Homemade Coffee Creamer (VIDEO)
Once you try homemade Coffee Creamer you won’t want storebought again. This recipe is easy with just 3 ingredients and you will feel good knowing exactly what went into your creamer (without a paragraph of ingredients you don’t recognize). Homemade creamer also keeps well in the refrigerator.
We love homemade condiments from Balsamic Glaze to Caramel Sauce. They are often tastier and fresher than store-bought. If you are a coffee lover this Coffee Creamer Recipe is a must-try!
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Coffee Creamer Video Tutorial
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Why you should make your own creamer
The beauty of making your own coffee creamer is you know exactly what went into it and how fresh your ingredients are.
- Additives – Store-bought coffee creamers tend to have long lists of ingredients, and often contain preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors that are not familiar. This homemade creamer has just 3 ingredients and you likely already have them on hand.
- Sweetened just right – homemade creamer is not overly sweet like storebought creamers tend to be and you can even add the condensed milk to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
- Delicious – sweetened condensed milk and real vanilla extract taste amazing with coffee. Adding half and half will produce a silky smooth and balanced cup of coffee.
Ingredients for Vanilla Coffee Creamer
You’ll have this combination memorized from the first time you make it. Just remember that it’s equal parts of the first two ingredients. Easy!
- Half and Half – just the right amount of creaminess for a cup of coffee without creating an oily film. Half and half is essentially equal parts of milk and heavy cream so you can make your own half and half if you want to.
- Sweetened condensed milk – use a standard 14 oz jar. It adds a milky sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – this is optional, but definitely adds a nice layer of flavor to make it vanilla coffee creamer. Homemade vanilla extract is great but a storebought real vanilla extract will work here.
Pro Tip: For a lower-calorie creamer, you can substitute the half and half with milk.
How to Make Coffee Creamer
- Combine half and half, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to a quart-sized (32 oz) mason jar.
- Cover and shake – screw the lid on tightly and shake the creamer until well combined (you can also whisk it up).
- Store – keep the creamer covered and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Common Questions
It depends. If you are using all organic and great quality ingredients, it may cost you more, but you will ultimately have higher quality creamer.
You can use anything from low-fat milk up to heavy cream if you want a very rich creamer. You could also use almond milk if you prefer.
You can add different flavors and the easiest way to do that is to use a different extract such as Almond Extract, Hazelnut Extract, or even pumpkin spice extract.
Storing Coffee Creamer
- To Refrigerate: Keep in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks or until the “sell by” date on your half and half, so use a fresh container. Also, as with all dairy products, store the jar on the bottom shelf in the back of your refrigerator where your refrigerator is the coldest. Do not store on the door.
- Freezing: Dairy doesn’t freeze well and it is not recommended to freeze this coffee creamer.
Homemade creamer is easy and will elevate your morning coffee. Have you tried any variations on homemade coffee creamer? Let me know in the comments below.
More Homemade Condiments
If you love this coffee creamer recipe, then you won’t want to miss these homemade condiments.
Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups Half and half, or equal parts milk and heavy cream
- 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk, or add to taste
- 1 Tbsp real vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Add the ingredients to a quart-sized mason jar, cover with the lid and shake up (or you can whisk together until combined).
-
Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator (or until the ‘sell by’ date on your half and half or milk carton)
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
I have used a homemade recipe that called for heating the ingredients to just under a boil. I quit making it because it was too fussy with having to watch it constantly, dirtying a pan plus several utensils, and then having to wait forever for it to cool. I love this recipe that is much easier to make, can be used immediately, without getting everything in the kitchen sticky. I will be making it all the time now. Thanks so much!
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you found this recipe. 🙂
I ran out of creamer and didn’t want to run to the store, so I tried this recipe. I left some unflavored but added hazelnut syrup to some and vanilla extract to some. They’re all three surprisingly delicious. I use milk and put it in my aeroccino then add it to a Nespresso double espresso pod.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lee! It’s a great alternative, especially when you run out!
I made this and I’ll never go back to store bought. I heated the condensed milk up with cinnamon sticks first and let it cool down, then grated a little fresh nutmeg to the jar too. It’s amazing. Thanks for the recipe, Slava Ukraine!
That sounds amazing! I’m so glad you loved it. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my 🤩 I added a tablespoon of cinnamon. This is so decadent.
Sounds delicious! 🙂
I am partial to French vanilla flavor. How would I make this French vanilla? I do not know what makes French vanilla versus regular vanilla. If someone can guide me I’d be very appreciative
You could see if there is a french vanilla extract or custard extract/flavor you could replace the regular vanilla with.
Do you ever make the condensed milk from scratch? I’m trying to eliminate processed foods.
Hi Alicia, I have not tried, but it sounds like a good experiment.
Can you use whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla
Yes, you can use any milk you’d like. 🙂
Holy Moly! I’ve tried other homemade creamers but this one is, by far, the best! I am hooooooked!
That’s wonderful, Mandy! So glad you enjoyed this recipe.
You’re right. Much better than store bought! If you like cinnamon, try adding a tablespoon of cinnamon to the recipe.
I have not tested cinnamon but this recipe is very versatile and you can make some great flavor combinations. I’m glad that worked out well!
I washed out a creamer container and use that instead of a jar. Pouring is less messy. I also pour the sweetened condensed milk in a glass measuring cup and microwave for 1 minute. It mixes with the other ingredients much easier. I love this creamer.
Hi Sue! Thank you for the feedback. So glad you enjoy this recipe. 🙂
I love this creamer recipe. I used your Vanilla Extract recipe I made back in February 2022. Turned out great! The vanilla flavor really shines. Used 2 tablespoons vanilla, because I love vanilla! Thanks
Yay, lovely to hear that! Thank you for sharing that with us, Ronnie.
Sorry if I missed something. What is the serving size? I didn’t see it on the Nutrition Facts label.
Hi Meredith. It’s at the top of the recipe card, 52 servings (about 1 Tbsp per serving).
Hi Natasha,
I would like to make Irish creamer and I was wondering if you have the recipe! My husband loves the vanilla coffee creamer! I love all your recipes!! Thank you!
Hi Pat, I don’t have a recipe for Irish creamer but thanks for the suggestion!
Soooo good!
Never going back to store bought creamer again!
It’s got the perfect flavor, the perfect color and the perfect mouth feel, for a delicious cup of coffee!
Wonderful to hear, Patty! Thank you for the feedback. So glad you loved this recipe.
I haven’t tried this yet, but I am going to make it next week. Any suggestions on using cinnamon-sugar?
Hi Jay, I have not tested cinnamon sugar. This recipe is very versatile and you can make some great flavor combinations. I would love to know how it turns out if you try it. I would try to use a cinnamon flavor/extract rather than cinnamon spice. Cinnamon spice does not mix very well.
Oh My Gosh!!! That was delicious…. I altered and used Watkins Chai extract…. it was to die for 🤤🤤🤤🤤… oh the possibilities…. Thank you Natasha
That’s wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Eva-Marie. It is so versatile, so many flavors can be made using the base of this recipe.
WONDERFUL! YUMMEEE!! DELICIOUS!!! You have to make this. I did not use any flavoring. I am not a sugar I’m my coffee person, but this was pleasantly sweet, not too much. Will try whole milk next time. The condensed milk is so rich I may save a bit of $$ not using half and half.
That’s a great idea, Anne! So glad you enjoyed this recipe. Let us know which way you like it better. 🙂
I made this creamer this morning and its delicious. But my husband wants to make it a little more sweeter, can I add more sweetened condense milk or should I add brown sugar?
Hi May! Yes, either of those options would be fine.
I’ve been making this since I first saw your video about it. My husband loves it too! He suggested 2 Tablespoons of vanilla extract and I foam mine every morning. Fat free doesn’t foam well so I don’t like to use it. I do like the idea of sweetened condensed coconut milk that someone suggested.
We are always trying your recipes and love your videos. You’ve never steered us wrong! Keep up the wonderful videos!
Thank you for your feedback, Lynn. So glad you enjoy my recipes.
I made creme brulee coffee creamer with one can of evaporated milk half a cup of light brown sugar that was packed one and a half cups of milk tea two teaspoons of vanilla extract taste better than the store-bought brand which I haven’t been able to find in the past month.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Robert! That’s so great!
What is 1 1/2 cups milk tea. I want to try your recipe. Thank you.
I know my non dairy Starbucks coffee creamer has not ideal things in it, and the non dairy’s always seem to have baking soda that I can taste.
I made this with 1 1/3 cup cashew milk, one can of sweetened condensed coconut milk (11oz) and still used 1 Tbsp vanilla extract. Very good! Thank you for the recipe guidance!
Hi Teresa! Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I’m sure some of our other readers will find this very helpful.
I made this this morning, since I ran out of store bought, I’m HOOKED! ill be making my own from now on lol Thank you Natasha!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Rebecca!
I am a label reader. The stuff in coffee creamer…and I just kept on buying it for my husband…
Thanks Natasha! This is so much better!!! Taste and ingredients!
Now how do I get him to clean the sticky drops up off the counter bedore I notice them? lol
You’re welcome, Jenny! 🙂
YUM! Made it this morning but used unsweetened almond milk. Delicious! Not going back to store bought creamer 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Cameron! I’m so happy you enjoyed that.
Can you help explain what the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are in the nutrition label? Thank you!!
Hi Haley, here is a great article that explains it. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-monounsaturated-fats
How can I make this sugar free?
I love all you recipes.
I’m making you Chicken Enchiladas tonight!
Hi Barbara, I think you could add your favorite sweetener to taste. I haven’t tested any since I don’t use artificial sweeteners in my cooking but I think there is room to experiment.
Can I use evaporated milk and cream in place of half and half?
I’m not sure if that will work but I recommend using half whipping cream and half whole milk as a substitute for half and half.
I love this creamer so much, my hips don’t lie! I look forward to making my coffee every morning because I know my special creamer awaits! I ran out of 1/2-n-1/2 the other day and decided to just use my 2% milk only and it still tastes delicious. Thanks again Natasha!
That’s great! I’m happy it worked out well. Thank you for sharing.
So good and easy. Thanks for sharing your recipes with us Natasha.
You’re very welcome, Cathy!
I will be trying this. As another reviewer said, I am also uneasy when I see all the additives in the brand name product. Also the price in my grocery store has skyrocketed.
The nutrition label shown doesn’t indicate the serving size-1 Tablespoon, 2 Tablespoons?? Please provide!
Hi Carole, The serving size can be found at the beginning of the print-friendly recipe card (located at the bottom of the recipe post). The nutrition label shows counts “per serving.” This recipe makes 52 servings (about 1 Tbsp per serving) Hope that helps!
This really is a simple and fantastic recipe. It is a great way to control the ingredients that go in your body. It also works wonderfully over fresh berries. Thank you, sweet Natasha, for another outstanding recipe! Wishing you and your family well…
Thank you for sharing that awesome feedback with us, Linda!
This is so easy to make and tastes great! Even my picky creamer snob hubby likes it!!! Drinking it in my coffee right now.
That is the best when kids love what we moms make, especially the picky ones. That’s so great!
Personally I’d say add more half & half & slightly less sweetened condensed milk. It’s very thick & creamy for sure.
I love making my own coffee creamer. I used unsweetened almond milk because I don’t do well with dairy! Thank you Natasha I love your recipes
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Melani!
I can’t use dairy…but have almond milk.what did you use for the evaporated milk?
Hi Gracie, that should work! Here’s what one of my readers wrote: ” I love making my own coffee creamer. I used unsweetened almond milk because I don’t do well with dairy! Thank you Natasha I love your recipes” I hope this helps!
Hi Natasha,
We don’t have half and half milk in my country. Is it equal quantities (about 200ml) of milk and cream?
Yes, tt’s about 414ml total equal parts milk and heavy cream.
Turned out so good! I used whole milk since I didn’t have half and half on hand and it turned out great!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Dina!
Would like to try this healthier version. Can I use evaporated milk? Love your recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Gemma, I haven’t tested that to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how you liked that version.
Finally a “clean” coffee creamer!! It’s so simple, and so good!! I’ve experimented with making my own flavored syrups and such, but nothing was ever what I wanted to drink everyday.
I love love love all your recipes I’ve tried (sweet and savory) and trust you to always come through with the best! Thank you!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review, Melanie!
Could you make this with fat-free 1/2 &1/2? Trying to shave off calories.
Thanks!
Hello Diana, I haven’t experimented on that to advise. If you give that a try, please share with us how it goes.
Peppermint extract sounds great! How do I do Peppermint Mocha? Unsweetened cocoa powder?
Hi Lori, there are so many different flavor extracts you can try. I know you will find peppermint. It might be tough to find a chocolate extract however, you can maybe just use a real mocha/chocolate sauce. I have not tested this but it may give you what you are looking for. Let us know how it works out if you try it. 🙂
In the past I have found chocolate extract in the stores, so I will be looking for it again 🙂
NOT recipe related…….
Praying your families are not in harms way because of Putin’s aggression. Bless you all.
Thank you for your prayers and for thinking of us, Carol.
Thank you for this recipe. I used lactose-free sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened almond milk and real vanilla extract. PERFECTO!
You’re welcome, Jacqueline. Good to know that you enjoyed it!
I didnt even know there was a lactose free sweetened condensed milk…thank you! That right there could possible be a huge games changer for me! Eeeks 😁💝
I wasn’t aware there was a lactose free sweetened condensed milk!!! You just made my day. I been searching for a alternative to the coffee creamers without all the additives!
Will you don’t mind give me a recipe how to make peppermint creamer? I am addict peppermint creamer.
Hi Debra, I bet this would work great with peppermint extract! I hope you love it!
This sounds delicious! How do I turn it into a scrumptious caramel coffee creamer?
Hi Virginia, I bet adding caramel or caramel syrup would work great!
This is delish! Love your recipes. The Foccacia is fabulous!
Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful feedback with me, Helen!
You got me chugging down my hot coffee with this creamer! I just made it, and it is wonderful. Wow! I wonder if you could substitute the vanilla for almond extract?
Hi Rebecca! You sure can! I hope you love this recipe!
Just made your coffee creamer and its great! For my taste it was a little sweet, but just added more 1/2 & 1/2. I used to cringe when reading the labels of store bought creamers, so its wonderful to have this alternative. Thanks so much Natasha!!!
Happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing.
Another added benefit to making your own creamer is reducing plastic waste. I hate to think of the plastic creamer bottles in the landfill.
A great benefit! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Hi! I’m living in the Philippines right now and I haven’t come across real vanilla extract (or vanilla beans to make my own). Is it ok to use imitation vanilla extract?
I make your recipes often and my kids love your videos, and doing taste tests!
Thank you!
Hi Joe! Yes, that would be fine. You’ll have to experiment with the vanilla to find one that tastes good. I have used some extracts that are very bitter.
I made this for my wife’s coffee this morning and she loved it!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Patrick!
Love your post!
Can you share the coffee that you drink?
Thank you!
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte, we buy our organic SanFrancisco brand beans at Costco.
Would you by chance have a recipe for Italian Sweet Cream?? Thanks in advance. I love your recipes ❤❤❤
Hi Pat, thank you for your suggestion. I’ll make sure to share it if I find a great recipe!
How to make it sugar free? Not using the sweetens condense milk.
Hi Jen, I haven’t tested this with sugar-free alternatives but you might just sweeten the half and half with artificial sweetener. I haven’t tested anything to advise though.
ooh that is my fav creamer.. the only one i use.if you get the recipe will u share it,,
I’ve made a couple of your recipes. Like your sliders, and nacho packets. both were very good. Thanks a bunch.
You’re welcome, Brian. Good to hear that you’ve enjoying the recipes!
As a Diabetic I cannot use the sweetened condensed milk because it has too many carbs. Is there a anything you can think of to use as a replacement that is more carb friendly?
Hi there, I wish I could help but I haven’t tried any other healthier substitution to advise. You can check out the comments section if others have tried and shared that.
how about making your own sweetened condensed milk with stevia and another milk substitute like oat milk or coconut milk? https://addapinch.com/homemade-sweetened-condensed-milk-recipe/
My husband is diabetic and I use Erythritol and Monkfruit drops. Hubby doesn’t want to taste the monk fruit in it, so I put only 30 drops in a big batch (30 or so ounces of cream or half and half) but Erythritol is less sweet than sugar, so you need more than if using sugar. (Since hubby doesn’t use a lot of the creamer at a time, I use a bit more Erythritol…1.5-2 cups for a 32 Oz container of the 1/2 & 1/2 or Heavy Cream). It is the only sugar alcohol we will use because it tastes the most similar and is (supposedly), the least bad for you. I heat the half and half or heavy cream on the stove on low or medium low heat with the Erythritol to help dissolve it more easily. You can use heavy cream since it’s almost carb-free. You can reduce or condense milk by heating slowly on the stove to evaporate the water, but I would just use the heavy cream since it is carb-friendly. If it isn’t thick enough for you, I have heard of people using a small amount of tapioca starch (thinned with your dairy product before mixing in). However, I don’t know what the carbs are off-hand for tapioca starch
I do not use store-bought creamer or sugar in my coffee because it’s too sweet for my taste. Your ideas?
Change out the vanilla extract for hazelnut extract. Makes great Hazelnut Creamer!
Yum! I bet that made the best hazelnut coffee!
I just have to try this. My son continuously looks for a butterscotch creamer and can never find one. Now we can just make one!! This is fantastic!!
I’m so glad you discovered my recipe! I hope you love it!
My husband and I go through a lot of creamer so I’m happy to get this recipe to try. Thank you.
I hope you love this recipe, Wendy!
What is the serving size for the 36 Calories? Is it by the Tablespoon?
Hi Vel, The serving size can be found at the beginning of the print-friendly recipe card (located at the bottom of the recipe post). The nutrition label shows counts “per serving.” Hope that helps!
I have to say, “you are the best
Natasha”thank you for being here for us all. ❤️
Aww, thank you, Margaret! You’re the best for stopping by my blog!
Okay seriously😍 this looks and sounds amazing. You can’t go wrong with zhyschonka! Thanks for the recipe! Love your website
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Diana!
Thank you for the coffee creamer recipe can you show us how to make a non- dairy coffee creamer
You’re welcome! I appreciate that suggestion!
Thank you for sharing the coffee creamer recipe. I sometimes just use condensed milk in the coffee. I’m going to try your recipe. It is cheaper to make your own and you don’t have to worry about additives. I always enjoy receiving your emails.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, Chris! Thank you for your wonderful feedback!
Hi Natasha
Thanks for the coffee creamer recipe, looks delicious! BTW where did you get the beautiful glass insulated mugs? I would like to purchase some. Thanks!
Karen
I”m happy you enjoyed this recipe! The mugs are beautiful, we love them. Here is the link for the COFFEE GLASS MUGS.
This is awesome! Store bought coffee creamers are so often full of artificial ingredients and unnecessary additives. Love having a recipe on hand that I can modify to my tastes and I know exactly what’s in it! Thanks!!
The perfect recipe to keep on hand! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Great idea! I live alone so will make half at a time to make sure the Half and Half stays good. Thanks
I hope you love it, Laine!
I ran out of creamer this morning, but thankfully had all the ingredients for this! It was fantastic! Never going back to store bought.
I’m so glad that worked out, April!
I will never buy store bought creamer again! We love this so much.
Isn’t it the best! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
can you add flavors into the coffee creamer? like chocolate, ameretto, etc…
Hi Shelley, I bet you could! If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
Can’t wait to try this! Any suggestions on how to make Peppermint Mocha creamer? My favorite but they don’t make it this season.
Hi May, there are so many different flavor extracts you can try. I know you will find peppermint. It might be tough to find a chocolate extract however, you can maybe just use a real mocha/chocolate sauce. I have not tested this but it may give you what you are looking for. Let us know how it works out if you try it. 🙂
you can make chocolate extract by adding vodka to cacao beans crushed shake everyday for 1 month and its done leave in dark place, hope that helps
Hi Deborah, thank you for sharing that with us!
Hi Amy,
I would try a little squirt of chocolate syrup then melt a small candy cane in your coffee. I know both would add extra calories & sugar but I melt a candy cane in my tea and cocoa all the time. To cut down on added calories, stir cocoa powder in hot water till smooth then add to coffee, and use the peppermint extract. Also caramel syrup in coffee is wonderful.
Take care!
You can check online for chocolate baking extract, or you can even make your own. If you don’t care as much about it being natural, you can also look for flavored oils that are used in baking, candy making, etc.