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Easy Family Recipes

Homemade Coffee Creamer

I make this homemade coffee creamer when I want something simple to keep in the refrigerator for everyday coffee. The base is straightforward: half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. It takes just a few ingredients, comes together easily on the stovetop, and keeps well for pouring into coffee throughout the week. I keep the basic vanilla creamer the same and change the flavor when I want something different. Vanilla caramel and vanilla coconut are two easy variations I make from the same base.

Stovetop, then chill1 jarJump to Recipe
Homemade coffee creamer in a Ball mason jar with a pour lid beside a mug of coffee on a wooden board.

Why I Make Coffee Creamer at Home

The ingredient list is short, it all comes together in one saucepan, and it keeps easily in the refrigerator. The same base works for a few different flavors, so it's a straightforward homemade option rather than another complicated recipe.

Ingredients

A Ball mason jar with a pour lid, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and caramel flavor on the kitchen counter.
Everything set out before warming.

How to Make Homemade Coffee Creamer

Add everything to a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sweetened condensed milk is completely incorporated and the creamer is smooth. Don't let it boil or scorch on the bottom of the pan. Remove it from the heat, let it cool slightly, then transfer it to a clean mason jar or another covered refrigerator-safe container and refrigerate until cold.

A saucepan of creamer warming on a lit gas stove while it is stirred with a pink silicone spatula.
Warming the creamer gently over low heat.

The Base Recipe

This is the basic homemade creamer formula I generally use. From there, an additional flavor extract can be added depending on the batch.

  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Simple Flavor Variations

The same vanilla creamer base works well for a couple of simple flavor variations.

  • Vanilla Caramel: Add 1 tablespoon caramel extract to the base recipe.
  • Vanilla Coconut: Add 1 tablespoon coconut extract to the base recipe.

Storage

Store the creamer in a tightly covered jar or container in the refrigerator. For best quality, use it within about 5–7 days. The ingredients can settle slightly while refrigerated, so shake the jar or stir the creamer before pouring. Discard it if it develops an off smell, unusual texture, or other signs of spoilage.

How We Use It

Pour the chilled creamer directly into hot or iced coffee to taste. Because the sweetened condensed milk makes this a rich, sweet creamer, start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. Shake or stir the jar before each use.

Homemade creamer pouring from a mason jar pour lid into a mug of coffee.
Pouring the chilled creamer into a morning cup.

Printable Recipe Card

Homemade Coffee Creamer

A simple homemade vanilla coffee creamer made with half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.

Stovetop over low heat • Refrigerate until cold

Ingredients

  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1Add half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to a saucepan.
  2. 2Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
  3. 3Continue stirring until the sweetened condensed milk is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  4. 4Do not boil or allow the mixture to scorch.
  5. 5Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  6. 6Transfer to a clean mason jar or other covered container.
  7. 7Refrigerate until cold.
  8. 8Shake or stir before using.

Storage

Keep refrigerated in a tightly covered container and use within about 5–7 days.

Notes

  • Vanilla Caramel: Add 1 tablespoon caramel extract to the base recipe.
  • Vanilla Coconut: Add 1 tablespoon coconut extract to the base recipe.

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