Butterscotch Caramel Coffee – A Cozy Holiday Favorite

There’s something deeply comforting about a mug of Butterscotch Caramel Coffee on a cold evening. This quick, cozy drink blends rich brewed coffee with smooth caramel, warm cinnamon, and a touch of butterscotch for a café-style treat you can make at home in minutes. Whether you’re setting up a festive coffee bar or just craving a sweet, warming sip, this recipe fits perfectly into the season of comfort, connection, and simple indulgence.

I first started making Butterscotch Caramel Coffee during the holidays when guests would linger after dinner and everyone wanted something warm but not too heavy. Instead of brewing another plain pot, I wanted a holiday coffee option that felt special yet effortless. This drink quickly became a staple because it works for both quiet nights and busy gatherings. It feels indulgent, smells amazing, and comes together faster than dessert. Over time, it also earned a permanent spot in my coffee bar recipe lineup, especially when friends ask for a warm drink that feels festive without extra work.

Ingredients

  • 1 (10-ounce) cup freshly brewed coffee

  • 2 pinches ground cinnamon

  • 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps or syrup

  • 1 ounce heavy whipping cream or half-and-half

  • 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

  • Whipped cream, for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by brewing a fresh 10-ounce cup of coffee using your preferred method, then measure out the butterscotch schnapps or syrup, cream, and caramel sauce so everything is ready to mix while the coffee is hot.

Cooking Instructions

Pour the hot coffee into a mug, stir in one pinch of cinnamon, the butterscotch schnapps, cream, and caramel sauce, then top with whipped cream, drizzle with extra caramel, and finish with a light pinch of cinnamon before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid adding ingredients before the coffee is hot, since lukewarm coffee won’t blend flavors smoothly and can dull the rich caramel and butterscotch notes that make this drink shine.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use freshly brewed coffee with medium or dark roast notes, and warm the mug beforehand so the drink stays hot longer and the flavors remain balanced from the first sip to the last.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve this flavored coffee immediately while hot, either on its own or alongside holiday cookies, biscotti, or a slice of pound cake for an easy seasonal pairing.

Butterscotch Caramel Coffee
Butterscotch Caramel Coffee

How to Store Leftovers

This drink tastes best fresh, but you can store the mixed coffee without whipped cream in the refrigerator for up to one day and reheat gently before topping and serving.

Conclusion

This Butterscotch Caramel Coffee proves that a cozy, café-style drink doesn’t need complicated steps or special equipment. With just a few ingredients and five minutes, you can create a comforting mug that feels festive, welcoming, and perfect for cold nights or holiday gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all season long.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes, you can easily make an alcohol-free version by using butterscotch syrup instead of butterscotch schnapps while keeping all other ingredients the same.

What type of coffee works best for this recipe?

A medium to dark roast coffee works best because its bold flavor balances the sweetness of the caramel and butterscotch without tasting weak.

Can I skip the cream?

You can leave out the cream if you prefer darker coffee, which results in a lighter sweetness and a stronger coffee-forward taste.

Print
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Butterscotch Caramel Coffee

Butterscotch Caramel Coffee


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  • Author: Amanda Hartwellen
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A cozy butterscotch caramel coffee made in minutes with warm cinnamon, cream, and whipped topping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 10-ounce cup brewed coffee
  • 2 pinches ground cinnamon
  • 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps or syrup
  • 1 ounce heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Brew the coffee and pour into a mug.
  2. Add one pinch of cinnamon, butterscotch schnapps, cream, and caramel sauce, then stir.
  3. Top with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and add a pinch of cinnamon before serving.

Notes

  1. Substitute butterscotch syrup for schnapps for an alcohol-free version.
  2. Leave out the cream for a darker, less sweet coffee.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mug
  • Calories: 178
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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