Homemade Butter Coffee: A Simple Recipe Guide

Quick Answer

• Use a good quality coffee brewer you trust.
• Freshly ground beans make a huge difference.
• Blend your coffee with unsalted butter and MCT oil for that creamy texture.
• Start with a standard coffee-to-water ratio and adjust to your taste.
• Don’t over-blend, or your coffee might get foamy.
• Keep your blender and brewer clean.

Who This Is For

• Anyone looking to try the butter coffee trend for a richer morning drink.
• People who want a simple, customizable recipe for how to make butter coffee at home.
• Those seeking a quick and satisfying boost to start their day.

What to Check First

Brewer Type and Filter Type

Your coffee maker is the starting point. Drip, pour-over, French press – they all work. Just make sure it’s clean. For pour-over or drip, paper filters are common. Metal filters let more oils through, which can add flavor. Whatever you use, make sure it’s the right fit for your brewer.

Water Quality and Temperature

This is non-negotiable for good coffee. If your tap water tastes off, your coffee will too. Use filtered water. For brewing, aim for water between 195°F and 205°F. Too cool, and you won’t extract enough flavor. Too hot, and you can scorch the grounds. Most brewers handle this automatically, but it’s good to know.

Grind Size and Coffee Freshness

Freshness is king. Buy whole beans and grind them right before you brew. Pre-ground coffee loses its punch fast. The grind size depends on your brewer. Coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for espresso. An inconsistent grind leads to uneven extraction.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

This is where you dial in your strength. A good starting point is a 1:15 to 1:18 ratio. That means for every gram of coffee, use 15-18 grams of water. In US customary units, that’s roughly 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz of water. Adjust this based on how strong you like it.

Cleanliness/Descale Status

A dirty brewer is the enemy of good coffee. Coffee oils build up, and mineral deposits from hard water clog things up. Descale your machine regularly. A quick rinse after each brew makes a big difference. Seriously, clean your gear. It’s a game-changer.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Butter Coffee at Home

1. Brew Your Coffee: Start by brewing your favorite coffee. Use your preferred method – drip, pour-over, French press.

• What “good” looks like: A hot, flavorful cup of coffee, brewed to your usual strength.
• Common mistake: Brewing too weak or too strong initially.
• Avoid it: Use a consistent coffee-to-water ratio you like. You can always adjust later.

2. Measure Your Butter and MCT Oil: While the coffee brews, measure out your ingredients. For one serving, start with 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1-2 teaspoons of MCT oil.

• What “good” looks like: Having your ingredients ready to go.
• Common mistake: Guessing the amounts.
• Avoid it: Use measuring spoons for accuracy, especially when you’re starting out.

For the best results, we recommend using high-quality unsalted butter for that perfect creamy texture.

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• HIGH BUTTERFAT: The girls supply a rich cream that’s churned into creamy, melt-in-your mouth butter
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3. Pour Coffee into Blender: Once brewed, carefully pour the hot coffee into your blender.

• What “good” looks like: All the coffee is in the blender, ready for the next step.
• Common mistake: Overfilling the blender.
• Avoid it: Leave some headspace in the blender. Hot liquids expand.

4. Add Butter and MCT Oil: Add your measured unsalted butter and MCT oil to the blender with the coffee.

• What “good” looks like: All the ingredients are in the blender.
• Common mistake: Forgetting one of the ingredients.
• Avoid it: Double-check your measurements before adding.

5. Blend on Low Speed: Start blending on a low setting for about 10-15 seconds. You want to emulsify the ingredients, not whip air into it.

• What “good” looks like: The butter and oil start to incorporate, creating a slightly cloudy mixture.
• Common mistake: Blending too fast or too long initially.
• Avoid it: Start slow. You can increase speed if needed, but don’t go crazy.

6. Increase Speed (Optional): If you want a frothier texture, you can increase the blender speed for another 10-20 seconds.

• What “good” looks like: A creamy, frothy beverage that looks like a latte.
• Common mistake: Over-blending, which can make it too foamy or even separate.
• Avoid it: Watch the texture. Stop when it looks right to you.

7. Pour and Serve Immediately: Pour your finished butter coffee into your favorite mug.

• What “good” looks like: A smooth, creamy, hot beverage ready to drink.
• Common mistake: Letting it sit too long.
• Avoid it: Drink it right away while it’s hot and perfectly blended.

8. Taste and Adjust: Take a sip. Is it too rich? Too weak? Adjust your butter and MCT oil amounts for the next time.

• What “good” looks like: A delicious cup of coffee that meets your taste preferences.
• Common mistake: Not adjusting for future brews.
• Avoid it: Make notes on what you liked or didn’t like for your next batch.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Decision Rules

• If your coffee tastes bitter, then try a coarser grind or a slightly lower water temperature because over-extraction causes bitterness.
• If your coffee tastes sour, then try a finer grind or a slightly higher water temperature because under-extraction causes sourness.
• If your butter coffee separates, then try blending for a bit longer on a slightly higher speed because better emulsification prevents separation.
• If your butter coffee is too oily, then reduce the amount of butter or MCT oil in your next batch because you’re using too much fat.
• If your butter coffee isn’t rich enough, then increase the amount of butter or MCT oil in your next batch because you need more fat for that creamy texture.
• If your brewer is clogged, then descale it immediately because mineral buildup affects flow and taste.
• If your coffee tastes “off,” then check your water quality first because bad water makes bad coffee.
• If you’re new to butter coffee, then start with less MCT oil because some people are sensitive to it initially.
• If you want a frothy top, then blend for an extra 10-15 seconds on medium-high speed because this incorporates more air for froth.
• If your butter coffee is too thin, then try using slightly more coffee grounds or a bit less water in your next brew because a stronger coffee base helps.

FAQ

What kind of coffee should I use for butter coffee?

You can use any coffee you enjoy. Medium to dark roasts often pair well with the richness of butter and MCT oil. Freshly roasted and ground beans will always give you the best flavor.

Can I use regular butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter. Salted butter can make your coffee taste weirdly savory. Grass-fed butter is often recommended for its nutrient profile.

What is MCT oil and why is it in butter coffee?

MCT oil (medium-chain triglyceride oil) is a type of fat. It’s thought to provide quick energy and can help create that smooth, creamy texture when blended with coffee and butter.

How much butter and MCT oil should I use?

A common starting point is 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1-2 teaspoons of MCT oil per 8-12 oz cup of coffee. Adjust these amounts to your personal taste and tolerance.

Can I make butter coffee ahead of time?

It’s best to make butter coffee fresh each time. The emulsion can break down if it sits, and it won’t be as hot or creamy.

Is butter coffee healthy?

Butter coffee is high in fat and calories. Some people use it as a meal replacement or for sustained energy. It’s a personal choice, and it’s good to consider your overall diet.

What if I don’t have a blender?

While a blender is ideal for emulsifying the ingredients, you can try whisking vigorously in a mug. It won’t be as smooth or creamy, but it’s an option.

Can I add anything else to my butter coffee?

Sure! Some people add a touch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a sugar-free sweetener. Experiment to find your favorite flavor combinations.

What This Page Does Not Cover (And Where to Go Next)

• Detailed health benefits or drawbacks of butter coffee. (Explore nutritional science resources.)
• Specific brand recommendations for coffee beans, butter, or MCT oil. (Check reviews and specialty coffee shops.)
• Advanced brewing techniques for different coffee bean origins. (Look into barista guides or advanced brewing courses.)
• The science behind emulsification in beverages. (Consult food science articles or culinary textbooks.)