I’m a true coffee enthusiast, the kind of person who drifts off to sleep eagerly anticipating the next morning’s coffee. After my second son was born, a college friend gifted me 10 pounds of coffee, which remains my favorite present. It felt personal and thoughtful—she understood what’s crucial when you have a newborn.
Normally, I enjoy my coffee with just whole milk, skipping the sugar, proudly sticking to full-fat dairy. However, when the days get warmer, I start craving my special afternoon treat—a “coffee cocktail” as I affectionately call it with my family. I want something a bit sweet, creamy, and indulgent, like a cold brew with vanilla coffee creamer, to help me power through those tough afternoon hours. (Mom life with two young boys!)
Visiting a local coffee shop isn’t always feasible and doesn’t sit well with my budget. While grocery stores offer some fantastic coffee creamers, their prices are steadily increasing. So recently, I’ve been making my own vanilla coffee creamer at home. It’s easy to prepare with ingredients always on hand, and I can adjust it with new flavors each time. Plus, it’s free of the additives and preservatives found in store-bought options.
Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
4 Easy Tips For Making My Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer
- I prefer using brown sugar for its molasses touch, but feel free to use granulated sugar, honey, or even maple syrup. I use just 1/2 cup for the entire batch, but adjust to taste if you prefer it sweeter.
- After the syrup cools, mix in your choice of “base milk.” I favor whole milk, but options range from 1% to half-and-half.
- Add flavor to your liking. Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste is a great choice. For extra spice, simmer with cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods, then strain before cooling.
- Label your homemade creamer with the milk’s sell-by date. Once that date approaches, inspect the creamer—if it smells off or isn’t smooth, discard it.
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4 cups whole milk, divided (or choose your milk)
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1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or select your sweetener)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
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Slowly simmer the milk and sugar:
Combine 2 cups of milk and the brown sugar in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place over low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Let it simmer slowly on low heat for about 30 to 35 minutes, until it reduces to about 3/4 of its original volume (around 1 1/2 cups remaining). Don’t stir while simmering. The mixture will turn a light golden brown.
If foam or film appears on the surface as it simmers, gently remove it with a spoon.
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Cool the creamer:
Take the milk syrup off the heat and let it cool until it’s warm to the touch.
Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and vanilla, then stir together.
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Store:
Pour the mixture into a quart-sized container with a lid and refrigerate. Use the sell-by date on the dairy as a guideline for freshness.
How Long Creamer Will Last
The sugar and slow simmering might extend its shelf-life, potentially lasting longer than regular milk. But without commercial preservatives, it won’t last as long as store-bought creamer. Check its smell and texture after a week.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe! Please leave a review and comment below.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 16 | Calories |
| 1g | Fat |
| 2g | Carbs |
| 1g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 60 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 16 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 1g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 2% |
| 2mg | 1% |
| 7mg | 0% |
| 2g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2g | |
| 1g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 20mg | 2% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 24mg | 1% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. A 2,000-calorie-a-day intake is used for general nutritional advice. | |
Nutrition data is estimated using an ingredient database. The first-listed alternative is used if multiple options are provided. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
