ice.
Substitutions or Variations
- Use cold brew or strong coffee. If you don't have the means to pull your own espresso, you can easily substitute cold brew coffee or just some regular drip/French press/whatever coffee instead.
- Use a different syrup. Try white chocolate or even a pumpkin pie sauce to change things up.
- Add a bit of xantham gum. Xantham gum is a stabilizer, serving to prevent the frappuccino from separating. It's completely optional. Use ~¼ teaspoon.
How do you make a Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino?
I didn't show it here, but this recipe starts off with espresso. Pull your espresso shots and stick them in the fridge to cool down before you proceed with the recipe.
Recipe FAQs
You can substitute very strong coffee (chilled) or cold brew coffee in place of the espresso. Just use an equal amount.
Sure, just substitute your preferred dairy-free milk and vegan chocolate chips.
There's no difference 🙂 But the same kind of drink may be labelled differently at different coffee shops. Starbucks uses the term "frappuccino." Yet another name is"blended coffee."
Sure can! I suggest substituting some more milk and chocolate sauce for the espresso.
Other coffee-laden drinks
Any other coffee fiends in the house? Starbucks addicts? I know you're out there. Save yourself some time and money by making more of my Starbucks copycat recipes.
You can also click on any of the photos below to go straight to the recipe, and check out even more coffee recipes here.
And if you're not looking for a caffeinated kick with your frozen bevvy? Try my Cookies and Cream Milkshake recipe on for size.
✨ Recipe
Java Chip Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup plus more for inside the glass and drizzling on top
- ½ cup espresso approximately 4 shots, see notes
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup ice cubes
- whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup around on the inside of the glass that you'll be drinking out of.
- Pour the espresso, milk, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, and ice cubes into a blender. Put the lid on the blender and blend on low speed for 30 seconds. Blend again on high speed for 10-20 seconds, until the drink is smooth.
- Pour the frappuccino into the prepared glass. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips.
Notes
- You can use very strong coffee in place of the espresso, if necessary
- This recipe makes approximately one 16 ounce frappuccino
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
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