Store-bought coffee creamer is convenient, but the ingredient list on many bottles is long, and the seasonal flavors come and go. Homemade coffee creamer takes about five minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have, and lets you decide how sweet and how rich it should be. It also makes a thoughtful small gift during the holidays.
This guide gives you a simple base recipe, several flavor variations, a dairy-free option and tips on storing it safely.
The basic homemade creamer
The most popular homemade creamer uses sweetened condensed milk, which brings sweetness and body in one ingredient.
You need:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- About 1 3/4 cups milk or half-and-half (use half-and-half for a richer creamer)
- Flavoring of your choice (see below)
Method:
- Pour the condensed milk and milk into a clean jar or bottle.
- Add the flavoring.
- Seal and shake well until fully combined.
- Refrigerate and shake again before each use.
Want it less sweet? Use more milk, or skip the condensed milk and mix equal parts milk and heavy cream with a few spoonfuls of maple syrup or honey to taste.
Flavor variations
French vanilla
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, or scrape the seeds of a vanilla bean into the jar. For a deeper flavor, add the empty pod and let it sit in the creamer overnight.
Pumpkin spice
Whisk 2 to 3 tablespoons of pumpkin purée, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and a little vanilla into the base. Warm it gently in a saucepan while whisking so the purée blends smoothly, then cool before bottling. Strain through a fine sieve if you want it silky.
Peppermint mocha
Whisk 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into a little warm milk until smooth, then add it to the base with a small amount of peppermint extract. Peppermint is strong, so start with a quarter teaspoon, taste and add more if needed.
Cinnamon dolce
Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a spoonful of brown sugar, warming gently to dissolve. A cinnamon stick in the jar adds more flavor as it chills. Pair it with a spiced coffee like cinnamon roll flavored coffee for a cozy winter cup.
Hazelnut or almond
Add half a teaspoon of hazelnut or almond extract. A little goes a long way.
Dairy-free coffee creamer
For a dairy-free version, use full-fat canned coconut milk or a sweetened condensed coconut milk as the base, and thin it with oat or almond milk. Oat milk gives a neutral, creamy flavor; coconut adds richness and a light coconut taste. Sweeten with maple syrup and flavor with any of the variations above.
Homemade non-dairy creamers can separate in the fridge. That is normal; just shake before pouring.
If you buy creamer instead, read the label: some products sold as non-dairy still contain milk-derived ingredients such as sodium caseinate, which matters if you avoid dairy, and many contain added sugar. Making your own lets you control both.
Creamer for iced coffee and cold brew
Homemade creamers work well in cold drinks because they are already liquid and sweetened, so nothing sinks to the bottom of the glass. Pour a splash into a glass of cold brew over ice and stir. A flavored cold brew coffee such as French vanilla cold brew pairs well with plain or vanilla creamer. New to cold brew? Our cold brew at home starter guide walks through the method.
How to store homemade creamer
- Keep it cold. Store it in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge.
- Use it within about a week, and never past the earliest use-by date of the dairy you used.
- Shake before each use, since natural ingredients settle.
- Trust your senses. Throw it out if it smells sour, tastes off or looks curdled.
- Label the jar with the flavor and the date you made it.
Homemade creamer as a gift
A bottle of homemade creamer makes a sweet addition to a holiday coffee gift. Pour it into a clean glass bottle, tie on a ribbon and a tag with the flavor, the date and “keep refrigerated.” Pair it with a bag of flavored coffee and a mug. Give it in person rather than shipping it, since it must stay cold. For more ideas, see our guide on building a coffee gift basket, and for drinks to use it in, try our fall and winter coffee drinks.
FAQ
Can I freeze homemade coffee creamer?
Some people freeze it in ice cube trays and drop a cube into iced coffee. The texture can change after freezing, so shake or stir well once thawed.
Can I use powdered milk?
Yes. Powdered milk mixed with sugar and flavorings makes a shelf-stable dry creamer, though it will not be as rich as the liquid version.
Why did my creamer separate?
Natural ingredients settle and fat can rise to the top. Shake the bottle before each use.
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