sugar + butter

There are a few things every home baker should always have on hand, and homemade vanilla extract is at the top of my list.

If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling out a beautiful bottle of rich, fragrant vanilla while baking cinnamon rolls on a chilly morning or mixing cookie dough on a cozy afternoon, now is the perfect time to start.

The best part? Homemade vanilla extract only takes two simple ingredients, but time transforms it into something truly special. By the time winter baking season arrives, you’ll have a bottle of deep, flavorful vanilla that’s wonderful in everything from cookies and cakes to pancakes, muffins, and homemade whipped cream.

And if you decide to share it, a small bottle tied with twine and a handwritten tag makes one of the sweetest homemade gifts you can give.

Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?

Once you make homemade vanilla, it’s hard to go back.

Not only is it incredibly easy, but you also know exactly what’s in it. As the vanilla beans steep, they slowly release their rich flavor into the alcohol, creating an extract that’s perfect for baking.

You’ll love having it on your kitchen shelf for:

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Brownies
• Banana bread
• Cakes
• Cinnamon rolls
• Pancakes and waffles
• Homemade ice cream
• Frostings
• Coffee drinks
• Almost any recipe that calls for vanilla

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Ingredients

• 8–10 whole vanilla beans
• 1 cup (8 ounces) vodka (80 proof)
• One clean 8-ounce glass bottle or mason jar with a tight-fitting lid

Directions

1. Using a sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about ½ inch connected at one end.
2. Place the vanilla beans into your clean jar. If they’re too long, cut them in half so they’re completely submerged.
3. Pour the vodka over the beans until they are fully covered.
4. Seal the jar tightly.
5. Store in a cool, dark place.
6. Shake the jar about once a week during the first month, then occasionally after that.

How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Take?

Patience is the secret ingredient.

• After 8 weeks: Great for everyday baking.
• After 4–6 months: Rich, smooth, and full of flavor.
• After 1 year: Deep, complex vanilla that’s absolutely incredible.

The longer it sits, the better it becomes.

How to Keep It Going

One of my favorite things about homemade vanilla extract is that it can last for years.

As you use it, simply add a little more vodka to keep the vanilla beans covered. Eventually the beans will lose some of their flavor, but replacing them with fresh beans keeps your extract going for years to come.

A Beautiful Homemade Gift

If you enjoy giving thoughtful handmade gifts, homemade vanilla extract is one of those presents people actually use.

Pour it into small glass bottles, tuck a vanilla bean inside each one, and tie on a simple tag with the date it was started.

It’s beautiful, practical, and made with love.

From My Kitchen

There is something so comforting about making simple things from scratch.

I love the idea of starting a bottle of vanilla today, then reaching for it months later while baking cozy treats for family and friends. It’s one of those small traditions that makes the kitchen feel warm, welcoming, and full of memories.

Sometimes the best recipes aren’t the ones we bake in a single afternoon—they’re the ones we begin today and patiently watch become something wonderful over time.

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