Imagine starting your day with a steaming cup of coffee that’s not just good but irresistibly creamy and delicious. Try this Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer and say goodbye to store-bought options that may contain artificial flavors and preservatives. In just a few easy steps, you can whip up a rich and velvety creamer that perfectly complements your morning brew.

This delightful homemade vanilla coffee creamer recipe allows you to customize flavor and sweetness to your liking, ensuring every sip is a moment of bliss. Whether you prefer it lightly sweetened or with a bold vanilla punch, your mornings are about to get a delicious upgrade.

Why I love this recipe for vanilla coffee creamer

Controlling the ingredients going into your body
Budget friendly once you have the ingredients
Customizable flavors
Freshness and quality

You may at first think its just easier to buy a better brand with less crappy stuff in it- and sure thats fine (sometimes we buy Chobani or at least look at the label) but I promise this is easy. I usually just get it started while I am putting my groceries away.

This homemade coffee creamer half and half recipe is now one of my favorites. I know some people use sweetened condensed milk- but I wanted better since I am putting this in my body every day!

homemade vanilla coffee creamer in glass jar

Benefits of Making Your Own Coffee Creamer

Okay I started wanting to do this once I saw a few things showing the ingredients in most stores bought creamers…It was gross. Lots of oils, things you can’t pronounce, etc. And most of them are considered “ultra processed foods”. I figured I can make it better and to tell you the truth, my stomach feels better in the morning.

I found the cute coffee creamer container at Target and then also use other glass bottles with lids that I save. Alternatively you can just pour it all back into the container the half & half came in after its cooled. Or they sell fun little containers with airtight lids on Amazon.

Make sure to check out my How to Cut Put Processed Foods Post, too!

Ingredients Needed for this Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer

☕ Half & Half– I like to use the large 32 oz bottle since we drink it pretty quickly. There are two of us drinking coffee every morning. This usually lasts us 2 weeks. If you grab the 16 oz. container- just cut the recipe in half.

☕ Sugar– I have found my perfect combo (for my liking) to be 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of white sugar. But either one works. It may seems like a lot at first but if you think that much divided into how many cups its going into, its not. You can always reduce the amount to your liking- but if you are coming off of store bought flavored coffee- start sweet.

☕ Vanilla extract– Here is the flavor that is easiest to start with. You can start to explore with other flavors or extracts that you like once you got it down! I like a little splash of almond sometimes, too.

How to make coffee creamer

Step 1: Combine ingredients. Add the half and half, sugars, and vanilla to a sauce pan. Turn the heat over medium hight heat. (Note: some people stir in the vanilla after it’s cooked- but I am all about shortcuts- so do what you like).

Step 2: Whisk. Whisk until combined and sugar is dissolved. Continue to whisk occasionally as the liquid heats up.

Step 3: Cook. Cook the liquid just until it is steaming and has small bubbles around the edge. Basically JUST BEFORE BOILING! It will be really foamy, just slowly warm it up so it doesn’t over flow. By the time it warms up the sugar will have had enough time to dissolve fully. And then shut it off, remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Cool & Transfer. Let the creamer cool to room temperature and then I like to use a small funnel to make less off a mess while pouring into the jars.

Pro Tip: If for some reason you have a thick layer/specks of ingredients (maybe from over cooking) just use a small strainer first if you want to ad you pour into the jars or even just skim the top of the liquid in the pot.

Flavor Variations: Beyond Vanilla

Cinnamon Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mixture.
Hazelnut or Almond: Experiment with different extracts to your liking.
Peppermint Mocha: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the basic recipe.
Salted Caramel: Add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt to the basic recipe.
Gingerbread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the basic recipe.
Pumpkin Spice: Add a little pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and some pumpkin pie spice!

Storing Your Homemade Coffee Creamer

First check on your expiration date of the half and half and go from there. As long as it’s fresh, this homemade coffee creamer recipe should be good for two weeks stored in the refrigerator. Most things I have read say best within 10 days.

Looking for more homemade ideas? Check out my:

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