Whenever someone refers to cold stone sweet cream coffee creamer they could be referring to either the store-bought creamer or a homemade version.

The store-bought version is a commercially available coffee creamer. It is a popular product made by International Delight under a license from Cold Stone Creamery. However, it is a non-dairy creamer with a sweet, vanilla flavour reminiscent of Cold Stone’s ice cream. They changed their recipe in 2020 which created disappointment among some fans. However, it is still one of the best creams around. 

However, that’s the store-made part now let’s focus on the homemade part. It is made with milk cream, sweetener, and vanilla-based recipes inspired by the original cold stone sweet cream flavour. It can be customized with other ingredients too.

Does Cold Stone Creamery Make Coffee Creamer?

The direct answer to this question is NO, they do not make the coffee creamer themselves. However, they have licensed their name and iconic flavour to International Delight, which manufactures and distributes coffee creamer products under the “Cold Stone Creamery” brand. These are the creamers that you find in grocery stores and supermarkets.

The original Cold Stone Sweet Cream creamer was beloved by many due to its subtle sweetness and creamy texture. However, in 2020, the recipe was reformulated with different ingredients and a different taste, which created disappointment among many fans. 

There is an interesting fact here the concept of cold stone coffee creamer has become synonymous with a specific sweet, vanilla-caramel flavor profile. This inspired many home baristas to create their own homemade versions.

Homemade Cold Stone Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer Recipes

Now, the recipe may vary from person to person, this one is my signature recipe. If you can make it properly I assure you it will be one of the most delicious creamer recipes ever.

Recipe no. 1: Simple & Sweet

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or airtight container.
• Shake well to combine and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. 
• Shake again before using and enjoy in your coffee!

Recipe 2: Cold Stone Inspired

Ingredients:

• 1 cup half-and-half (a mixture of whole milk & whole heavy cream)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, heat the half-and-half and heavy cream over medium heat until simmering. Do not boil the half-and-half
• Remove from heat and whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt (if using).
• Let it cool slightly, then transfer to a mason jar or airtight container. Now it’s time to refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
• After the refrigeration, you’ll find the cream in perfect condition. Shake before using and enjoy!

What if you want to create an iconic taste of the cold stone sweet cream? I have you covered, don’t worry.

Customize your Creamer! 

1. Caramel swirl: melt 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over medium heat. Add a splash of water and simmer for 3 minutes until it is slightly thick. Stop right there, and let it cold slightly.
2. Creamy dream: Follow recipe no. 1 but with 7 more ounces of sweetened condensed milk, ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of caramel extract to the mix.
3. Time of swirl: once the caramel cools down, slowly put it into the cream base creating swirls. Remember to not overmix the caramel, let the swirl do its thing.

Tips for Seasoned Coffee Drinkers

• Adjusting sugar or condensed milk can be an option for seasoned drinkers. Remember adding more is the easy part but subtracting is the tricky part.
• Use more cream for a thicker coffee. And if you like it lighter stick to the basic recipe. A secret to to add stabilizers like xanthan gun for extra body. It’s recommended for the seasoned drinkers only.
• And if you are one of the adventurous people then infuse the cream with vanilla bean, spices or even chocolate chips. Wait, do not use everything at the same time, or in the same cup. Use different addons for different coffee cups or simply use one flavouring at a time.
• Keep your creamer chilled for up to 5 days, shake before each use to keep it smooth and dreamy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix them)

• Boiling the cream: If you heat the milk for too long and it reaches the boiling point it will give your creamer an unpleasant burnt taste. Keep it simmering gently.
• Underheating the cream: Many people fall prey to this, they fear that their milk might get burnt and they want to avoid it. So, sometimes they underheat the cream. So if the cream isn’t warm enough when you whisk in the other ingredients, they might not incorporate fully. As a result, you won’t have the actual cream of the taste.
• Forgetting the salt: This is interesting, and many people do not do this a tiny pinch of salt can actually balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavours.
• Adding vanilla extract after chilling: Vanilla extract needs heat to properly infuse, so add it while the cream is warm for the best flavour.

Making Your Creamer Last: Storage and Shelf Life

Your delicious homemade Cold Stone Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly. Here’s how to maximize its shelf life:

• Chill it: It is proved by science that cold temperatures slow down bacterial growth. By doing this you can keep your creamer fresher for a longer period.
• Minimize contamination: Use a clean spoon each time you scoop out creamer to avoid introducing bacteria.
• Fresh is best: While it will technically be safe for 5 days, the flavor and texture may start to degrade slightly over time. Remember, fresh is always best!

Tips:

• Make smaller batches: If you don’t use creamer daily, consider making smaller batches to ensure freshness.
• Freeze it (optional): While not typically recommended due to potential texture changes, you can freeze your creamer in ice cube trays for longer storage (up to 2 months). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

FAQ

1.Can I use something besides heavy cream?

Sure, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter texture or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk can also be an alternative to oat milk.

2.I don’t have sweetened condensed milk, what do I do?

Use regular sugar or another sweetener, and adjust the amount to achieve the desired sweetness.

3.Is the almond extraction essential?

No, the extraction is not essential, but it adds a subtle nutty depth that complements the vanilla. You can skip it and try extracts like hazelnut or cinnamon.

4.Do I need to boil the cream?

No, you don’t wanna boil the cream as it affects the taste. Gently simmer it to avoid scorching.

5.Can I use peppermint?

Well, to experiment you can use peppermint or even infuse the cream with vanilla beans. It will give an extra taste to the creamer.

6.Which one is cheaper? The homemade creamer or the store-bought?

Well, the first-time homemade creamer can make you spend more but in the long run homemade creamer is way cheaper. And you can also control the taste of the creamer with different customization.