DIY Vanilla Peppermint Coffee Creamer (Healthier & Cheaper Than Store-Bought!)
If you love cozy seasonal coffee drinks but don’t love the ingredient lists on store-bought creamers, this DIY vanilla peppermint coffee creamer is going to become a staple in your fridge.
I started making homemade coffee creamer last year, and after trying it, I honestly couldn’t go back. Not only does it taste far better than anything store-bought, but it’s also made with simple, real ingredients that you can actually recognize.
This vanilla peppermint version is rich, creamy, festive, and incredibly easy to make - and it doubles beautifully as a flavor boost for hot chocolate too.
Why Store-Bought Coffee Creamers Aren’t a Healthy Choice
Most commercial coffee creamers are marketed as “creamy,” “natural,” or even “dairy-free,” but when you look closely at the ingredient list, the reality is much less appealing.
Here’s why store-bought creamers fall short:
1. Highly Processed Ingredients
Many popular creamers contain:
Vegetable oils (canola, palm, soybean)
Artificial flavors
Artificial sweeteners or corn syrup solids
Thickeners like carrageenan and gums
These ingredients are designed to mimic cream, not nourish your body.
2. Inflammatory Oils Instead of Real Dairy
Instead of milk or cream, many creamers rely on refined seed oils. These oils are:
Highly processed
Easily oxidized
Linked to inflammation when consumed regularly
This can contribute to digestive issues, bloating, and overall inflammation — especially when consumed daily.
3. Blood Sugar Spikes
Even “flavored” or “light” creamers often contain:
Added sugars
Corn syrup solids
Artificial sweeteners that still disrupt insulin response
That morning cup of coffee can quickly turn into a blood sugar rollercoaster, leading to mid-morning crashes and cravings.
4. Artificial Flavors & Preservatives
Peppermint, vanilla, hazelnut — these flavors are rarely coming from the real thing. Artificial flavoring can:
Irritate sensitive digestive systems
Trigger headaches for some people
Add unnecessary chemical exposure to a daily habit
Why This DIY Vanilla Peppermint Coffee Creamer Is Better
This homemade version keeps things simple, real, and satisfying.
Real Ingredients You Can Trust
This creamer uses:
Sweetened condensed milk
Whole, full-fat milk
Pure vanilla extract
Peppermint extract
No fillers. No stabilizers. No mystery ingredients.
Better Taste (By a Long Shot)
Because it’s made with real dairy and real extracts, the flavor is:
Rich and creamy
Naturally sweet
Perfectly balanced between vanilla and peppermint
You can also customize it easily — more peppermint, more vanilla, or even a lighter version if you prefer.
More Satiating
Full-fat dairy helps:
Keep you fuller longer
Reduce sugar cravings
Create a smoother energy curve in the morning
Instead of needing multiple cups of coffee, many people find one cup is actually satisfying.
Budget-Friendly
One batch costs significantly less than buying multiple bottles of seasonal creamer - and you avoid paying for marketing, packaging, and preservatives.
Multi-Purpose
This isn’t just for coffee. It’s amazing in hot chocolate, and my son absolutely loves adding a splash to his mug. It gives hot cocoa a cozy peppermint-vanilla twist without artificial syrups.
DIY Vanilla Peppermint Coffee Creamer Recipe
Ingredients
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups whole, full-fat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
(Feel free to adjust — more vanilla for warmth, more peppermint for extra holiday flavor.)
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Shake very well until fully combined.
Store in the refrigerator.
Shake before each use and add to coffee or hot chocolate as desired.
How Long Does Homemade Coffee Creamer Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this creamer will last about 7–10 days. Because it’s made with real dairy and no preservatives, freshness matters - but the flavor is so good it rarely lasts that long anyway.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who drinks coffee daily, your creamer choice matters more than you might think. Swapping out store-bought creamers for a homemade option like this vanilla peppermint coffee creamer means:
Fewer processed ingredients
Better digestion
More stable energy
Better taste
And a cozy seasonal ritual you’ll actually look forward to
Simple swaps like this add up, and this one feels like a treat, not a sacrifice.
If you try it, don’t be surprised if you never go back to store-bought again. ☕✨ You can watch me whip up a batch of this DIY vanilla peppermint coffee creamer in this Christmas homemaking video:
