11 Easy Holiday Coffee Recipes You Can Make At Home

Q: What is a Christmas coffee?

A 'Christmas coffee' typically refers to a coffee drink featuring flavors and aromas associated with the holiday season. Common flavor profiles include peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, cranberry, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It can also refer to special 'Holiday Blend' coffee beans, which often feature notes of spiced chocolate or spruce.

Q: What is in a Christmas blend coffee?

A Christmas or Holiday Blend coffee varies by roaster but often includes a mix of beans from different regions to create a rich, complex flavor. For example, some blends feature aged Sumatran beans for earthy notes, combined with beans from Latin America for brightness and notes of spiced chocolate, creating a robust flavor profile that pairs well with holiday foods.

Tired of Overpriced Holiday Coffee Shop Drinks?

Are you tired of shelling out for festive drinks that seem to get more expensive every year? The long lines, the crowded cafes, and the feeling that you could probably make something just as delicious at home—it’s a familiar holiday frustration. You crave that warm, cozy, festive feeling in a mug, but the cost and hassle just don’t feel worth it. You want to bring that special holiday magic into your own kitchen, creating moments of warmth and connection with family and friends without breaking the bank.

Making delicious holiday coffee at home is easier than you think. This guide provides 11 simple recipes, from a classic Peppermint Mocha to a unique Rosemary Latte, designed for any home barista. You can save money, impress your guests, and fill your home with the incredible aromas of the season. Forget the coffee shop rush; your perfect festive brew is just a few simple steps away.

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11 Easy Holiday Coffee Recipes You Can Make At Home (2025 Guide)

Discovering your perfect holiday coffee is a festive journey for your taste buds. Our top holiday coffee recipes include: 1. Pumpkin Caramel Latte, 2. Pecan Pie Latte, 3. Peppermint Mocha, 4. Gingerbread Latte, 5. Eggnog Latte, 6. Toasted White Mocha, and 7. Holiday Spiced Coffee. This list offers a wonderful variety, from hot and cozy lattes perfect for a snowy morning to refreshing iced options for a milder winter day. Whether you have a fancy espresso machine or a classic coffee pot, these recipes are designed with clear, step-by-step instructions to help you craft the perfect cup of holiday cheer right in your own kitchen. Get ready to be inspired and start brewing!

1. Creamy Pumpkin Caramel Latte

Call to Action (CTA): Pin this cozy pumpkin latte for the perfect autumn morning!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee, strong
- 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 2 shots of espresso
- Ice (for cold version)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, simmer the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, brewed coffee, and sugar to create a pumpkin sauce.
2. Drizzle caramel sauce along the inside walls of your mug.
3. For a cold latte, add ice to the mug.
4. Pour in the pumpkin sauce, followed by the milk.
5. Top with two shots of fresh espresso. For this step, a quality home espresso machine makes all the difference. Stir and enjoy!
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: Make a larger batch of the pumpkin sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for quick and easy lattes.

2. Southern-Style Pecan Pie Latte

Call to Action (CTA): Save this dessert-in-a-mug recipe for a sweet treat!
Ingredients:
- For Syrup: 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp pecan butter, 2 tbsp sugar.
- For Drink: 8 oz brewed coffee, 1/4 cup pecan pie syrup, frothed milk, whipped cream.
Instructions:
1. Make the syrup: In a saucepan, heat butter, maple syrup, vanilla, pecan butter, and sugar over medium heat until combined and smooth. Do not boil.
2. Rim your mug with a bit of the syrup for an extra treat.
3. Pour the brewed coffee into the mug and stir in 1/4 cup of the pecan pie syrup.
4. Top with frothed milk. A handheld milk frother is perfect for creating that coffee-shop foam at home.
5. Finish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pecans.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: The pecan pie syrup can also be drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a multi-purpose holiday treat.

3. Crisp Apple Cinnamon Latte

Call to Action (CTA): Pin this unique apple latte recipe for a taste of fall!
Ingredients:
- For Apple Base: 1 cup apple juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 5-6 whole cloves, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp apple pie seasoning.
- For Drink: 8 oz brewed coffee, 1/2 cup apple base, frothed milk, caramel sauce for rim.
Instructions:
1. Make the apple base: In a saucepan, simmer apple juice, orange juice, whole cloves, sugar, and apple pie seasoning for 10 minutes. Strain out the cloves.
2. Prepare your mug by dipping the rim in caramel, then in a mix of brown sugar and apple pie seasoning.
3. Pour 8 oz of hot brewed coffee into the mug.
4. Add 1/2 cup of the warm apple base and stir. A high-quality, pre-blended apple pie spice mix saves time and ensures balanced flavor.
5. Top with frothed milk and a final sprinkle of cinnamon.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: For a richer flavor, use unfiltered apple cider instead of apple juice in the base.

4. Indulgent Toasted White Mocha

Call to Action (CTA): Save this sweet white mocha recipe for a luxurious treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 oz white baking chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp caramel sauce
- 8 oz hot French Vanilla flavored coffee
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Whipped cream and white chocolate shavings for topping
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped white chocolate and caramel sauce in the bottom of your favorite mug.
2. Pour the hot brewed coffee directly over the chocolate and caramel. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Using high-quality white chocolate baking wafers ensures a silky, non-grainy texture.
3. Stir in the milk or cream.
4. Top generously with whipped cream and a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: For a “toasted” flavor, you can carefully melt the white chocolate in a dry pan over low heat until it just begins to brown before adding it to your mug. Watch it closely as it can burn quickly!

5. Classic Gingerbread Latte

Call to Action (CTA): Pin this quintessential Christmas coffee recipe!
Ingredients:
- For Syrup: 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp molasses, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- For Drink: 2 shots espresso, 1 cup steamed milk, 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup, whipped cream.
Instructions:
1. Make the syrup: Combine water, sugar, molasses, and spices in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons of your homemade gingerbread syrup into a mug. For the best flavor, use a rich, dark molasses.
3. Add two shots of hot espresso and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the steamed milk.
5. Top with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or ground ginger.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: The homemade gingerbread syrup is the star of this recipe. Make a double batch and bottle it in a nice glass jar—it makes a wonderful holiday gift for other coffee lovers.

6. Aromatic Rosemary Latte

Call to Action (CTA): Save this unique herbal coffee recipe to try something new!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 8 oz brewed coffee
- 1-2 tsp sweetener of choice (e.g., honey)
- Ground rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Infuse the milk: Gently simmer the milk with the rosemary sprigs in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
2. Remove from heat, cover, and let it steep for at least 15 minutes. For a stronger flavor, let it cool and chill in the fridge for a few hours.
3. Strain the milk through a fine mesh strainer to remove the rosemary.
4. Brew 8 ounces of coffee and pour it into your mug. Stir in your sweetener.
5. Froth the rosemary-infused milk and pour it over the coffee.
6. Garnish with a tiny pinch of finely ground rosemary.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: The key to this recipe is a gentle infusion. Over-boiling the milk with rosemary can result in a bitter taste. Low and slow is the way to go.

7. The Ultimate Peppermint Mocha

Call to Action (CTA): Pin the perfect Peppermint Mocha recipe for Christmas morning!
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup very strong coffee)
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 cup steamed milk
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions:
1. In the bottom of a mug, combine the hot espresso, chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract. A good quality, pure peppermint extract is key for authentic flavor without any artificial aftertaste.
2. Stir well until the chocolate syrup is fully dissolved.
3. Pour in the steamed milk and stir again.
4. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the top for a festive crunch.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: For an iced version, combine cold brew, milk, chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract in a glass with ice. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

8. Creamy Dreamy Eggnog Latte

Call to Action (CTA): Save this classic Eggnog Latte recipe for your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients:
- 1 shot espresso
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- Whipped cream
- Ground nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
1. Gently heat the eggnog in a saucepan or in the microwave until warm. Do not boil, or it may curdle.
2. Brew one shot of espresso directly into your serving mug.
3. Pour the warm eggnog over the espresso and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with whipped cream and a fresh grating of nutmeg. Using a microplane grater with whole nutmeg provides a much more aromatic and flavorful experience than pre-ground dust.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: For an extra-creamy version, steam the eggnog with your espresso machine’s steam wand just as you would with milk. It creates a wonderfully rich and frothy texture.

9. Decadent Salted Caramel Mocha

Call to Action (CTA): Pin this sweet-and-salty mocha recipe for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
Ingredients (makes 2):
- 2 cups hot, strong coffee
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce, plus more for drizzle
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Pinch of coarse sea salt
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm, then froth until foamy. Set aside.
2. Brew 2 cups of strong coffee.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, caramel sauce, and optional sugar with a splash of the hot coffee to create a smooth paste.
4. Divide the paste between two mugs. Pour the remaining hot coffee into the mugs and stir well.
5. Top with the frothed milk.
6. Finish with whipped cream, a generous drizzle of a thick, high-quality caramel dessert sauce, and a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: The pinch of salt at the end is crucial. It cuts through the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, elevating the entire flavor profile of the drink.

10. Simple Holiday Spiced Coffee

Call to Action (CTA): Save this super easy recipe for brewing a festive pot of coffee!
Ingredients:
- Ground coffee for a full pot (Holiday Blend recommended)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup
- Half-and-half or milk, to taste
- Whipped cream and ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions:
1. Place the ground coffee in your coffee filter as usual.
2. Break the cinnamon stick in half and place it, along with the whole cloves, directly into the coffee pot’s empty carafe. Using whole spices like organic Ceylon cinnamon sticks is essential for a clean, infused flavor without any bitterness.
3. Brew the full pot of coffee. The hot coffee will drip over the spices, infusing the entire pot with a warm, festive aroma.
4. Once brewing is complete, remove the whole spices.
5. Stir the maple syrup and half-and-half directly into the pot.
6. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: You can also add other whole spices to the carafe, like a star anise or a few allspice berries, to create your own custom holiday blend.

11. Iced Coffee with Maple Cold Foam

Call to Action (CTA): Pin this trendy maple cold foam recipe for an amazing iced coffee!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/4 cup milk (for coffee)
- 1/2 cup 2% or skim milk (for foam)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the cold brew coffee and the 1/4 cup of milk. Stir to combine.
3. In a separate cup or frothing pitcher, combine the 1/2 cup of milk, maple syrup, and the pinch of cinnamon.
4. Use an electric milk frother to whip the mixture until it becomes a thick, velvety cold foam. A dedicated cold foam frother works best, but a handheld wand will also do the trick.
5. Gently pour the maple cold foam over the top of your iced coffee. It should sit right on top in a distinct layer.
E-E-A-T Signal: Pro-Tip: For the best cold foam, make sure your milk and your frothing equipment are very cold. This helps the milk proteins stabilize and create a thicker, longer-lasting foam.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Holiday Coffee Recipes

DIY Syrups Are Key: Creating simple homemade syrups like gingerbread or pecan pie is the easiest way to elevate your coffee with authentic holiday flavor.
Don’t Forget the Toppings: Whipped cream, crushed candy canes, cinnamon dusting, and caramel drizzles turn a simple coffee into a festive treat.
Works for Any Brewer: Many recipes can be adapted. A Peppermint Mocha works with espresso or strong drip coffee, and the Holiday Spiced Coffee is designed specifically for a standard coffee pot.
Hot or Cold Options: Classic flavors like Peppermint Mocha can easily be made iced with cold brew, while new trends like Maple Cold Foam offer a festive choice for iced coffee lovers.
Start Simple: If you’re new to this, begin with the Holiday Spiced Coffee or the Eggnog Latte for the simplest preparation with the most festive payoff.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/christmas-coffee-drinks-and-cocktails-25-festive-recipes–8936899255681355/

Final Thoughts

This season, skip the long lines and high prices, and fill your home with the incredible aroma of a homemade holiday coffee. From a classic Gingerbread Latte to a trendy Maple Cold Foam, there’s a perfect recipe here waiting for you. Which one are you most excited to try first for your cozy holiday morning?

Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

11 Easy Holiday Coffee Recipes You Can Make At Home