How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Making homemade vanilla extract is so easy and perfect to add to your cookies and cakes. You only need two ingredients to get started.
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I first thought to make homemade vanilla a few years ago when I needed teacher gifts for Christmas. I wanted something unique AND something they would actually use. Now, teachers are asking me for it because it’s such a great gift. They can use it for months and months and it’s so much better than what you get at the grocery stores.
I remember baking when I was little and the smell of vanilla when my Grandma added it to her cookies. Every time I smell it, it brings back so many memories. Now my kids always ask for a smell it when we’re making cookies and they’ll have that memory forever too.
How to make homemade vanilla
All you need is 2 ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka (80 proof). I have so many people ask how I make homemade vanilla extract so I thought I would just type it up!
I order my vanilla beans online. There are many different kinds, but I usually just stick with Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans. Tahitian vanilla beans are good too. I use 5 vanilla beans per cup of vodka (8 oz). I’m sure many of you moms already have this in your cabinet and that’s fine to use. 🙂
Learn how to make vanilla extract.
First, you need to split the bean open with a sharp knife.
Next, you need to scrape out the seeds from the inside. It’s kind of sticky, but you can just run your knife along the bean and they come right out.
Once I’ve done all 5, I cut them in half. The jar I use is short, so I do this so they’ll fit in. If you have a taller one then you won’t have to do that. Here’s a pack of cute containers I found that’s the perfect size.
If you don’t want to purchase any new containers, you can just add your split vanilla beans to the bottle of vodka.
Pour your vodka in and close the lid tight. Store in a cool, dark place, like the back of your cabinet or pantry, and let sit for at least 6 weeks.
That’s it! It’s really easy. I only make an 8 oz jar at a time, but have two jars that I alternate. When I’m using one, the other is sitting so I will never run out.
I leave the beans in and only take them out when it’s completely empty. They will continue to add flavor.
Here are a few of my top baked goods that uses vanilla!
- Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
- Yummy Applesauce Muffins
- The BEST egg free oatmeal cookies EVER
- Turtle Poke Cake
Make pure vanilla extract for gifts.
Vanilla is a GREAT and inexpensive holiday gift for teachers and neighbors. You’ll want to do a large batch and then pour into smaller bottles.
Make sure to start your vanilla right after Halloween and it will be ready to use when you give it to them at Christmas. They’ll be able to make their Christmas baked goods with it.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 1 cup vodka
- 5 vanilla beans
Instructions
- Slice the vanilla beans open with a sharp knife and scrap out the seeds using a sharp knife.
- Add vanilla beans to jar and pour vodka in jar and close tightly.
- Store jar in cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks before using.
Hi, thank you , now I can make my own vanilla extract, Question, have you tried doing coffee extract?, have a great day and many blessings to you and family
No, I haven’t, but I can think of a million things I can use it for.
Hi, I tried your eggless chocolate chip cookie recipe, I love it, I can’t have eggs or salt because of an Iodine treatment I’m having and your recipe gives that sweet I needed.
I’m also going to try your vanilla extract recipe and try it with coffee beans, I will let you know how it goes.
Have a good night
Hello Holly, I was watching my Grandson’s this morning and just had to make chocolate chip cookies for them to take home but saw that I had no eggs. I hit Google for eggless chocolate chip cookies and yours was the first that came up! I did look at a couple others but was drawn back to yours) I LOVE IT! My grandson’s were thrilled that he could eat some of the cookie dough…as was I. I will definitely be coming back to your site to see what else I can cook.
I have done a luncheon every year close to Valentine’s day for the last “41 years” with my friends and have made them a gifts every year…I saw that you make your own vanilla and am going to make for my Valentines lunch 2019! One question, how long is the timeline that the vanilla will last? Thank you so much and enjoy Memorial weekend.
Janet…
I don’t think it really goes bad because it has an alcohol base.