A Cozy Holiday Favorite You Can Enjoy Year-Round

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, festive cup of coffee, especially when it’s flavored with rich chocolate, bold espresso, and cool peppermint. Enter: Homemade Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer—a luxurious, easy-to-make blend that transforms your daily brew into a coffeehouse-quality experience. Whether it’s the peak of winter or you’re just craving a bit of holiday magic in July, this recipe is your ticket to indulgence.

Perfect for anyone who loves seasonal coffeehouse drinks but wants to avoid the long lines, high prices, or artificial ingredients often found in store-bought creamers, this DIY version is rich, velvety, and bursting with real peppermint and mocha flavor. Plus, it’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients and can be whipped up in under 20 minutes.

Let’s dive into this decadent creamer and discover how you can elevate your morning coffee routine!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer

This recipe is designed for:

Holiday coffee lovers who crave a seasonal sip year-round
Home baristas who want more control over ingredients and flavor
Busy professionals and parents looking to make mornings feel a bit more magical
DIYers and foodies who enjoy creating kitchen staples from scratch

With just six main ingredients and one saucepan, this creamer delivers the nostalgic flavor of peppermint bark, the boldness of espresso, and the creaminess of your favorite café drink—all without any preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into your homemade peppermint mocha magic:

1 ¾ cups half and half – For that rich, creamy base
14 oz sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and thickness
12 peppermint candies – Infuses the creamer with that iconic minty flavor
½ teaspoon peppermint extract – Enhances the freshness of the peppermint
1 tablespoon espresso powder – Gives a deep, roasted coffee essence
½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder – For a subtle chocolatey backdrop

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools to make this recipe, just a few basic kitchen essentials:

Small saucepan
Whisk
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Measuring cups and spoons
Airtight container or mason jar for storage

How to Make Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the half and half, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint candies, peppermint extract, espresso powder, and cocoa powder.
Heat and stir: Stir frequently to ensure the mixture doesn’t scorch. The peppermint candies will take about 10–15 minutes to fully dissolve.
Strain: Once everything is combined and smooth, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any graininess from the candies or cocoa powder.
Cool and store: Let the creamer cool slightly, then pour it into a mason jar or other airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Homemade Creamer

Use crushed peppermint candies: To speed up the melting process, crush your peppermint candies before adding them to the saucepan.
Don’t overheat: Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent curdling or scorching the dairy.
Make it dairy-free: Swap the half and half for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use coconut sweetened condensed milk for a plant-based version.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet creamer, use only half the can of sweetened condensed milk and replace the rest with plain milk or cream.
Boost the mocha: Add an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.

Flavor Variations

Want to switch it up? Here are a few fun twists:

Vanilla Mocha: Replace peppermint extract with vanilla extract.
Spiced Mocha: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Mexican mocha vibe.
Salted Peppermint Mocha: Stir in a pinch of sea salt to contrast the sweetness.
White Chocolate Peppermint: Substitute the cocoa powder with white chocolate chips and melt them into the mixture.

How to Store Leftover Creamer

Store your peppermint mocha creamer in a sealed glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 7 days. Always give it a good shake before using, as natural separation may occur.

If you’d like to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and freeze individual portions in silicone ice cube trays. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to use.

What to Pair with Peppermint Mocha Creamer

This creamer is a flavor powerhouse, so it shines best in a simple cup of hot coffee, cold brew, or espresso. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with:

Chocolate chip muffins
Almond biscotti
Pancakes or waffles (yes, drizzle it over for a mocha-maple twist!)
Hot cocoa – for a minty mocha double whammy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peppermint syrup instead of peppermint extract and candies?

Yes, but it will change the flavor slightly and may add more sugar. If you go this route, skip the candies and use 1–2 tablespoons of syrup to taste.

Is this creamer gluten-free?

Yes! All the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your peppermint candies and condensed milk labels to confirm.

Can I use this in iced coffee?

Absolutely! It’s delicious stirred into iced coffee or cold brew. Try adding a few cubes of frozen creamer for a rich chill.

How long does it last?

The creamer keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.

Can I make this sugar-free?

You can experiment with sugar-free sweetened condensed milk and sugar-free peppermint candies, though the flavor and consistency may vary.

A Final Sip of Peppermint Bliss

This Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer is the kind of indulgence that turns your average cup of joe into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re sipping by a holiday fire or perking up your Monday morning, this creamer delivers all the cozy, festive feels with none of the artificial extras.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Don’t forget to share it with your fellow coffee lovers and subscribe to the blog for more homemade kitchen staples, gourmet recipes, and cozy seasonal treats delivered straight to your inbox.

Happy sipping, and cheers to coffee moments that feel like a hug in a mug! ☕💚