How to Make Vanilla Extract
You may be wondering how to make vanilla extract. It’s so simple and using only 2 ingredients, you can have your own for baking or gift giving.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out my privacy policy for more info.
I first thought to make homemade vanilla a few years ago when I was needing teacher gifts for Christmas. I wanted something unique and something I knew that would get used. I have teachers ask me for it now because it’s such a great gift. They can use it for months and months and it’s so good!
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 when we’re making cookies and they will have that memory forever too.
All you need is 2 ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka. I have so many people that as me how I make homemade vanilla extract so I thought I would just type it up!
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
How to Make Vanilla Extract
I order my vanilla beans online. There are many different kinds, but I usually just stick to ones from Madagascar. I use 5 vanilla beans to 8 oz of vodka. I’m sure many of you moms already have this in your cabinet and that’s fine to use. 🙂
First, you need to slice the vanilla 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 will 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.
Pour your vodka in and close the lid tight. Put it in your cabinet 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 because I don’t use that much and it will last me awhile.
I have 2 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.
Hint: If you are going to use these for teacher gifts for Christmas, start them right after Halloween and the vanilla will be ready to use when you give it to them at Christmas. They’ll be able to make their Christmas goodies with it.
I’ve been wanting to do this for gifts. A friend of mine one time made some with a bottle of spiced rum….HOLY SCHNEIKIES, it was amazing. I put it in a pound cake, it was the best thing ever
I can’t wait to make this! I love to bake but hate paying so much money for good vanilla!
I have always wanted to make vanilla extract. Thanks for the inspiration! I never would’ve thought to look on Amazon either, nice tip.
What do you do with the seeds? Thanks for this idea.
I usually just trash them, but I bet they are good in ice cream!
Is there a non alcoholic base that could be used to make vanilla extract? Would be helpful 🙂
Vanilla is normally made with an alcohol base, but I just did a quick Google search and found 2 recipes that used food-grade glycerin. I found it on Amazon- http://amzn.to/2nRFB31 (This link is an affiliate link. That means I get a VERY small percentage if you buy using it with no extra cost to you.) If you use it, please let me know how it turns out.
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.
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