7 Homemade Christmas Coffee Creamer Recipes for the Holidays

Most homemade coffee creamers begin with just a few simple ingredients.

For these recipes, you’ll use different combinations of:

• Half-and-half
• Milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate
• Peppermint extract
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg

You’ll also need a small saucepan, whisk and a jar or other covered container for storing your finished creamer.

Chocolate and peppermint are one of the classic flavor combinations of the Christmas season. This homemade peppermint mocha creamer adds both to an ordinary cup of coffee in seconds.

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Add the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder to a small saucepan.
2. Warm over low to medium-low heat, whisking until the cocoa is completely incorporated.
3. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
5. Let cool, then pour into a covered jar and refrigerate.

Tip: Peppermint extract is strong, so start with 1/4 teaspoon. Taste the creamer once it has cooled before adding more.

Warm ginger, cinnamon and molasses give this creamer that familiar gingerbread flavor without requiring a bottled flavored syrup.

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Small pinch ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, molasses, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a small saucepan.
2. Warm gently over low heat while whisking until smooth.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Cool completely before transferring to a jar and refrigerating.

Make it your own: If you love a stronger gingerbread flavor, add another small pinch of ginger after tasting.

This sweet vanilla-and-almond creamer is inspired by one of the simplest Christmas traditions: a plate of sugar cookies beside a warm drink.

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt

1. Add the half-and-half and sweetened condensed milk to a small saucepan.
2. Warm gently over low heat until blended.
3. Remove from the heat.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract and a small pinch of salt.
5. Cool before storing in a covered jar in the refrigerator.

Important: Almond extract can quickly overpower the other flavors. Use only a very small amount.

Brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla give this creamer the cozy flavor of a cinnamon roll without needing any specialty ingredients.

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine the half-and-half, milk, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small saucepan.
2. Warm over low to medium-low heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Let cool completely before refrigerating.

Tip: Cinnamon may settle slightly while the creamer sits. Shake the jar gently before using.

If you already love eggnog in your coffee, this may be the easiest Christmas creamer of all.

• 1 cup eggnog
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of cinnamon, optional

1. Combine the eggnog and half-and-half in a jar or pitcher.
2. Stir in the vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon if using.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Easy idea: Sprinkle a little nutmeg over the top of your coffee after adding the creamer.

This simple Christmas spice creamer is warm and cozy without being overly sweet. Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger add holiday flavor while vanilla keeps everything smooth and familiar.

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Small pinch nutmeg
• Small pinch ground ginger

1. Add the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to a small saucepan.
2. Warm gently while whisking until combined.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Cool before transferring to a covered jar and refrigerating.

Tip: Start lightly with the nutmeg and ginger. You can always add another pinch, but these spices can become strong quickly.

For a sweeter twist on traditional peppermint mocha, this creamy white chocolate version is especially festive.

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Add the half-and-half, milk and white chocolate chips to a small saucepan.
2. Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from the heat.
4. Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
5. Cool completely before transferring to a covered jar and refrigerating.

Tip: If you prefer a less-sweet creamer, reduce the white chocolate slightly and add a little more half-and-half.

Start with about 2 tablespoons of creamer for an 8-ounce cup of coffee, then add more if you prefer a sweeter or creamier drink.

You can use these creamers in:

• Hot brewed coffee
• Iced coffee
• Cold brew
• Americano-style drinks
• Hot chocolate

You can also set out one or two homemade creamers when you’re serving coffee to family or friends during the Christmas season.

Because homemade coffee creamer contains dairy and does not contain the preservatives found in many store-bought creamers, it should always be kept refrigerated in a clean, covered container.

For best quality, I recommend making smaller batches and using them within several days. Always follow the expiration dates of the dairy ingredients you use, and discard the creamer if its smell, texture or appearance changes.

Shake or stir homemade creamer before using, since some of the spices and flavorings may settle while it sits.

Some of the most familiar Christmas coffee flavors include peppermint, chocolate, gingerbread, cinnamon, vanilla, eggnog and warm baking spices.

If you prefer something rich and dessert-like, start with peppermint mocha or white chocolate peppermint.

If you like warm spice flavors, gingerbread, cinnamon roll or Christmas spice creamer may be a better choice.

And if you want something simple that works with almost any coffee, sugar cookie creamer is an easy place to start.

You don’t have to make a complicated specialty drink every morning to enjoy Christmas coffee flavors.

A spoonful or two of homemade gingerbread, peppermint mocha or sugar cookie creamer can turn the coffee you already make into something that feels just a little more festive.

And because many of these recipes use the same ingredients, you can try several flavors throughout the season without filling your kitchen with specialty coffee syrups.

If you’re in the mood for something beyond your everyday cup of coffee, try these 12 Easy Christmas Coffee Drinks You Can Make at Home.

You’ll find peppermint mocha, gingerbread latte, eggnog latte, caramel coffee, Christmas spice coffee and more festive drinks you can make right in your own kitchen.

Homemade coffee creamer is also an easy addition to a Christmas coffee bar. Set out one or two flavors alongside regular milk or cream and let everyone customize their own cup.

For more ideas, visit How to Host a Christmas Coffee Bar.

Yes. Most homemade Christmas coffee creamers can be made with milk or half-and-half, a sweetener and familiar holiday flavorings such as peppermint, vanilla, cinnamon, gingerbread spices or chocolate.

Peppermint mocha, gingerbread, sugar cookie, cinnamon, eggnog, vanilla spice and white chocolate peppermint are all festive flavors that work well in Christmas coffee.

Yes. Reduce the sweetened condensed milk, sugar or syrup in the recipe and adjust it to your taste. Remember that the creamer will be diluted once it is added to coffee.

Yes. Homemade dairy-based coffee creamers should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Absolutely. These creamers can be added to iced coffee or cold brew as well as hot coffee. Shake the creamer first if any spices have settled.

Some Christmas traditions require planning. This one doesn’t.

A jar of homemade Christmas coffee creamer waiting in the refrigerator can make an ordinary weekday morning feel a little more like the season.

Whether your favorite is peppermint mocha, gingerbread, sugar cookie or something filled with cinnamon and spice, sometimes a small change to something you already enjoy is all it takes to make Christmas feel just a little closer.