Cinnamon Mocha Coffee

Why spend a small fortune at a coffeehouse when you can enjoy cozy, cafe-style flavors at home? This cinnamon mocha coffee recipe saves you time and money, letting you treat yourself to a rich, creamy cup anytime. And don’t worry—no fancy espresso machine or steamed milk is required.

We call this recipe a cinnamon mocha coffee rather than a latte or mocha because it’s simpler than the cafe versions. Just brew a fresh pot of coffee and simmer milk with sugar and cocoa on the stovetop for an instant flavored creamer. The secret to perfectly spiced coffee is adding ground cinnamon to the coffee grounds. It infuses your brew with cozy warmth and makes this drink taste like fall in a mug.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Mocha Coffee

• Ground coffee: Go with a medium- or dark-roast coffee for a rich flavor that holds up to the cocoa and milk. Freshly ground beans will give you the best aroma and depth, but preground beans work in a pinch. A coffee with flavoring like hazelnut or mocha would be a fun twist.
• Cinnamon: Adding ground cinnamon to the coffee grounds before brewing infuses every sip with warm, cozy spice. It’s an easy way to flavor the coffee naturally—no sugary syrups needed!
• Milk: Two-percent milk gives the drink a creamy texture without being too heavy, but you can use whole milk for extra richness. You can also go dairy-free with a plant-based alternative such as almond, oat or soy milk.
• Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your taste—start with 2 tablespoons and add an extra teaspoon or two if you want a dessert-style drink. Feel free to substitute honey, maple syrup or a zero-calorie sweetener.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds a deep chocolate note that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. Pure cocoa powder can be a little bitter, so try Dutch-processed cocoa for the smoothest, softest flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of this all-purpose extract rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness. Pure vanilla extract gives the best taste and aroma—you can even make it from scratch if you want to be extra!
• Optional garnishes: The perfect finishing touches are a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. The whipped cream slowly melts into the drink, adding extra sweetness and creaminess, while the cinnamon stick doubles as a rustic, spiced stirrer.

Directions

Step 1: Brew the coffee

In a coffeemaker basket or French press, combine the ground coffee and cinnamon. Add enough water to brew 4 cups of coffee following your machine’s directions.

Editor’s Tip: For a stronger cinnamon flavor, try placing a cinnamon stick into the coffee pot before brewing the coffee.

Step 2: Warm the milk mixture

While the coffee brews, combine the milk, sugar, cocoa and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan.

Cook the mixture over medium-low heat for five to seven minutes or until small bubbles form around the edges, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil; gentle heat keeps the milk silky and prevents scorching or a skin from forming.

Step 3: Mix and serve

Pour the hot milk mixture evenly into four mugs, then top each off with the hot cinnamon-flavored coffee.

If desired, garnish each drink with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

Editor’s Tip: For a photo-worthy finish, dust the whipped cream with extra cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Recipe Variations

• Experiment with other spices: Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice, or add a pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger or cardamom to the coffee grounds for added warmth and aroma.
• Serve it cold: Chill the brewed coffee and milk mixture, then pour them over ice for a chilled version. For a frosty, frappe-style mocha, blend the coffee and milk mixture with a handful of ice.
• Try a peppermint twist: Skip the cinnamon, add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the milk mixture and garnish the coffee with crushed candy canes to make a festive peppermint mocha that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Less caffeine, please: Brew a pot of decaf or a half-caffeinated coffee blend for a gentler buzz that won’t keep you up at night.
• Make it more chocolatey: Drizzle a teaspoon or two of chocolate sauce into each mug before pouring the coffee for a richer mocha flavor.
• Skip the dairy: Replace the regular milk with a plant-based alternative such as oat, almond or coconut milk to make a creamy, lactose-free beverage.

How to Store Cinnamon Mocha Coffee

Cinnamon mocha coffee tastes best right after brewing, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. Let the coffee cool slightly, transfer it to a covered jar or container and pop it in the fridge for a day or two. For the best texture, store it before adding any whipped cream or toppings—those are best added fresh just before serving.

Can you make cinnamon mocha coffee ahead of time?

We recommend brewing fresh coffee for the best flavor, but you can make the sweetened mocha milk ahead of time. Simmer the milk with sugar, cocoa and vanilla as directed, then let it cool and pour it into a sealed jar or container. Store in the fridge for up to five days, and satisfy your coffee craving anytime.

How do you reheat cinnamon mocha coffee?

Reheat the coffee gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warm, stirring well before serving it. You can also pour chilled leftovers over ice for a quick iced coffee treat.

Cinnamon Mocha Coffee Tips

Can I make this recipe without a coffeemaker?

Of course! You don’t need an electronic coffeemaker to enjoy a cinnamon mocha coffee. Mix the ground coffee and cinnamon, then brew manually using a French press or pour-over cone. Just be sure to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your preferred brewing method.

How do I make chilled cinnamon mocha coffee drinks?

To enjoy cinnamon mocha coffee chilled, brew the coffee and prepare the flavored milk as directed. Let both cool, then transfer them to separate jars or containers and refrigerate them until they’re cold. When you’re ready to serve, combine the coffee and milk over a glass of ice, or blend them with a handful of ice cubes to make a frozen drink.

What can you serve with cinnamon mocha coffee?

Cinnamon mocha coffee is a delicious pick-me-up on its own, and it’s a cozy addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Add it to your holiday brunch menu alongside sticky cinnamon rolls, colorful fruit salad or a hearty breakfast casserole. The sweet, spiced flavor also pairs beautifully with breakfast pastries, biscotti or freshly baked cookies.