Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Caramel Macchiato recipe offers all the indulgence of your favorite café drink but without the trip to the coffee shop. The combination of velvety milk, sweet vanilla syrup, and espresso creates a perfectly balanced coffee experience. Plus, the caramel sauce adds a touch of luxury and sweetness. Whether you use store-bought ingredients or make the syrup and sauce from scratch, you’ll love how quickly you can prepare this treat.

Ingredients

For the Caramel Macchiato:

1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (store-bought or recipe below)
¾ cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
2 ounces espresso (or strong brewed coffee)

For the Vanilla Syrup:

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

To Make the Vanilla Syrup:

In a small pot, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium-high heat.
Bring to a boil, then continue boiling for 8-10 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool, and store leftovers in a jar in your fridge for up to a month.

To Make the Caramel Sauce:

In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine brown sugar, whipping cream, butter, salt, and vanilla.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it boil for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Remove from the heat and let it cool. Store it in a squeeze bottle or an airtight container for easy drizzling.

To Prepare the Caramel Macchiato:

Pour 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup into your mug.
Froth the milk using a frother, the steam wand on your espresso machine, or even a regular whisk.
Pour the frothed milk into the mug over the vanilla syrup.
Brew 2 ounces of espresso (or 4 ounces of strong coffee) and pour it gently into the milk. The espresso will create a “mark” in the milk, which is how the drink gets its name—macchiato means “marked” in Italian.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top, making two circles around the edge of the mug, and then creating a crosshatch pattern on top, just like Starbucks.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 Caramel Macchiato
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Milk Alternatives: You can use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version of this Caramel Macchiato. Oat milk works especially well for frothing.
Decaf Version: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, use decaffeinated espresso or strong brewed coffee.
Extra Sweetness: Add more vanilla syrup or caramel sauce to increase the sweetness to your preference.
Ice Version: To make an iced caramel macchiato, simply add ice to your glass and pour over the iced milk and espresso.

Storage/Reheating

Vanilla Syrup: Store homemade vanilla syrup in a jar in the fridge for up to a month.
Caramel Sauce: Keep the caramel sauce in an airtight container or squeeze bottle. Store at room temperature if using within a few days, or refrigerate for longer storage. Reheat the caramel sauce in a cup of hot water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make this without an espresso machine?

Yes! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use 4 ounces of strong brewed coffee instead of espresso.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! Oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk all work well in this recipe. Oat milk is especially great for creating frothy milk.

How do I froth milk without a frother?

If you don’t have a frother, you can froth milk using the steam wand of an espresso machine or simply whisk the milk in a jar or with a regular whisk until it becomes frothy.

Can I make the vanilla syrup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the vanilla syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a month.

How do I make this drink less sweet?

To make it less sweet, reduce the amount of vanilla syrup or caramel sauce. You can always adjust the sweetness based on your preference.

How do I store leftover caramel sauce?

If you have leftover caramel sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will thicken in the cold, so you may need to warm it up in a cup of hot water before using it again.

Can I use store-bought vanilla syrup?

Yes, you can use store-bought vanilla syrup if you want to save time.

What kind of caramel sauce should I use?

You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own with the recipe provided.

How much caffeine is in a Caramel Macchiato?

A Caramel Macchiato typically contains about 75 mg of caffeine, which comes from the 2 ounces of espresso.

Can I make this an iced Caramel Macchiato?

Yes! Just pour the milk and espresso over ice, and drizzle the caramel sauce on top for an iced version.

Conclusion

This Caramel Macchiato recipe is a perfect way to enjoy your favorite café drink from the comfort of your home. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can indulge in a rich, creamy, and sweet beverage that rivals any coffee shop version. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, this Caramel Macchiato is sure to satisfy your coffee cravings.