How To Make Coffee Candles 2 Ways

Coffee candles bring the warm, inviting aroma of fresh coffee into your home without brewing a single cup. These delightful DIY creations make perfect gifts, add cozy ambiance to your space, and satisfy coffee lovers’ cravings without the caffeine. In this article, you’ll learn two distinct methods for creating your own coffee-scented candles: the coffee bean method and the ground coffee method. Each approach offers unique benefits and a slightly different coffee aroma experience.

Materials and Tools Needed

Preparation Before Starting

Before diving into either method, you’ll need to prepare your workspace and materials:

1. Clear and clean your work area, covering it with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup.
2. Measure your containers to determine how much wax you’ll need. As a general rule, you’ll need about 1 ounce of wax per 1 cubic inch of container space.
3. Prepare your containers by thoroughly cleaning and drying them.
4. Attach wicks to the bottom center of each container using wick stickers or a small dab of hot glue.
5. Gather all materials and tools so they’re within easy reach during the candle-making process.

Method 1: Coffee Bean Candles

This method creates visually striking candles with whole coffee beans embedded in the wax, providing both aromatic and aesthetic appeal.

Step 1: Prepare Your Container (5 minutes)

1. Choose your container—coffee mugs work perfectly for a thematic touch, but mason jars or heat-resistant glassware also work well.
2. Secure your wick to the bottom center of the container using a wick sticker or small dab of hot glue.
3. Straighten the wick and secure it in an upright position using a wick centering device or by placing two craft sticks across the top of the container with the wick between them.

Step 2: Measure and Melt the Wax (15-20 minutes)

1. Measure the appropriate amount of wax for your container. For most coffee mugs, 8-10 ounces of wax is sufficient.
2. Set up your double boiler by filling the bottom pot halfway with water and placing it on medium heat.
3. Add the wax to the top pot or melting container.
4. Heat the wax slowly, stirring occasionally, until it reaches approximately 180°F (82°C) and is completely melted.
5. Once melted, reduce heat to low to maintain temperature while you prepare the coffee beans.

Step 3: Prepare Coffee Beans (5 minutes)

1. Measure out approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of whole coffee beans per standard-sized candle.
2. For enhanced scent, you can lightly crush a few beans to release more oils, but keep most whole for visual appeal.
3. Set aside a small handful to place on top of the candle later.

Step 4: Add Fragrance (5 minutes)

1. Allow the wax to cool to approximately 140°F (60°C).
2. Add coffee fragrance oil if desired—about 1 ounce per pound of wax provides a strong scent.
3. For a more authentic coffee aroma, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to complement the coffee scent.
4. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to thoroughly incorporate the fragrance.

Step 5: First Pour and Bean Placement (10 minutes)

1. Allow the wax to cool to around 125°F (52°C) before pouring.
2. Pour a small amount of wax into the container, just enough to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch).
3. Immediately add a layer of coffee beans, spreading them evenly.
4. Allow this layer to partially set for about 5 minutes—this prevents the beans from sinking to the bottom.

Step 6: Complete the Pour (5 minutes)

1. Pour the remaining wax slowly over the beans, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
2. Gently sprinkle the remaining coffee beans on top for a decorative finish.
3. If any beans sink, don’t worry—they’ll create an interesting layered effect.

Step 7: Set and Cure (24-48 hours)

1. Allow the candle to cool and set at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
2. Keep it away from drafts, which can cause uneven cooling and surface imperfections.
3. Once completely hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the wax surface.
4. For best results, allow the candle to cure for an additional 24-48 hours before burning.

Method 2: Ground Coffee Candles

This method infuses the wax with ground coffee for a more intense coffee aroma that permeates the entire candle.

Step 1: Prepare Your Container (5 minutes)

Follow the same container preparation steps as in Method 1.

Step 2: Measure and Melt the Wax (15-20 minutes)

Follow the same wax melting procedure as in Method 1.

Step 3: Prepare Ground Coffee (5 minutes)

1. Measure 2-3 tablespoons of medium-ground coffee per 8 ounces of wax.
2. For a stronger scent, use freshly ground coffee rather than pre-ground.
3. If you prefer a milder scent, reduce to 1-2 tablespoons.

Step 4: Infuse Wax with Coffee (15 minutes)

1. Once the wax is completely melted at 180°F (82°C), add the ground coffee directly to the wax.
2. Stir continuously for 5 minutes to allow the coffee oils to infuse into the wax.
3. Maintain the temperature between 170-180°F (77-82°C) during this process.
4. Allow the mixture to steep for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Strain the Wax (Optional) (10 minutes)

1. If you prefer a cleaner look without coffee grounds in your finished candle, strain the wax through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
2. If you like the rustic appearance of coffee grounds throughout your candle, skip this step.

Step 6: Add Fragrance (5 minutes)

1. Allow the wax to cool to approximately 140°F (60°C).
2. Add coffee fragrance oil if desired—about 1 ounce per pound of wax.
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for a richer coffee aroma.
4. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to incorporate fragrances.

Step 7: Pour the Candle (5 minutes)

1. Allow the wax to cool to 100-110°F (38-43°C) before pouring.
2. Pour the wax slowly into your prepared container, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
3. For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle a few coffee grounds or whole beans on top.

Step 8: Set and Cure (24-48 hours)

Follow the same setting and curing procedure as in Method 1.

Tips for Perfect Coffee Candles

1. Choose the right beans: Darker roasts generally provide a stronger coffee aroma than lighter roasts.

2. Enhance the scent: Combining coffee with complementary scents like vanilla, chocolate, or caramel creates a more complex and appealing aroma.

3. Container selection: Repurposed coffee cups, vintage teacups, or small mason jars make perfect containers for coffee candles.

4. Test burn: Always conduct a test burn of your candle to ensure it burns properly and releases the desired aroma.

5. Gift presentation: For gifting, wrap your candles with twine or ribbon and attach a small coffee scoop or a few extra coffee beans for decoration.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Burning Your Coffee Candles

For the best experience with your homemade coffee candles:

1. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burning session.
2. Allow the candle to burn long enough for the melt pool to reach the edges of the container (usually 1-2 hours) the first time you light it.
3. Never burn the candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
4. Keep away from drafts, which can cause uneven burning.
5. Extinguish the flame if it becomes too high or starts smoking.
6. Stop using the candle when approximately 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom.

Creative Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic coffee candle techniques, try these creative variations:

1. Layered coffee candles: Create visual interest by alternating layers of coffee beans with plain wax.

2. Coffee and cream candles: Pour a layer of coffee-scented brown wax, let it partially set, then top with vanilla-scented white wax for a latte effect.

3. Seasonal coffee blends: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice fragrance oil to create seasonal coffee variations like pumpkin spice or gingerbread latte.

4. Coffee scrub candles: Mix coffee grounds with sugar and coconut oil to create a layer at the bottom of your candle that can be used as a scrub once the candle is burned.

5. Espresso shot candles: Make mini coffee candles in espresso cups for cute gifts or party favors.

Conclusion

Making coffee candles is a rewarding craft that combines the sensory pleasure of coffee with the cozy ambiance of candlelight. Whether you choose the visually striking coffee bean method or the intensely aromatic ground coffee approach, you’ll create a unique home accent that coffee lovers will appreciate. With a little practice, you can customize these techniques to create signature coffee candles that reflect your personal style and scent preferences. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different coffee varieties and complementary fragrances to create your perfect coffee candle.