Copycat Coffee Mate Brown Butter Creamer Recipe

One of my absolute favorites creamer is the Coffee Mate Brown Butter Creamer. It has this magical combination of warm, nutty brown butter and sweet, comforting chocolate chip cookie notes that make every sip of coffee feel extra special.

How to make Coffee Mate Brown Butter Creamer

Coffee Mate Brown Butter creamer is a seasonal flavored non‑dairy coffee creamer from Nestlé’s Coffee Mate line (under the Toll House brand).

Ingredients

For the Base Creamer:

• 1 cup heavy cream: (For a lighter option, you can use whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk, but heavy cream delivers that luscious texture.)
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: (This adds sweetness and a luxurious creaminess. You can use a sugar-free version if preferred.)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: (This provides that warm, dessert-like aroma and enhances the cookie vibe.)

To Make the Brown Butter Flavor:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: (The star of this Coffee Mate Brown Butter Creamer recipe—the butter creates that rich, nutty caramelized flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: (This complements the buttery flavor and introduces a subtle molasses undertone reminiscent of chocolate chip cookies.)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup: (For a slight chocolate undertone, akin to a chocolate chip cookie.)
• A pinch of salt: (This balances and sharpens the flavors.)

Instructions

Prepare the Brown Butter:

1. In a light-colored skillet (this makes it easier to monitor the color change), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Swirl the butter as it melts, and continue cooking until it starts to foam. Once you notice tiny brown specks forming at the bottom and the butter releases a rich, nutty aroma, remove it from the heat. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Strain the brown butter through a fine mesh sieve to remove sediment, then let it cool slightly.

Combine the Ingredients:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and brown sugar over low heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth (don’t let it boil!).
2. Add the strained brown butter and stir well.

Enhance the Flavor:

1. Stir in the vanilla extract and any optional add-ins you’d like (like chocolate syrup or a pinch of salt).
2. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure it’s well-combined.

Cool and Store:

1. Allow the creamer to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or a glass jar.
2. Refrigerate for up to 7-10 days, shaking the jar gently before each use.

Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Creamer

• Monitor the Butter Closely: Brown butter can burn very quickly. As soon as you see the golden-brown specks and smell the nutty aroma, take it off the heat. Burnt butter will ruin the flavor of the creamer.
• Sweetness Level: If your Coffee Mate Brown Butter Creamer ends up too sweet, you can dilute it with additional milk or cream. If it’s not sweet enough, a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey can work wonders.
• Consistency Tweaks: For a thicker creamer, opt for more heavy cream and less milk. For a lighter Coffee Mate Brown Butter Creamer, feel free to swap some of the heavy cream for almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based option.
• Make It Chocolatey: To truly emphasize the “chocolate chip cookie” vibe, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate chips melted into the creamer.
• Serving Style: Stir a splash of your homemade creamer into hot coffee, iced coffee, or even cold brew for a deliciously indulgent pick-me-up. For an extra treat, top your coffee with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies!

Ingredients Substitutes

Below, we’ll explore alternatives to the key ingredients as well as their potential effects on the flavor or texture.

1. Heavy Cream Substitutes

Heavy cream forms the base of the creamer and gives it a rich, creamy texture. However, if you’re looking for lighter options or non-dairy alternatives, here are some substitutions:

• Half-and-Half: A lighter option compared to heavy cream but still creamy enough for indulgence. Keep in mind that this may slightly reduce the richness of the creamer.
• Whole Milk: A thinner substitute but works well if you don’t mind a lighter consistency. This will result in a less velvety creamer.

Plant-Based Milks:

• Coconut Milk: Offers a rich texture similar to heavy cream, along with a hint of coconut flavor that complements the brown butter.
• Oat Milk: A creamy, dairy-free option with a natural sweetness that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Almond Milk: A lighter substitute, though slightly nutty undertones will alter the flavor profile.
• Cashew Milk: Another creamy, non-dairy substitute that’s closer in texture to heavy cream.

2. Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes

Sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and creaminess. If you’re out of it or want a healthier alternative, consider these options:

• Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk: Make a DIY version by simmering whole milk (or a non-dairy equivalent) with sugar until it thickens, or use evaporated milk and add sugar to taste.
• Evaporated Milk and Sugar: Combine one cup of evaporated milk with 3/4 cup of sugar, heat gently until dissolved, and use as a replacement.
• Unsweetened Condensed Milk: Add your sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia) to customize the sweetness level.
• Coconut Cream + Sweetener: For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream mixed with your preferred sweetener.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a store-bought sugar-free or low-sugar sweetened condensed milk if you’re watching your sugar intake.

3. Brown Butter Substitutes

Brown butter is the star of the recipe, giving the creamer its signature nutty flavor. If you cannot make or use brown butter, consider these alternatives:

• Ghee: Ghee has a similar caramelized flavor to brown butter and is often used in cooking. It’s shelf-stable and works as an excellent substitute.
• Clarified Butter + Browning Agent: If you have clarified butter but no browning capability on hand, add a touch of molasses or caramel extract to mimic brown butter’s signature nuttiness.
• Coconut Oil (for Non-Dairy): Coconut oil won’t give you the exact nutty flavor of brown butter but does offer a rich and creamy texture that works well. For added depth, pair it with a caramel extract.

4. Brown Sugar Substitutes

Brown sugar amplifies the caramelization of the brown butter and adds a molasses undertone. You can substitute it with:

• White Granulated Sugar + Molasses: Combine 1 tablespoon of molasses with white sugar to create a substitute for light brown sugar. For dark brown sugar, increase the molasses to 2 tablespoons.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural alternative that provides a similar caramel-like flavor.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: These liquid sweeteners are excellent for adding both sweetness and complexity of flavor, though you may need to slightly adjust the liquid balance of your recipe.

5. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

Vanilla extract provides a warm, sweet aroma that ties the flavors together. If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, here are some alternatives:

• Vanilla Bean Paste or Whole Vanilla Beans: Adds an even richer vanilla flavor. Scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean or use 1/2 teaspoon paste as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Maple Extract or Almond Extract: These can add a unique twist to the flavor profile but may slightly overpower the brown butter notes.
• Caramel Extract: Enhances the brown butter’s natural nuttiness.

6. Chocolate Syrup (Optional Add-In)

If you don’t have chocolate syrup to elevate the cookie vibe, try one of these:

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder + Sweetener: Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with a sweetener to replicate the taste and texture of chocolate syrup. Add a bit of warm water or milk to achieve a syrup-like consistency.
• Melted Chocolate Chips: Melt your favorite chocolate chips with a splash of cream or milk for a rich chocolate flavor.

7. Salt Substitutes (Optional)

Salt balances sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor, but if needed, you can replace it with:

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: If you don’t have table salt, opt for a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt for better flavor concentration.
• Salt-Free Alternative: If you want to skip the salt entirely, consider adding a dash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to subtly brighten the flavors.

Final Thoughts

When making Coffee Mate Brown Butter Creamer, the key is to retain the richness, nuttiness, and sweetness that make it unique.

More Coffee Mate Recipes:

• Copycat Coffee Mate Dirty Soda Recipe