If you’re a coffee lover, you should try this Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer. It’s smooth, sweet, and buttery.
I recently made this homemade Starbucks caramel creamer recipe.
It’s way cheaper, super easy, and you’ll be surprised at how close it tastes to the real one that we get at Starbucks.
How to Make Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer
The Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer is a sweet, creamy coffee enhancer. It is inspired by the classic caramel macchiato drink we get at Starbucks cafés.
It’s made with milk, cream, caramel flavor, and a touch of vanilla, so every sip feels smooth, buttery, and indulgent.
Ingredients:
These are the Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer ingredients you’ll need.
And they are for one medium jar (about 2 cups of creamer):
- 1 cup whole milk: It will give richness and a creamy texture to your creamer. But you can also swap with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk if you want, Starbucks non dairy caramel macchiato creamer ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This will balance flavor and make your creamer luxurious. Btw, if you don’t want too many calories, you can also use half-and-half.
- 4 tablespoons caramel sauce: I recommend you go with high-quality sauce like Ghirardelli or Torani caramel. Homemade caramel sauce works amazing too. Here is my homemade torani caramel sauce recipe.
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar: You can also adjust it based on your sweetness preference. If you’re looking for Starbucks sugar free caramel macchiato creamer ingredients, you can swap with stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: It will give your cream a depth and signature macchiato vibe.
- Pinch of salt (optional): just a small pinch is enough, it will balance the caramel sweetness.
That’s it! Just 5–6 simple ingredients and you’re ready to whip up your own creamer at home.
Instructions:
Here’s how I make my Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe at home. It’s super easy, and you won’t need any fancy tools.
Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream
First of all, take a small saucepan and place it on medium-low heat.
Then, pour 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream.
Then just warm it while stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Caramel Sauce
Once you have warm cream and milk.
You have to add 2–3 tablespoons of sugar and 4 tablespoons of caramel sauce.
Again, stir it to dissolve the sugar and caramel sauce into the milk and cream mixture.
You wanna do it until you get a smooth mixture.
Pro tip: If you’re using homemade caramel, you should add it slowly so it can blend well.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Now, you want to turn off the heat and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Besides this, you can also add a pinch of salt, which will balance flavors.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Finally, allow your syrup to cool down for at least 15 minutes (at room temperature).
After that, you can pour it into a glass jar. And, store it in the fridge.
Next time, just shake well before using.
That’s all. You’ve got a creamy, silky, homemade Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe ready.
Ingredient Substitutes
Now let’s talk about substitutes and variations because one of the biggest reasons to make this at home is flexibility.
- Dairy-Free Version: You can use almond milk + coconut cream. You will get a creamy base, which will be very close to the Starbucks almond milk caramel creamer.
- Sugar-Free Version: You can replace caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel syrup (Torani has a great one). Besides this, you can sweeten your creamer with stevia or monk fruit to cut down calories. This way, you will recreate Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer zero sugar calories at home.
- Condensed Milk Version: You can replace heavy cream with 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk and reduce sugar. This version will give thickness and extra sweetness, or I would say a twist on the Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe with condensed milk.
- Flavored Variations: You can add a little cinnamon, a few drops of hazelnut extract for a nutty flavor. Besides this, cocoa powder is also good if you want a caramel mocha creamer.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best things when you make your own Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe is that you can customize it. So here are some twists that will change your creamer:
- Cinnamon Caramel Creamer: You can add ½ tsp cinnamon powder; this will give you a cozy fall vibe.
- Salted Caramel Creamer: You can sprinkle extra flaky sea salt to get that sweet-salty flavor.
- Mocha Caramel Creamer: Consider adding just 2 tbsp of cocoa powder. You will get a caramel mocha twist.
- Vanilla Caramel Creamer: You can add extra vanilla extract if you want a smooth and fragrant version.
- Holiday Peppermint Caramel Creamer: Just drop a tiny bit of peppermint extract; it will give you a festive touch, like Christmas, Halloween, etc.
How to Use Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer
Once you have made the creamer, there are many ways you can use it. Here are my personal suggestions:
1. Hot Caramel Macchiato Recipe
- You have to brew 1 shot of espresso (or strong instant coffee if you don’t have a machine).
- Pour hot milk into a mug.
- Add 2 tablespoons Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe.
- Then, pour espresso on top.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
It will give you that café-style hot caramel macchiato recipe right at home.
2. Iced Caramel Macchiato with Starbucks Creamer
For summer days, here’s how you can make an iced coffee recipe with this creamer:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in cold brew or chilled coffee.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons homemade Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe iced coffee.
- Stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce.
Refreshing, sweet, and perfect for hot weather.
3. Caramel Macchiato without Espresso Machine
Don’t have an espresso machine? Don’t worry. Here’s how to make a caramel macchiato at home without an espresso machine:
- Brew strong instant coffee or use a moka pot.
- Heat milk in a saucepan and froth it with a whisk (or shake in a jar).
- Add a homemade Starbucks caramel creamer recipe.
- Pour coffee on top.
- Add caramel drizzle.
It’ll taste like a café drink without needing expensive equipment.
Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer Recipe Pairings
Now, let’s talk about what you can pair with your caramel macchiato coffee for a complete experience.
- Cookies: Try this copycat nuts.com chocolate covered Oreos recipe — the sweet crunch balances creamy caramel coffee.
- Pastries: Croissants or cinnamon rolls go amazing with caramel notes.
- Brownies: These rice flour brownies with cocoa powder recipe pair really well if you want a rich combo.
- Chilled Treats: You can also enjoy it with luxury chocolate covered strawberries for a special dessert pairing.
Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer Calories
If you’re curious about the calorie count, here’s an approximate breakdown per tablespoon (15ml):
- Whole Milk: 9–10 calories
- Heavy Cream: 50 calories
- Caramel Sauce: 25–30 calories
- Sugar: 15 calories
- Vanilla + Salt: negligible
So, 1 tablespoon of homemade Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer, you will get around 90 calories (if using full sugar and cream).
On the other hand, if you make the zero sugar version with almond milk and stevia, it will drop down to about 20–25 calories per tablespoon.
And, that would be the same as Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer zero sugar calories.
Storage Instructions
One of the best things about this creamer is how well it stores.
- Fridge: Store in a sealed glass jar or bottle. It will stay fresh for 5–7 days. Always shake before using.
- Freezer: You can freeze in ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Just drop a cube in hot coffee and it’ll melt.
Note: Don’t leave it at room temperature for long because it contains milk and cream.
Conclusion
This is my easy and customizable Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe that you can make at home in just a few minutes.
You can make it without any fancy tools or ingredients. All you will need is milk, cream, caramel, sugar, and vanilla. That’s it.
Once ready, this creamer will give you café-style vibes every single morning.
Trust me, once you try making your own Starbucks caramel creamer recipe, you won’t feel like buying the store-bought bottles again.
FAQs About Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer Recipe
Here are some important questions and their answers about this creamer recipe:
What is Starbucks Caramel Macchiato creamer made of?
The original Starbucks version, which we buy from the store, contains milk, cream, sugar, caramel syrup, and natural flavors.
But if you make it at home, you’ll need whole milk, heavy cream, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sugar — simple, clean ingredients without preservatives.
How to make the Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks at home?
To make a caramel macchiato at home:
- Brew a strong shot of espresso (or instant coffee if you don’t have a machine).
- Add steamed milk to a mug.
- Pour in 2–3 tablespoons of the homemade Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer recipe.
- Add the espresso on top.
- Finish with a drizzle of caramel syrup.
You can also make an iced caramel macchiato by pouring it over ice and topping it with whipped cream.
What ingredients are in a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato?
The original drink has espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel drizzle on top.
That combination is what inspired the Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer ingredients, so you can get that same flavor in just a splash.
What are the ingredients in caramel creamer?
A basic caramel creamer recipe will have:
- Milk
- Cream
- Caramel syrup or sauce
- Sugar (or sugar substitute)
- Vanilla extract
You can also add a pinch of salt if you like a salted caramel creamer version.
How much sugar is in a Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer?
The bottled Starbucks caramel macchiato creamer has around 6–7 grams of sugar per tablespoon.
But when you make it at home, you can cut that down easily by using less sugar or going for sugar-free caramel syrup. That way, you control the sweetness level.
How do I make my own coffee creamer?
I personally make basic coffee creamer. First, I combine milk with cream, sweetener, and flavor (like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, whichever is available in my home).
After that, I heat it and keep stirring until smooth. Once done, I store it in the fridge.
Btw, if you make your own coffee creamer like I do, you can also try this luxury chocolate covered strawberries recipe with your coffee creamer on the side. It will give a very good experience.

Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Creamer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk or almond/oat/coconut milk for dairy-free
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
- 4 tablespoons caramel sauce Ghirardelli, Torani, or homemade
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar or stevia/monk fruit for sugar-free
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt optional, for balance
Instructions
Warm the Base:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm 1 cup milk and 1 cup cream, stirring occasionally.
Add Sweetness:
- Stir in 2–3 tablespoons sugar and 4 tablespoons caramel sauce until smooth and dissolved.
Flavor Boost:
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (optional).
Cool & Store:
- Let cool for 15 minutes, transfer to a glass jar, and refrigerate.
- Shake before each use.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk + coconut cream.
- Sugar-Free: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit; use sugar-free caramel syrup.

I’m a self-taught home cook who turns everyday ingredients into comforting, café-style recipes. I test everything in my own kitchen (sometimes more than once), tweak flavors how I like them, and share only what I actually enjoy.
Most of my recipes are chocolate-based or have a creative twist, and I keep them preservative-free, beginner-friendly, and fun to make.
If you love cozy drinks, healthier desserts, or bold flavor combos — you’re in the right place. [Read full story]