Sometimes with recipes it feels like there’s a triangle, each side with a label — easy, cheap, and tasty — and for some reason, you only ever get to pick two. But in this economy, more and more of us are having to pinch pennies, which can mean letting go of our morning coffee run. If you’re someone who loves an iced coffee expertly prepared by your local barista, I get it. But I promise, with the right recipes, you can have all sides of the recipe triangle in your morning cup of joe.
These homemade latte recipes, coffee creamer recipes, and matcha lattes are easy, delicious, and way more economical than ordering out every morning.
Strawberry Peanut Butter Iced Latte
Half the fun of getting a coffee out is that it’s hard to make such fun flavors at home. All The Healthy Things’ PB&J-inspired latte has you quickly blend creamy peanut butter with your milk of choice, and then just add your favorite jam to the glass before adding your milk and espresso (or strongly brewed coffee).
Starbucks Copycat Caramel Macchiato
Trying to save a little money but still want your usual order? Averie Cooks can teach you how to make a copycat Starbs caramel macchiato at home. Her recipe includes instructions to make a homemade caramel sauce if you want to, but store-bought will do just fine if you want a low-effort, high-reward coffee drink.
Whipped Coffee (Dalgona)
Dalgona coffee had its viral moment a few years back on TikTok. While it may not be the drink du jour anymore, it’s still delicious. A Cookie Named Desire’s recipe is super simple: All you need are four ingredients and five minutes of time, and you’ll have an extra special bevvie to take to work.
Cookie Butter Latte
Cookie butter as an iced coffee flavor does not get enough love, but Princess Pinky Girl’s recipe is here to fix that. Her recipe calls for instant espresso specifically, and because you don’t have to wait for the real thing to be ready, this drink is done in four minutes flat.
Homemade Strawberry Matcha Latte
If you’re a matcha lover, look no further. All The Healthy Things’ strawberry matcha latte is not only the prettiest drink you’ll ever make at home, but it’s simple and absolutely delicious. All your coworkers will be asking where you got it.
Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte
Cookie + Kate’s recipe is for the chai latte lovers, the ones who know that adding a little pumpkin into chai makes for the most autumnal and cozy drink ever. This one requires a little more time and involves a saucepan, so it might be best for the work-from-home squad who have 10 or 15 minutes to make a fancy morning cuppa.
Chunky Monkey Coffee Creamer
Drip coffee girls, I haven’t forgotten you. If you love a flavorful creamer to jazz up your coffee each morning, try A Cookie Named Desire’s chunky monkey creamer. It’ll help you get in on all the banana bread latte hype without ever leaving the house. All you need to make it is some sweetened condensed milk, cashew milk (or another milk of your choice), cocoa powder, banana extract, and the tiniest bit of salt.
Pistachio Latte
I love a pistachio latte from my local coffee shop, but if you spot some real pistachio spread at the grocery store, you can make a delicious one for yourself at home. A Sweet Thyme’s recipe will walk you through how to do it in just five minutes with either espresso or strongly brewed coffee as your caffeine source.
Pumpkin Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
All The Healthy Things’ pumpkin brown sugar shaken espresso definitely gives “coffee from out” vibes, but you’ll be delighted by how easy it is to make at home. You’re literally just combining your ingredients into a jar, shaking ‘em up well, and topping with milk.
Coffee Smoothie
If you’re guilty of having coffee and only coffee for breakfast most days, you could at least try to sub in a coffee smoothie some mornings, like this one from Well Plated. The banana, oats, and protein powder will keep you full and energized, and not in the jittery, anxious way coffee on an empty stomach does.
Brb, adding pistachio butter and banana extract to my grocery list…
