If you’re searching for a cozy, aromatic morning treat, this Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe wraps together everything you love about festive mornings into one creamy, comforting mug. Imagine the gentle warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves swirling through silky milk, mingled with bold, fresh coffee and just a touch of brown sugar or maple sweetness. It’s not only the kind of drink that makes your kitchen smell magical, but it truly elevates the entire holiday spirit with each blissful sip!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Spiced Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
For Serving:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
- Whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for topping (optional)
How to Make Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe
Step 1: Warm and Spice the Milk
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine your milk of choice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar or maple syrup. Heat the mixture gently, giving it an occasional whisk so the spices melt in and the milk gets beautifully aromatic, but don’t let it come to a boil. Once everything is steaming and smells like the holidays, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 2: Brew the Coffee
While your spiced milk is warming, prepare your strong brewed coffee or pull two shots of espresso. The strength of your coffee makes a big difference here, so don’t be shy—reach for your favorite blend or darkest roast for best results. Pour this freshly brewed wonder into your favorite large mug.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the hot spiced milk mixture over the coffee in your mug and give it a gentle stir to blend all those delicious flavors. The scent alone is enough to put a big smile on your face! If you’d like, lavish on some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an eye-catching, decadent touch.
How to Serve Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe
Garnishes
Go all out with a soft cloud of whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few chocolate shavings for extra wow. A decorative cinnamon stick can double as a pretty stirrer and amplifies the holiday mood. Garnishing isn’t just for looks—it adds a final hit of spice and texture.
Side Dishes
This festive café au lait is pure magic with a flakey croissant, a gingerbread biscuit, or a warm slice of holiday bread. The rich spice pairs especially well with sweet pastries and classic breakfast treats, so go ahead and treat yourself to a bakery-style morning spread at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe in a clear glass mug to showcase those gorgeous layers of coffee and milk. For a true holiday vibe, tie a little ribbon around the mug handle or set each cup on a sprig of fresh pine. If you’re serving a group, pour the café au lait into a big vintage thermos so everyone can help themselves and linger by the fire together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra spiced milk, pour it into a mason jar or airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. Make sure to let it cool before covering, and give it a quick shake or stir before using again to re-combine all those spice flavors.
Freezing
Freezing the coffee-milk mixture isn’t usually ideal, because the texture can suffer after thawing, but you absolutely can freeze the spiced milk on its own. Pour it into ice cube trays for easy portioning—these cubes can be added directly to hot coffee for a quick Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe anytime you crave it!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the spiced milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to keep it from scorching. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the milk frothy or separate. Once steaming, pour over your fresh coffee, give it a stir, and relive your holiday morning in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk in the Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe?
Absolutely! Oat milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk work beautifully in this recipe. The flavors remain rich and festive, and you can keep your cup entirely dairy-free.
What if I don’t have brown sugar or maple syrup?
No problem—white sugar, honey, or your favorite liquid sweetener can stand in. Each brings its own subtle twist, so experiment a bit and find your preferred sweetness.
Can I make the spiced milk in advance?
Yes, one of the best things about the Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe is how make-ahead friendly it is. Just store the spiced milk in the fridge for up to three days and reheat gently before using.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled for a group?
It sure can! Simply multiply the ingredients as needed and heat the spiced milk in a larger saucepan. This is a fabulous treat to serve at a holiday brunch or any festive get-together.
What coffee works best for café au lait?
A dark, bold roast gives a classic flavor, but honestly, use whatever coffee makes you happiest. The spices and milk will make any brew taste like the holidays!
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to imagine a more comforting way to usher in crisp mornings than with a mug of this Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe. Whether you’re taking five quiet minutes for yourself or sharing a cozy pot with loved ones, this recipe warms hearts and hands alike, one sip at a time. Give it a try and let the holiday spirit fill your kitchen!
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Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of the holiday season with this delightful Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait recipe. Warm spices and a touch of sweetness elevate your morning coffee to a festive treat.
Ingredients
ScaleFor the Spiced Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
For Serving:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
- Whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Milk Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar or maple syrup. Heat gently, whisking occasionally, until warm and steaming but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Café Au Lait: Brew your coffee or espresso and pour it into a large mug. Add the spiced milk mixture and stir to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or almond milk.
- You can also prepare the spiced milk mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for quick holiday mornings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
