Butterscotch Coffee

If you eagerly await the seasonal menus at your favorite cafe (hi, it’s me!), this butterscotch coffee is a specialty drink you’ll love to make at home. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a coffeehouse-style treat that’s sweet, creamy and oh, so comforting.

The secret to big flavor without any fuss is melting butterscotch chips right into a fresh pot of hot coffee for a rich, buttery flavor. From there, stir in cream and sugar to your liking, then top each mug with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce.

With its caramel-like flavor, this festive coffee is made for crisp autumn mornings, Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday celebrations. Whether you’re craving a sweet start to your morning, an afternoon indulgence or a festive holiday sip, this butterscotch coffee recipe delivers all the cozy vibes—and you don’t even have to leave your kitchen.

Butterscotch Coffee Ingredients

• Butterscotch chips: Look for butterscotch chips in the baking aisle near the chocolate chips. Can’t find them? Swap in caramel chips or whip up a batch of homemade butterscotch sauce—it takes only four simple ingredients on the stovetop and you can store extras for weeks in the fridge to use in drinks, on ice cream and more.
• Hot brewed coffee: Brew a fresh pot using your favorite coffee. A medium roast balances beautifully with the sweet butterscotch for a well-balanced drink. Prefer a lighter, more dessert-like sip? Go with a blonde roast, which lets the butterscotch really shine. For a stronger, more coffee-forward flavor, choose a dark roast. You can go with a flavored brew like vanilla or hazelnut coffee to add another layer of cozy flavor.
• Half-and-half cream: This adds just enough creaminess without being too heavy. Feel free to swap in whole milk or plant-based milk for something lighter, or go with heavy cream for added indulgence.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar dissolves easily in hot coffee, but you can experiment with light brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor. Watching your sugar intake? Substitute an alternative sweetener like granulated monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
• Whipped cream: Canned whipped cream makes it easy to crown each mug with a fluffy topping, but homemade whipped cream adds a fresher finish if you have a few extra minutes.
• Butterscotch ice cream topping: A drizzle of butterscotch sauce gives your coffee that coffee shop vibe. No sauce on hand? Melt a few extra butterscotch chips in the microwave and drizzle them over the top instead.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the butterscotch chips

In a large pitcher, combine the hot brewed coffee and butterscotch chips. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the chips melt and the mixture is smooth.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re using a drip-style coffee maker, add the butterscotch chips to the empty carafe before brewing—the fresh coffee will melt them as it fills.

Step 2: Add the cream and sugar

Stir the half-and-half and sugar into the butterscotch coffee. Add 5 tablespoons of sugar to start, then taste the coffee. If you’d like it sweeter, add more sugar until it hits your sweet spot (pun fully intended).

Editor’s Tip: For more of a latte or cappuccino feel, gently warm the half-and-half on the stovetop or in the microwave. Then, froth it using a hand-held frother or whisk before adding it to the coffee.

Step 3: Pour, garnish and serve

Pour the butterscotch coffee into mugs. For an extra-special finish, top each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of butterscotch topping. Serve right away.

Butterscotch Coffee Variations

• Serve it over ice: For an iced coffee, melt the butterscotch chips and sugar in freshly brewed coffee as directed, then let the mixture chill to at least room temperature before pouring it over ice. Finish with your choice of creamer and whipped cream.
• Make it a salted butterscotch: Add a pinch of sea salt with the butterscotch chips for a sweet-salty twist. You can also sprinkle flaky salt on the whipped cream and butterscotch drizzle.
• Add warming spices: Finish your drink with a dusting of ground cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice, or add it right into your coffee beans before brewing to infuse your pot with a cozy, warming flavor.
• Spike it: Add a splash of rum, bourbon or butterscotch schnapps to each mug for an adults-only dessert coffee cocktail.
• Mix up the garnish: Drizzle your drink with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup instead of butterscotch sauce for a festive finish.

How to Store Butterscotch Coffee

Butterscotch coffee is best enjoyed fresh, so we don’t recommend storing it after adding the whipped cream or butterscotch sauce. However, if you have leftover coffee in the pot, you can let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a covered pitcher or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How do you reheat butterscotch coffee?

Coffee tends to turn bitter when reheated. For the best flavor, pour leftover butterscotch coffee over ice and enjoy it chilled.

Butterscotch Coffee Tips

What’s the difference between butterscotch and caramel?

While both are sweet, buttery confections, the main difference between butterscotch and caramel is the type of sugar they’re made with. Butterscotch is made with brown sugar melted in butter, which creates a deep, rich molasses-like flavor. Caramel is typically made with white sugar and tastes lighter with toasted sugar notes.

Can I use decaf coffee?

​​Yes, you can absolutely use decaf coffee in this recipe. It’ll still taste sweet and rich, just without the caffeine. It’s a great way to enjoy a cup of butterscotch coffee in the evening without losing sleep.

What can you serve with butterscotch coffee?

This dessert-like butterscotch coffee pairs perfectly with cozy baked goods for an after-dinner treat. Enjoy a cup with a couple of shortbread cookies on the side, biscotti for dunking, a warm muffin, a slice of pumpkin pie or a square of cinnamon-spiced coffee cake. You can also serve it with sweet and savory brunch items like quiche, cinnamon rolls and fruit salad.