Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew – Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Craving the rich and creamy Starbucks vanilla sweet cream cold brew? This easy copycat recipe lets you enjoy that smooth, lightly sweetened coffee drink right at home. With a simple homemade sweet cream and your favorite cold brew, you’ll have a refreshing treat anytime.

Ingredients
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2-4 tbsp maple syrup (can use vanilla syrup instead; use 4 tbsp for sweeter cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (omit if using vanilla syrup)
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (homemade or store bought)
- 1 cup ice
- 1/4 cup vanilla sweet cream (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the half and half, heavy cream, maple syrup (or vanilla syrup), and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Gently whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Step 2: Pour the sweet cream over your cold brew coffee. For serving, add ice to a glass, fill with cold brew, then top with the homemade vanilla sweet cream.
- Step 3: Transfer any leftover sweet cream to a jar, seal tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for future use.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or vanilla syrup to suit your taste.
- Use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor if you don’t have syrup.
- Try using oat or almond milk in place of half and half for a dairy-free version, though the texture will be lighter.
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the ratio of cold brew to sweet cream.
Storage
Store any leftover sweet cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a gentle stir or shake before using, as it may separate slightly. The prepared cold brew with sweet cream is best enjoyed immediately, but you can keep cold brew coffee chilled for up to a week.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with regular sugar or simple syrup, but maple syrup adds a subtle, unique flavor that complements the vanilla and coffee.
What if I don’t have cold brew coffee?
You can make cold brew at home by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, then straining. Alternatively, chilled strong brewed coffee works in a pinch.
PrintVanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew – Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Enjoy a creamy and refreshing Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, a perfect Starbucks copycat recipe that combines smooth cold brew coffee with a luscious homemade vanilla sweet cream topping. This delightful beverage is sweetened naturally with maple syrup and infused with rich vanilla flavor, making it a perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vanilla Sweet Cream
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2–4 tbsp maple syrup (use 4 tbsp if you like it sweeter, or substitute with vanilla syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (omit if using vanilla syrup)
Cold Brew Coffee Drink
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup ice
- 1/4 cup prepared vanilla sweet cream
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla sweet cream: In a medium bowl, gently whisk together half and half, heavy cream, maple syrup (or vanilla syrup), and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste until well combined and smooth.
- Store the sweet cream: Transfer the prepared vanilla sweet cream to a jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate for future use.
- Assemble the cold brew: Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the cold brew coffee, and then gently top with about 1/4 cup of the homemade vanilla sweet cream to finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Stir gently if desired and enjoy your creamy, sweet, and refreshing vanilla sweet cream cold brew coffee beverage.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the sweet cream by varying the amount of maple syrup or using vanilla syrup for stronger vanilla flavor.
- If using vanilla syrup, omit the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste to avoid overpowering the flavor.
- This recipe uses cold brew coffee, which can be homemade by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours or purchased ready-made.
- The sweet cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute half and half and heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk creamers.
Keywords: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Starbucks copycat, cold brew coffee, vanilla cream coffee, maple syrup coffee, iced coffee recipe

