Drinks

Christmas Coffee

A warm, spiced cup of Christmas Coffee brings a cozy holiday mood in minutes. This simple drink blends hot brewed coffee with a touch of milk or cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and a little sugar. It smells like cinnamon and vanilla, tastes sweet and warming, and feels smooth on the tongue. Try it with a plate of holiday treats like these air fryer Christmas donut holes for a festive pairing.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 (1 mug each)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(approximate per serving; based on whole milk and a light whipped cream topping)

Calories per serving: 120 kcal
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 50 mg

Why Make This Christmas Coffee

Make this Christmas Coffee for quick holiday comfort. It warms you from the inside out. The vanilla and cinnamon add holiday aroma. It takes only minutes to prepare. Serve it for a morning treat, after-dinner drink, or to welcome guests. The texture is creamy and smooth. The scent of cinnamon fills the kitchen and lifts spirits.

How to Make Christmas Coffee

This recipe is straightforward. You brew coffee, heat milk with flavorings, then combine. Each step is short and uses common ingredients. Use freshly ground coffee for the best taste. Warm the cup before pouring for extra comfort.

Ingredients:

2 cups brewed coffee
1/4 cup milk or cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whipped cream (for topping)
Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Brew 2 cups of coffee using your preferred method. Use medium-strong coffee for a fuller flavor that stands up to milk and sugar. Warm your serving mugs by rinsing them with hot water.

Step 2: Mixing

In a small saucepan, pour 1/4 cup milk or cream and heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Stir gently to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 3: Cooking

Stir in 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon into the warm milk. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is evenly scented and smooth.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour the brewed coffee into mugs. Add the warm milk mixture and stir gently. Top each mug with whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve warm and enjoy your festive drink!

How to Serve Christmas Coffee

Serve in pre-warmed mugs to keep the drink hot longer. Offer extra cinnamon sticks or a dusting of ground cinnamon on the whipped cream. Pair with holiday cookies, biscotti, or the air fryer donut holes linked above for a sweet treat. Add a candy cane on the side for a peppermint twist at parties.

How to Store Christmas Coffee

Store leftover brewed coffee separately in the refrigerator for up to 24–48 hours.
Keep the warmed milk mixture in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove; do not boil.
Whipped cream should be stored covered in the fridge and used within 24 hours for best texture.
For best flavor, mix and serve freshly rather than storing combined coffee and milk for long.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Coffee

Use freshly brewed, hot coffee. Freshness boosts aroma and taste.
Heat milk gently. Do not boil; boiling changes flavor and texture.
For richer texture, use half-and-half or light cream. For lighter calories, use skim or unsweetened almond milk.
Dissolve sugar fully by stirring the warm milk until smooth. Try maple syrup or honey as natural substitutes.
Froth the milk with a handheld frother for a cafe-style finish.
Adjust cinnamon to taste; start with 1/4 tsp and add more if you like a stronger spice note.
If serving guests, make the milk mixture in a small thermos to keep it warm while brewing multiple pots.

Delicious Variations

Peppermint Christmas Coffee: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract instead of vanilla and garnish with crushed candy cane.
Orange-Spiced Coffee: Add a strip of orange zest while heating the milk for a bright citrus note.
Boozy Holiday Coffee: Stir in 1 tablespoon rum, brandy, or coffee liqueur for an adult version.
Nutmeg & Clove: Swap half the cinnamon for freshly grated nutmeg and add a pinch of ground clove.
Vegan Version: Use oat or almond milk and coconut whipped cream. Use maple syrup instead of sugar if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?
A: Yes. Use decaf brewed coffee and follow the same steps. The spice and vanilla will still give a warm holiday flavor without the caffeine.

Q: What milk works best — milk or cream?
A: Use milk for a lighter cup and cream or half-and-half for a richer, silkier texture. Cream makes the drink more indulgent.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Make the milk mixture ahead and keep it warm in a thermos. Brew coffee fresh and combine just before serving for best aroma and taste.

Q: How do I reduce sugar but keep flavor?
A: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon or use a liquid sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Vanilla and cinnamon add perceived sweetness, so you can often cut sugar with little loss in flavor.

Q: Will whipped cream melt quickly?
A: Yes, whipped cream softens on hot coffee. For longer-lasting topping, use stabilized whipped cream or dollop right before serving.

Q: Can I froth the milk without a frother?
A: Yes. Shake heated milk in a sealed jar, then remove the lid and spoon the foam onto the coffee. Or whisk vigorously until frothy.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store brewed coffee and warmed milk separately in the fridge. Use within 24–48 hours. Reheat gently and combine before serving.

Conclusion

This Christmas Coffee is quick, cozy, and full of seasonal aroma — vanilla, cinnamon, and warm coffee combine into a soothing cup that feels like a holiday hug. It’s easy to make for two or scale up for guests. If you want a ready-made gift or a festive coffee variety to try alongside your homemade cup, consider the Christmas Coffee Variety Gift Pack for extra holiday cheer. Enjoy making it, and happy sipping!