If you love the cozy pairing of vanilla and cinnamon and crave a coffeehouse treat without leaving your kitchen, Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee is about to become your new obsession. It’s sweet, beautifully aromatic, and delightfully refreshing—everything you want in an iced coffee, plus a little something extra.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Coffeehouse Flavor at Home: Enjoy that dreamy vanilla-cinnamon taste without the long lines or overpriced lattes.
- Incredibly Simple: The Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee comes together in just a few fuss-free steps, even on a busy morning.
- Customizable to Your Cravings: Whether you like it extra creamy, ultra-strong, or a little fancy with toppings, it’s endlessly adaptable.
- Year-Round Refreshment: Enjoy it iced on a warm day or blend it up for an ultra-cool treat in any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee is refreshingly short but thoughtfully chosen, so each item plays a starring role. Each brings its own note of sweetness, spice, or creaminess, creating a coffee treat that tastes so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups): Any kind works, but whole or oat milk will make your iced coffee extra creamy and rich.
- Sugar (2 tbsp): Classic white sugar blends in quickly for a sweet note—swap for honey, maple, or your favorite sugar substitute if you please.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Adds warmth and depth, giving every sip that unmistakable cozy twist.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): The secret to luscious, fragrant undertones that make this drink feel like a treat.
- Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee (1/2 cup, hot): Go bold! A strong base is the key to that café-worthy flavor that stands up to ice.
Variations
The great thing about Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee is how inviting it is to tweak and tinker, whether you’re using what’s on hand or catering to specific tastes. Don’t be afraid to have some fun and make it your own!
- Dairy-Free Delight: Almond, oat, or coconut milk all taste fantastic in place of dairy—just pick your favorite for a plant-based spin.
- Spice It Up: Want a little more zing? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced chai-inspired twist.
- Sweeten Naturally: Try swapping sugar for maple syrup, agave, or stevia if you prefer alternative sweeteners or are watching your sugar intake.
- Iced Coffee Frappe: Toss everything in a blender with extra ice for a frosty, café-blended treat.
How to Make Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee
Step 1: Mix Milk With Flavors
In your favorite large coffee mug, pour in the milk, then add the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well so the sugar and spices start dissolving into the milk. Take a moment to inhale that dreamy aroma—it’s a little preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Warm Up the Mixture
Pop the mug in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This gentle heat helps the flavors meld and the sugar dissolve completely, which means your iced coffee will taste perfectly smooth.
Step 3: Combine With Coffee
Now, pour the fresh hot espresso or strong brewed coffee into the mug. Give it a gentle stir, then spoon out any pillowy milk foam that’s risen to the top and set it aside to cool for a moment—this will make for an indulgent finishing touch later!
Step 4: Cool and Prep Glass
Let your vanilla-cinnamon coffee mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, grab your coffee ice cubes (or just regular ice) and fill a tall glass almost to the rim. This is the secret to an undiluted, ultra-chilled iced coffee experience.
Step 5: Pour, Top, and Enjoy
Pour the coffee mixture over the ice, add that foamy milk you set aside if you like, and top with an extra splash of cold milk. For a dash of decadence, add whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or chocolate shavings. You can even toss the whole thing in a blender for a refreshing frappe-effect. Sip and savor—easy, elegant, and pure bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee
- Brew It Bold: Use double-strength coffee or espresso—regular coffee can get lost when poured over ice (especially if you add milk).
- Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover brewed coffee in advance for flavor-packed cubes that won’t dilute your drink as they melt.
- Flavor First: Mixing cinnamon and vanilla directly into the warm milk lets their aromatics bloom, so don’t skip this little warming step!
- Toppings Game: Don’t hold back—whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of extra cinnamon make your Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee feel café-special at home.
How to Serve Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee
Garnishes
Crown your Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee with a swirl of whipped cream, chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few chocolate shavings. For a lovely touch, a cinnamon stick makes an elegant stirrer and adds aromatic flair.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee shines alongside fresh pastries like croissants, biscotti, or a slice of banana bread. It’s equally divine with fruit parfaits or a light yogurt bowl—the sweet, spiced notes beautifully complement both breakfast treats and mid-afternoon snacks.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee in a mason jar with a paper straw for a rustic vibe, or use tall glass tumblers for a more modern look. If you’re entertaining, set up a DIY iced coffee bar with toppings so everyone can customize their drink just how they like it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you make a big batch, store Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee (without any ice or toppings) in a covered jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving—it’s perfect for grab-and-go mornings!
Freezing
The best way to freeze this recipe is to pour leftover coffee into an ice cube tray and make more coffee cubes—these can be used in future drinks! Full glasses of iced coffee don’t freeze well, but the cubes save a bit of magic for next time.
Reheating
If you’d rather enjoy your vanilla cinnamon coffee hot the next day, simply reheat your stored mixture gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then pour over fresh ice if you still crave that iced version—or sip it warm for a whole new cozy experience.
FAQs
-
Can I make Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix everything except the ice, store it in the fridge, and pour over ice when ready to serve. This also works great for entertaining or meal prep.
-
What’s the best coffee to use in this recipe?
Espresso or very strong brewed coffee is ideal, as the ice and milk will dilute weaker brews. Feel free to use your French press, moka pot, or even strong cold brew concentrate.
-
Can I skip the coffee ice cubes if I’m in a hurry?
Yes! Regular ice works perfectly in a pinch. Coffee ice cubes simply keep the flavor robust and rich, but your Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee will still taste amazing with standard ice.
-
How do I make this recipe sugar-free or lower in sugar?
Swap the sugar for your preferred alternative like stevia, monk fruit, or even a splash of sugar-free vanilla syrup. Just adjust to taste—you’ll get the same cozy vanilla cinnamon flavor!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your home coffee game, give Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee a try—it’s surprisingly simple and sure to become your go-to treat. Share it with friends, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy every frosty, fragrant sip. You deserve it!
Print
Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing, Blending
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of vanilla and cinnamon with this easy-to-make Vanilla Cinnamon Iced Coffee recipe. Perfect for a refreshing morning pick-me-up or a special treat anytime!
Ingredients
Milk:
- 1 1/2 cup
Sugar:
- 2 tbsp
Ground Cinnamon:
- 1/4 tsp
Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon
Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee, hot:
- 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Pour the milk into your coffee mug, add the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir well. Heat the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds in a coffee mug.
- Pour coffee or espresso into a mug, then pour the warm milk into the mug with the espresso. Spoon out any remaining foamy milk if left and set aside, let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Take the ice cube tray out of the freezer and fill a tall glass with the premade coffee ice cubes. You can just use regular ice. Pour coffee over ice cubes and add more cold milk if desired.
- As an added treat you can also put all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth if you prefer your ice crushed.
- As an option, you can add whipped cream, chocolate syrup or chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Make sure to prepare the coffee ice cubes overnight.
- If you don’t have the coffee ice cubes, you will have to wait a few hours to enjoy it.
- I avoid this by making a couple of trays and having them at the ready for whenever the craving hits!
- You can always opt out and use regular ice cubes, no worries there!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
