I may have a problem.

Somehow, each day presents a new reason for a little treat.

Maybe I didn’t get enough sleep and need a bit of motivation to get started on the day (here I come, cold brew). Maybe I started a big project at work, or maybe I just finished something worth celebrating (otw to a 12 oz cup of drip). Maybe I got plenty of sleep and want to enjoy a warm, smooth latte on my day of rest and delight.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m a big fan of little treats. Small things are worth pausing to appreciate! I’m just not a fan of spending too much money out – especially when fun drinks can be made at home.

So, for all those like me who need a little treat to get through the day, I got you.

Here’s some inspiration for three of my favorite autumn-inspired coffees!

1. (anything with) MAPLE NOT-SO-COLD FOAM

This maple cold foam pairs well with any base. Recently, I’ve been loving it on top of a plain hot coffee. I guess that doesn’t quite make it “cold” foam, so “maple not-so-cold foam” it is.

I love this combination because it brings out all the fall flavors without being overpowering or too complicated.

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• pour maple syrup until the line moves well above the 1/4 line (about 1 tablespoon)
• some vanilla extract
• a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg
• a pinch of salt
• a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg

Froth and pour most of it in your coffee, but leave some out. This recipe makes the perfect amount to refresh your drink halfway through when the foam inevitably runs out. 🍁☕️🤎

How to make this maple not-so-cold foam (video):

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2. WHIPPED MAPLE BUTTER (w/ secret ingredient) LATTE

(Pssst. The secret ingredient is a sprinkle of sea salt!) I didn’t feel like hanging that one over your head for too long – you deserve to know.

Anyway, this one is simple and SO good. My favorite form of this recipe is a sea salt maple latte, but it’s also great as an iced/hot coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.

To make this, I use the maple butter at Trader Joe’s, which only has one ingredient: maple syrup. If you want to make this yourself, grab a high-quality maple syrup and whip it in a mixer until it nearly doubles in volume.

Add the whipped maple butter to your hot espresso or coffee, then add milk or ice (if using) and a sprinkle of sea salt!

Enjoy! (PS. I take my latte with a little less milk – all the flavors come through beautifully this way!)

3. CINNAMON VANILLA BEAN COFFEE

You really can’t go wrong with the tried and true vanilla bean for coffee! Adding the cinnamon to this classic brings out just a glimpse of fall (a great go-to if you don’t want to overdo it on maple or pumpkin this year).

Ingredients:

• vanilla bean simple syrup
• half & half
• cinnamon

By the way, do you know how easy it is to make vanilla bean syrup? If you don’t have any on hand, it takes 5 minutes to make:

• ratio of 1:1 sugar to water
• add one vanilla bean per cup of water
• simmer and stir until dissolved
• DONE! I like to keep mine in old spice jars because they’re perfect for pouring into my coffees.

Instructions:

• Froth your vanilla bean syrup with your half & half. For a single serving, I recommend 1/8 cup of liquid to about a teaspoon of syrup but feel free to add more if you prefer it sweeter.
• Once you have your vanilla foam, add a dash of cinnamon and froth. Be careful of going too heavy-handed on this – you want just enough to bring out the flavor but not too much that it clumps in your drink.
• Add this vanilla/half & half/cinnamon mixture to the coffee base of your choice. Typically my go-to is pouring this into black coffee and giving it a good stir.

HEY, if you read this far, THANK YOU for being here and have a fantastic day! Let me know if you try any of these by leaving a comment – I’d love to hear what you think.