Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe
Introduction
This homemade coffee creamer adds a rich, sweet touch to your morning brew without any preservatives or artificial flavors. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to elevate your coffee experience right at home.

Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk, divided (or your milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or your sweetener of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 cups of milk and the brown sugar in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Set the pan over low heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 2: Let the mixture simmer slowly on low heat without stirring for 30 to 35 minutes, until it reduces to about 3/4 of its original volume and turns a light golden brown. During this time, skim off any foam or film that forms on the surface and discard it.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the milk syrup to cool until it is warm to the touch.
- Step 4: Stir in the remaining 2 cups of milk and the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 5: Pour the creamer into a quart-sized container with a lid and refrigerate.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of whole milk.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during simmering for a spiced flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by using less or more brown sugar, or swap it out for maple syrup or honey.
- Vanilla bean paste adds a richer vanilla note compared to extract if you want a more intense flavor.
Storage
Store the creamer in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to the sell-by date of the milk you used. Shake well before each use. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave—do not boil.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use skim or low-fat milk?
Yes, you can use skim or low-fat milk, but the creamer will be less rich and creamy compared to whole milk.
How long does homemade coffee creamer last?
It typically lasts as long as the milk you use, so check your milk’s sell-by date and consume the creamer by then for best quality and safety.
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Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 quart (4 cups) of coffee creamer 1x
Description
This Homemade Coffee Creamer recipe is a simple and delicious way to enhance your morning brew. Made from whole milk, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract, this creamer offers a rich, velvety texture with a hint of caramelized sweetness. The slow simmering process concentrates the flavors and creates a lovely golden color, making it an easy and customizable addition to your coffee routine.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk, divided (or your milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or your sweetener of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
Instructions
- Combine milk and sugar: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour 2 cups of whole milk and add the 1/2 cup dark brown sugar. Set the pan over low heat and stir gently to dissolve the sugar evenly into the milk.
- Simmer the mixture: Allow the milk and sugar mixture to slowly come to a simmer over low heat. Let it simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes without stirring, until the mixture reduces to approximately 3/4 of its original volume, around 1 1/2 cups, and develops a light golden brown color.
- Skim off the foam: During simmering, foam or film may form atop the mixture. Carefully skim off this foam with a spoon and discard it to ensure a smooth texture in the final creamer.
- Cool the milk syrup: Once reduced, remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool until it is warm to the touch. Cooling down prevents the remaining milk from curdling when added.
- Add the remaining milk and vanilla: Pour in the remaining 2 cups of whole milk along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Store the creamer: Transfer the finished coffee creamer into a quart-sized lidded container. Refrigerate it and use it within the timeframe indicated by the sell-by date of the milk used to ensure freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice such as almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the sweetness by using your preferred sweetener or by modifying the amount of brown sugar.
- Vanilla bean paste may be used instead of vanilla extract for a richer vanilla flavor.
- Do not stir the mixture during simmering to avoid crystallization and ensure proper reduction.
- Store the creamer in the refrigerator and use within 5 to 7 days or as indicated by your milk’s expiration date.
- This creamer can be warmed slightly before adding to coffee but is also delicious cold.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade coffee creamer, coffee creamer recipe, vanilla coffee creamer, brown sugar creamer, creamy coffee additive, DIY coffee creamer

