Drinking coffee black lets you fully taste the flavors in your coffee beans, but sometimes you want a little more. There are dozens of tasty toppings you can add to take your coffee to the next level.
Here are some of our top picks for coffee toppings, from honey and chocolate chips to cinnamon, whipped cream, and mint leaves. No matter what direction you want to take your coffee in, there’s a perfect topping for you! First, we’ll show you sweet coffee toppings. Then, we’ll show you spiced toppings and creamy toppings. Let’s get started!
Top 9 Sweet Coffee Toppings:
Sometimes you just want to sweeten your coffee. That doesn’t mean white sugar is the only option, though! Here are nine sweet coffee toppings:
1. Brown Sugar
You can always add a spoonful of white sugar to your coffee, but why not try brown sugar instead? Brown sugar has a richer flavor, beyond just being sweet, which makes it a good complement to your cappuccino or iced coffee.
2. Molasses
You are probably most familiar with molasses in gingerbread cookies, but it can also make an interesting topping for your cup of joe. It has fewer calories than white sugar and can add an earthy, slightly sweet flavor to your favorite drink.
3. Honey
Pouring a little honey or agave on your coffee can give it a healthier dash of sweetness. These sugars are natural and less processed. Plus, you may like the unique flavor.
4. Chocolate Chips
Sprinkling chocolate chips on your morning coffee may sound a little childish, but don’t knock it till you have tried it! We recommend buying mini chocolate chips — dark, milk, or even white chocolate — because they’ll sit better on your milk foam or whipped cream.
5. Cocoa Powder
If you want that chocolatey flavor but with less sugar, try sprinkling a little cocoa powder on your latte. This is a classic coffee topping — often found on mochas at good coffee shops — and for good reason! It’s absolutely delicious.
6. Sprinkles
Want to add a little funfetti flair to your morning coffee? Pour rainbow sprinkles on your drink! This is especially recommended if it’s your birthday or National Coffee Day.
7. Nutella
Chocolate and hazelnut make a famously delicious combination. Spoon a dollop onto your coffee for an impressive, rich cup.
8. Mint
There are a lot of ways you can add refreshing mint to your coffee. Fresh mint leaves make a beautiful topping, and crushed peppermint candies can take mochas over the top. Add a pump or two of mint syrup for a strong, sweet flavor!
9. Peanut Butter
Just like Nutella, peanut butter is a rich addition to coffee. We recommend starting with smooth peanut butter — unless you like chunky coffee — and stirring it thoroughly.
Top 6 Spiced Coffee Toppings:
Maybe you want extra flavor without the extra calories, or maybe you just love spices! Here are some of the best-tasting spices (usually found in the baking aisle at your grocery store) that you can add to your coffee.
10. Cinnamon
Adding cinnamon to your coffee has several proven health benefits. It’s full of nutrients and antioxidants, and it may even protect you from heart disease and cold symptoms! Add the fact that it’s delicious in coffee and this topping is a no-brainer.
11. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is one of those spices many of us associate with the holidays. It adds an earthy, cozy flair to any coffee drink.
12. Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin spice — made famous by Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte — is a mixture of spices, including cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. You whip up a pumpkin spice latte at home, or you can just add pumpkin spice to your regular coffee. Either way, this is a delicious coffee topping!
13. Cardamom
Cardamom is a major ingredient in Arabic and Turkish coffee. If you don’t have a Turkish coffee pot (briki), you can just add it to your coffee at the end. You won’t regret it!
14. Lavender
If you’re a fan of herbs, try adding dried lavender to your coffee. It’s an unusual, floral flavor that may just become your new favorite!
15. Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright orange spice often used in Indian cooking. It’s full of antioxidants and said to help reduce inflammation, which is why you’ll often find it in fancy juices and smoothies. Whip up a turmeric latte or just sprinkle some on top of your drink!
Top 5 Creamy Coffee Toppings:
You don’t have to stick with milk and half-and-half for a creamy cup of coffee! Here are our favorite creamy coffee toppings, from marshmallows to butter.
16. Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is a classic ice cream sundae topping, but it’s also pretty amazing on coffee. If you want to experiment with toppings like peppermint candies, sprinkles, or chocolate chips, whipped cream makes a good base. You can also whip things like Baileys Irish Cream or peppermint extract into the cream!
17. Sweet Cream
Sweet cream comes from Starbucks, and it’s a lighter, sweeter version of whipped cream. To make it, you mix simple syrup with milk and whipping cream. This topping is especially tasty in cold brew.
18. Butter
Butter coffee is more commonly called ketogenic or bulletproof coffee — and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Stir a little butter into your cup for a burst of creamy energy! Trust us, it’s better than it sounds.
19. Marshmallows
Marshmallows are a sweet topping more commonly found on hot chocolate, but they add a creamy element to coffee, too. Go for one large marshmallow or a sprinkling of small ones! As you stir them into hot coffee, they’ll melt, making the drink richer.
20. Ice Cream
Is there anything more decadent than stirring a spoonful of ice cream into your coffee? This is kind of like an affogato — though the coffee-to-ice cream ratio is a lot higher. Creamy, sweet, and possibly flavored with caramel, mint, or chocolate, ice cream is a very tasty coffee topping.
The Bottom Line
We hope this list has given you some inspiration for trying new coffee toppings! You can add all kinds of things to your brew, from herbs and spices to candy, Nutella, and even butter. Why not experiment a little and see what your favorite coffee toppings are?
RELATED READS:
- 7 Surprising Ways to Add Extra Flavor to Your Coffee
- How to Make Cold Foam for Coffee (Simple Steps)
- Healthy Coffee Recipes: 24 Delicious & Guilt-Free Drinks
Featured Image Credit: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
