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Homemade Tim Hortons Double Double Coffee Copycat Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Authentic

I’ve always loved coffee, and Tim Hortons’ Double Double has a special place in my heart. Growing up in Ontario, my mornings often started with a stop at Tim Hortons before hockey practice. That classic Double Double—fresh brewed coffee with two creams and two sugars—was more than a drink; it was comfort in a cup.

As prices went up and the lines got longer, I decided to try making it at home. After testing different coffee blends, creamers, and sugar ratios, I finally found a recipe that tastes just like the real thing. Now, I can enjoy the same creamy, sweet flavor without leaving my kitchen.

This guide makes it simple for anyone to recreate the Tim Hortons Double Double at home. Whether you want to relive that nostalgic Canadian taste, save money on your daily coffee run, or just enjoy a quick homemade brew, this recipe delivers. It’s easy, customizable, and ready in minutes—perfect for busy mornings or relaxing afternoons.

What Is a Tim Hortons Double Double Coffee?

A Tim Hortons Double Double is one of the most popular coffee orders in Canada. It’s a hot brewed coffee made with two creams and two sugars, giving it a smooth, sweet, and creamy taste. For many Canadians, this drink is more than just coffee—it’s part of daily coffee culture and a symbol of comfort.

Unlike black coffee, which can taste bitter, or a latte with foamed milk, the Double Double is simple and satisfying. The cream softens the coffee’s flavor, while the sugar adds just the right sweetness, making it taste rich and easy to enjoy. At Tim Hortons, it’s usually made with their Original Blend medium roast coffee, which has a balanced flavor that’s not too strong or too light.

If you order a Double Double outside Tim Hortons—say at Starbucks—you might get a different version, but the idea stays the same: coffee with two portions of cream and two portions of sugar. Think of it as a sweeter, creamier version of regular drip coffee, perfect for people who like their cup on the dessert-like side.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Homemade Double Double

This recipe makes one cup (about 8–10 oz), but you can easily scale it up if you’re making more. To get that authentic Tim Hortons taste, the key is using a medium roast coffee and rich 18% table cream.

Here’s what you need:

  • 8 oz freshly brewed hot coffee – Tim Hortons Original Blend is ideal, but you can use any medium roast like Folgers or your favorite brand.
  • 2 tablespoons (30–40 ml) 18% table cream – this gives the smooth, creamy texture Tim’s is known for. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream if that’s what you have.
  • 2 teaspoons (8–10 g) granulated sugar – white sugar is the classic choice, but brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Optional extras – a pinch of salt to balance flavors or a drop of vanilla extract for extra warmth.

Why these ingredients?
The coffee gives you a strong base, the cream adds that silky mouthfeel, and the sugar smooths out the bitterness. Together, they create the rich and comforting flavor that makes a Double Double so iconic.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap the cream for milk or use a sugar substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make a Double Double at Home

Making your own Tim Hortons Double Double at home is simple. You don’t need fancy barista tools—just basic kitchen gear. Total prep time is about 2–5 minutes, and you’ll get that same comforting Canadian coffee taste you know from the drive-thru.

1. Brew the Coffee Base
Use a drip coffee maker, French press, or Keurig. Measure 1–2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 8 oz of water. For a stronger Tim Hortons-style flavor, lean toward the higher end. Brew between 195–205°F for the best taste. If you’re short on time, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water.

2. Add the Sweetener
While the coffee is still hot, stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar until fully dissolved. Adding sugar while hot prevents graininess and gives you that smooth, sweet finish.

3. Mix in the Cream
Pour in 2 tablespoons (30–40 ml) of 18% cream. Stir gently until the coffee turns a light tan color and develops that creamy swirl you expect from a true Double Double.

4. Taste and Adjust
Take a sip. Too strong? Add a splash more cream. Not sweet enough? Stir in a little extra sugar. Adjust it until it tastes just right for you.

5. Serve Hot
Pour the coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy immediately. Prefer black coffee or flavored variations? Check out the customization ideas below.

Pro Tip: Use filtered water for brewing. It makes the coffee taste cleaner and closer to the authentic Tim Hortons flavor.

The result is a warm, smooth, and comforting cup—just like ordering a Double Double at Tim’s, but made fresh in your own kitchen.

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Double Double

Want your homemade Double Double to taste just like the one from Tim Hortons? Here are some simple but important tips:

1. Use the Right Coffee Maker
Tim Hortons brews its coffee with Bunn machines, which keep the water hot and the brewing consistent. If you don’t have one, any reliable drip coffee maker works. For convenience, you can also try Tim Hortons pods or Tassimo brewers.

2. Always Use Fresh, Clean Water
Good water makes better coffee. Use filtered water if possible. Tim Hortons cafés use in-line water filters, which is why their coffee tastes clean and smooth.

3. Get the Coffee-to-Cream Ratio Right
For a small Double Double, stick to the classic 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cream.

  • Medium cup → about 3.5 teaspoons sugar + 30 ml cream
  • Large cup → about 6 teaspoons sugar + 86 ml cream

Measuring carefully keeps the balance of sweetness and creaminess close to the real thing.

4. Fix Common Problems

  • Coffee too weak? Brew it stronger.
  • Not creamy enough? Add full-fat table cream instead of milk.
  • Want the exact taste? Use Tim Hortons Original Blend coffee or pods.

5. Make Ahead and Store
You can brew a stronger coffee concentrate, refrigerate it, and add cream and sugar when you’re ready to drink. This saves time but still keeps the flavor fresh.

6. Scale Up for Sharing
Making for two? Just double the recipe. It’s an easy way to serve a Tim Hortons style Double Double at home.

With these simple tricks, your homemade Double Double will taste nearly identical to the one from Tim Hortons.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about making a homemade Double Double is that you can change it to fit your taste or diet. Here are some easy and fun ways to adapt it:

  • Healthier Version: Want fewer calories? Swap regular sugar with Stevia or Splenda for a sugar-free coffee. Use low-fat milk or almond/oat milk to cut 25–50 calories. For a keto-friendly Double Double, try adding MCT oil instead of sugar.
  • Dairy-Free Option: If you don’t drink dairy, use coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor. Almond milk creamers also add a light, nutty taste. These swaps make your coffee fully vegan and easier to digest.
  • Flavor Twists: Give your Double Double a new spin with simple flavors. Add a few drops of vanilla extract for warmth, use brown sugar for a hint of caramel, or mix in pumpkin spice for a cozy fall coffee.
  • Boozy Adult Coffee: Turn your Double Double into a cocktail by adding a splash of whisky or Kahlúa. It’s a fun treat for evenings or holiday gatherings.
  • Triple Triple: If you love it extra sweet and creamy, try the classic Canadian “Triple Triple” with three sugars and three creams.
  • Iced Coffee Version: For hot summer days, brew your coffee stronger, let it cool, and pour it over ice. Add cream and sugar as usual. It pairs perfectly with Timbits or other small snacks.

These customizations make your copycat Double Double flexible for any diet, mood, or season.

Nutritional Information and Health Notes

For one 8–10 oz serving made with standard ingredients, here’s what you get:

  • Calories: about 140–200
  • Carbohydrates: 16–24g (mainly sugar)
  • Protein: 1–2g
  • Fat: 6–10g (with 4–6g saturated fat)
  • Sugar: 8–16g
  • Caffeine: around 95mg
  • Calcium: a small boost from the cream

If you compare this with a medium Tim Hortons Iced Capp (around 240 calories and 24g of sugar), the homemade version can be lighter. Making it at home also lets you adjust ingredients to fit your diet.

From a health perspective, this drink is more of an occasional treat than an everyday beverage. The higher sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, or cholesterol issues if you drink it too often. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults keep sugar intake under 24–36g per day, which means one cup already uses up a big part of your daily limit.

To enjoy it without guilt, try healthy swaps like using low-fat milk, plant-based milk, or sugar substitutes. These changes can cut the calories nearly in half while keeping the same creamy taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Homemade Double Double Recipe

1. What are the exact measurements for an 8 oz cup?
For a classic Double Double, start with 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of cream for an 8 oz serving. You can adjust the sweetness or creaminess depending on your taste.

2. Why doesn’t it taste exactly like Tim Hortons?
The flavor can vary because of the coffee brewer and beans you use. For the closest match, try using Tim Hortons ground coffee with a Bunn coffee maker, which is what many stores use.

3. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes. Just mix 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee with hot water. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a quick and easy option that works well.

4. How can I make it healthier without losing flavor?
Swap the cream for low-fat or fat-free creamers or use a natural sweetener like Stevia instead of sugar. These changes can help cut calories and reduce sugar while keeping the taste creamy and sweet.

5. How long can I store coffee for this recipe?
It’s best to enjoy it freshly brewed. If needed, you can refrigerate plain brewed coffee for up to 2 days and then add the sugar and cream right before drinking.

6. Can kids or people who avoid caffeine enjoy this recipe?
Yes. Just use decaf coffee instead of regular and reduce the sugar to make a lighter version. This way, it’s suitable for kids or anyone avoiding too much caffeine.

Remember, making coffee at home is all about experimenting. Adjust the sugar, cream, or brewing style until you find the perfect Double Double for you.

Final Thoughts: Why This Copycat Double Double Will Be Your Go-To

Making a Tim Hortons Double Double at home is more than just mixing coffee, cream, and sugar—it’s about bringing that cozy Canadian coffee tradition into your own kitchen. This copycat Double Double recipe is creamy, sweet, and comforting, just like the one from Tim’s. The best part? You save money, cut down on waste, and adjust the flavor exactly the way you like.

For me, this homemade Double Double has become a daily coffee ritual, and I’m sure it can become your favorite too. Grab your mug, brew a fresh pot, and enjoy a smooth and balanced coffee that tastes like Tim Hortons without leaving the house.

If you want to make it even more fun, pair it with homemade Timbits or try other Tim Hortons copycat recipes. With a little practice, you can enjoy the taste of your favorite coffee shop drinks anytime, right at home.

Mark Taylor
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I’m not affiliated with Tim Hortons or any of its official partners. This website is based on my personal experiences, visits, and research across various Tim Hortons locations in Canada. All the information shared here is for general reference and is meant to help fellow coffee and donut lovers make the most of their next visit. Thanks for reading—and enjoy your Tim's run!

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