Easy homemade Christmas gifts from the kitchen. Homemade vanilla extract is so easy to make.
I originally shared this how to guide back during the 2011 holiday season. Over the years, as I've made new batches of vanilla I have added more tips and photos of the process. I've left some of the older images to show visually and to help demonstrate the process.
I've included a free printable Homemade Vanilla extract label for you to download at the end of this post.
If you need an easy food gift for Christmas these bottles of vanilla extract decorated with the pretty printable vanilla extract label I made are perfect for the cooks and bakers of the family.
2019 - This post has been updated with new photos, and a free vanilla extract labels. Add a touch of class to your homemade Christmas food gift.
I have been making homemade vanilla extract since 2011. I have since stream lined my process and now have one half gallon mason jar that I keep filled and replenish with fresh beans and more vodka.
I keep this never ending jar of vanilla extract steeping so I always have the best extract on hand for my baking.
Yes, I have been using some of the same vanilla beans over and over to make extract for years.
It is amazing how much flavor they have. The half gallon jar above is filled with some of the same vanilla beans I bought back in 2012. Right before I took this photo I poured a 750ml bottle of Vodka in it.
The prices of vanilla beans and store bought vanilla extract have gone way up in the past few years so I am saving a huge amount of money by making it myself.
I haven't bought vanilla extract since 2011! And my homemade vanilla extract is so much better than any store bought extract I have ever bought.
Homemade Christmas Food Gifts
Homemade food gifts like this make the best hostess gift or Christmas gift for the bakers in your life. If you do a lot of baking you can save so much money making this extract yourself.
This recipe should be started at least 8 weeks before you plan to give it away as a gift.
If you get a late start you can still make it just include a "use after" date on the bottle.
I'm a cook, baker and mad scientist when it comes to stuff like this. I love making my own homemade extracts.
When I made homemade vanilla extract the first time I made the extract in quart mason jars and small recycled bottles. It ended up be more work than it needed to be.
You can do it either way. Whatever works for you. If you use small bottles you will need to shake each bottle as it steeps verses shaking one large bottle.
Now I like to use large mason jars to make the homemade extract. I have use 2 large glass bottles to steep the extract in.
Then as needed I will fill individual 4 oz Boston Round bottles that I will give as hostess or Christmas gifts.
I also keep a small 4 oz. bottle in my kitchen cabinet because it is easier to measure and pour the vanilla extract from the smaller container.
Honestly, I think using the vodka bottle itself or some other large jar like a half-gallon mason jar works out better and is easier to handle.
This way you only have one or two bottles to shake as the vanilla extract is curing.
Supplies Needed
You only need few supplies to make homemade Vanilla Extract - Vodka, Vanilla Beans, a container, small bottle to gift the extract in and patience.
- 750 ml bottle of Vodka: Buy what you can afford but avoid the cheapest brands. The better brands of vodka have a smoother flavor.
- brown or clear 4 oz Glass bottles with lids. I have used both. In the new pictures I have used clear bottles.
- 25 vanilla beans: Madagascar vanilla beans are a little more expensive but are a better bean. Tahitian beans can be used.
- a glass jar to steep the extract in: A half gallon Mason jar, a clean and recycled glass jar or even the glass vodka bottle will work.
There are many online sources for vanilla beans. Buying them in bulk is a much better deal than buying them at the grocery store.
If you plan on using the vodka bottle you will need to pour some vodka out of the bottle to make room before adding the vanilla beans.
Or you can just put all of the beans in a half gallon jar and pour the entire 750 ml bottle of vodka over them.
Is homemade vanilla extract better than store bought?
Did you know that most commercial vanilla extract has added water to it to cut back on costs?
When you make homemade vanilla extract it is triple strength or more and is made with vodka and vanilla beans only.
No cheap shortcuts when making your own and it is stronger and has a better vanilla flavor than what you can buy at the store.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Purchase your supplies. I buy my vanilla beans on Amazon where I have found the best price for bulk beans.
Step 2: Use a thin sharp paring knife to split each of the vanilla beans down the center. You can split the beans and leave them whole or cut them up into small pieces and add them to a jar or bottle.
Either way will work but you need to split the vanilla beans so the vodka can be absorbed and be release so it can infuse the alcohol.
Step 3: Place the split beans into the bottom of a large glass container. The container should be at least a half gallon size.
You can divide the ingredients in half and use two smaller jars if needed.
Step 4: Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans in the jar.
Step 5: Place the lid on the jar. Make sure it is a tight fitting lid so the vodka does not evaporate during the steeping process.
Place the jar in a dark cool cabinet to steep.
Occasionally shake the jar once or twice a week while steeping.
Here you can see how quickly the vodka begins to take on the vanilla essence from the beans.
Recipe FAQ's
The longer you can steep homemade vanilla extract the richer the flavor will be. You can expect at a minimum to steep the vanilla beens for at least 8 weeks before
Homemade vanilla extract is ready to use in about 8 weeks. The extract should be a deep rich brown color with a strong vanilla scent.
Homemade vanilla extract will last indefinitely as long as it is stored correctly. Store the vanilla in a brown glass bottle, in a dark cool cabinet away from heat.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Storing vanilla beans properly: Vanilla beans are very delicate and very expensive. If they are not stored properly they will get hard and brittle. Once the vanilla pods are exposed to air they will start to dry out. If you have leftover vanilla beans be sure to triple wrap them in plastic and store them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
- How many beans you need: You will need 25 medium for this recipe. Usually, you will find the information of how many beans are in a ¼ or ½ pound of beans on the label. If you are not a baker only buy the amount of vanilla beans you will need to make the amount of vanilla extract you need.
- Splitting the vanilla beans: You can split the beans and leave them long and whole or cut them up into small pieces and add them to a jar or bottle. I like to cut them into smaller pieces which will speed the process along.
- If you plan on using the vodka bottle to make the extract you will need to pour a small amount of vodka out of the bottle to make room for the vanilla beans.
- Do not refrigerate while steeping or storing or the extract will become cloudy.
Most instructions say you can use the extract after 6 weeks but I have found the extract to be much better after 12 weeks of steeping. The longer the better.
Bottle up the homemade Vanilla Extract and share it with friends and family.
Custom Vanilla Extract Label
For best results this custom made homemade vanilla extract label should be printed on Avery Glossy White 22830 Print to the edge round labels.
Download Free Vanilla Extract Labels for your homemade vanilla extract.
Set your printer to the highest ink setting. Download the pdf and save it to your computer. Open the pdf and print.
Recipes Using Vanilla
Pure vanilla extract adds the best flavor to these vanilla recipes.
Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Equipment
- 1 Large Glass Jar
Ingredients
- 750 liters Vodka (best you can afford )
- 25 Medium Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans
Instructions
- Measure Vodka into jars. You'll need 4 cups of Vodka per quart jar.
- Add 5 split vanilla beans per cup of Vodka. (20 Split Vanilla Beans per quart jar makes the best vanilla extract. You could use less but the vanilla will be weaker.)
- Steep or cure for at least 6 weeks before using.
- Â Bottle the vanilla extract in 4 oz. brown glass bottles. For gift giving you can add 1 vanilla bean to each.
Video
Recipe Expert Tips
- Storing vanilla beans properly: Vanilla beans are very delicate and very expensive. If they are not stored properly they will get hard and brittle. Once the vanilla pods are exposed to air they will start to dry out. If you have leftover vanilla beans be sure to triple wrap them in plastic and store them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
- How many beans you need: You will need 25 medium for this recipe. Usually, you will find the information of how many beans are in a ¼ or ½ pound of beans on the label. If you are not a baker only buy the amount of vanilla beans you will need to make the amount of vanilla extract you need.
- Splitting the vanilla beans: You can split the beans and leave them long and whole or cut them up into small pieces and add them to a jar or bottle. I like to cut them into smaller pieces which will speed the process along.
- If you plan on using the vodka bottle to make the extract you will need to pour a small amount of vodka out of the bottle to make room for the vanilla beans.
- Do not refrigerate while steeping or storing or the extract will become cloudy.
- 1 quart jar of Vodka and vanilla beans will yield 32 ounces of homemade vanilla extract.
- 32 ounces of vanilla extract will yield eight 4 oz. bottles for gifting.
- Don't throw away the vanilla beans after bottling your homemade vanilla extract. You can add more vodka to the bottle with the vanilla beans and start a new batch of vanilla extract.
- Or rinse off the vanilla beans well and add to a jar of sugar to make homemade vanilla sugar.
Jim
I have 3-year old vanilla that I will give a few 4 oz bottles for Christmas. I have had 2 quart bottles stored in a cool basement since January of 2020, I give them a shake every time I am down there. I also have a quart of spiced rum vanilla that is just over a year old to give it a try. I got the rum and vodka at Costco. I use Costco's $23+ vodka for making all of my extracts. Since beans are now so expensive I shop the internet for best prices. There is a place in Florida, I believe it is called "Native Vanilla", and occasionally they will have a sale of 2 for 1 on beans. When they do I stalk up.
Thank you for the beautiful labels as I have sticky paper and a round 2.5" cutter. I just came across your vanilla site and these labels will be used on my Christmas bottles.
Arlene Mobley
Hi Jim you are very welcome. Arlene
C
What proof of vodka do you use? I just bought 100 proof thinking it would be better since it would extract more vanilla. I'd love to know what proof you use though. Thanks!
Arlene Mobley
Hi Charis I used 80 proof vodka. 100 proof should be fine for baked goods as the alcohol burns off in the cooking.
Melissa Miller
How long is the shelf life for the Vanilla Extract once placed in the small 4 oz. bottles?
Thanks!!
Arlene Mobley
Melissa
Vanilla extract will last for years. I have been using the same vanilla extract for over 6 years. I also reuse the beans from the main jar at least 3 times to keep a running jar of vanilla going. It is the best vanilla extract I have ever used! Dark and rich. Much better than what you buy in the store.
Roberta Taylor
Can you tell me if you strained your homemade vanilla through a cheesecloth or leave it with the vanilla bean pods? Thanks!
Arlene Mobley
Robert
In each small jar I placed a fresh split vanilla beans and just pour the vanilla extract into the small jars. I did not strain it.
kellyn weber
How did you make your labels for vanilla? Did you glue paper on or have it made at printing company? Can you explain how you did them.
Arlene Mobley
Hi Kellyn
There is a link for the a free printable labels in the post.
JANINE
Where did you get the little bottles to put extract in as gifts?
Arlene Mobley
Janine
I ordered my supplies from a number of places. I will hunt down the link for you and let you know asap. Thanks!
Terri
Does it matter what grade or what kind of Vanilla Beans you use?
Flour On My Face
Terri
I bought the grade of vanilla beans I felt comfortable paying for. With this recipe the grade won't matter as much. If you decided to go with a lower grade the beans will be thinner and possibly shorter so I would add a couple extra vanilla beans.
zackette
After reading your instructions for DIY vanilla extract, I realize that I haven't been putting nearly enough vanilla beans per amount of liquid! I like using rum and it's still ok but with a dominating rum flavor, which is fine for certain recipes but not great for others. In general, I want more of a vanilla taste that is the primary flavor and goal. That said, the stronger rum flavored vanilla extract was excellent for almond pastes, for example, in a galette des roi.
Sharon and Denise @BeBetsy
Thanks for sharing this great idea on BeBetsy!! We are excited! Love your blog and all your wondeful ideas. All the best! Sharon and Denise
Yum Girl
I love homemade gifts. Beautifully done! If I may, I’d like to invite you to submit your photos to the new YumGoggle, a photo sharing site with the philosophy that if you worked hard to cook it and photograph it, we should show it off! Hope to see you there soon!
https://www.yumgoggle.com/gallery/
Tora Estep
This would a delightful gift! I would love to make homemade vanilla extract. I like making stuff from scratch too.
Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom)
That is so cool! I bet baking with this is amazing!
Sarah
how easy is that? vanilla+vodka+time=vanilla extract. Thanks for sharing!
Lyn @LovelyPantry
What a brilliant idea! This would be an ideal gift for someone that you know that bakes alot. I know I'd be thrilled to receive this! Makes me wonder how much BETTER it must taste than store bought. And those labels!!! ...cute presentation.
Flour On My Face
Lyn
Thank you! It does taste so much better then store bought. I haven't bought store bought vanilla in almost a year. And now the prices are sky rocketing so it is really cheaper to make then to buy if you do a lot of baking like I and you do.
Kim Bee
This is one of my fave things to make for people. I did monster sized batched last Christmas and gave bottles away. People love getting homemade vanilla. Yours turned out beautifully.
Flour On My Face
Kim
Thank you so much! I can't wait to make your Cherry Extract!
Family Foodie
I love that you shared this... I had no idea how easy it is to make vanilla. Your photography is just gorgeous!
Flour On My Face
Isabel
Thank you so much. Yes it is one of those things that are so easy to make and so much better then store bought.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
I'm obsessed, OBSESSED with homemade vanilla extract!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories)
Always wanted to make my own vanilla extract, but never have. A great idea and cute packaging!
sunithi
The finished product is so lovely ! Like the four things you listed... hmmm... patience 🙂 !! I can just imagine the flavor in this. Thanks for sharing !
Sarah
I've got a jar going right now too!
Kathia Rodriguez
So easy and good.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Wow, so much great information! I tried making some for myself, and it isn't very vanilla-y. I think I am being cheap and stingy with the beans. I just heard that they have them cheap at Costco - I may have to get some more to add to my bottle.
Flour On My Face
Brianne
I understand. The vanilla beans are so expensive if you are buying them 1 or 2 at a time. It's so worth it though. The vanilla is awesome.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Welcome to #SundaySupper!! I just love your gift. I have a bunch of Mexican vanilla beans I got as part of a store close out. They've been sitting in the frig waiting patiently, and now I know what I'm going to do with them! Thanks soooo much. I love it!!! And I really appreciate all the tips!
Flour On My Face
Susan
Thank you so much. You will love homemade vanilla. And thank you for hosting a great Sunday Supper!
Jennie @themessybakerblog
This is such a great gift idea. I have never made homemade vanilla, and that has to change. Pinned.
Soni
I've never made vanilla extract from scratch and this is a great tutorial for somebody like me :)Thanks for sharing and I'm sure your guests will love this as their holiday gift 🙂
Conni Smith
Oh, homemade vanilla extract is so east, and so good! You just have to plan ahead and make it WAY in advance 🙂 I make this all the time, and it is so nice.
Laura Hunter
When you posted your title I got so excited. I already have my bottle of vodka and my jars ready and waiting so I am so excited to give this a try.
Flour On My Face
Laura
You will love it and never want to buy commercial vanilla again.
Megan @ I Run For Wine
I have never made homemade vanilla extract! Your bottling is so cute too. What a fantastic gift.
Sheila
I really want to make this. I tried to make vanilla extract once and it did not quite work out. But I really want to make my own! Time to try again! Thanks for sharing.
Flour On My Face
Sheila
If you use enough vanilla beans it will turn out perfect. You will never want to buy store bought again.
Bea
Fantastic - homemade vanilla extract! What a great gift idea! Love it 🙂
Emily @ Life on Food
Great idea! I keep seeing this around and always think I can do that and then never get to it. It is a bit late for me to give as gifts but I can and will be trying this out for me soon.
Audrey's Mamma
We better get right on this if it takes 6-weeks! The girls will love helping me make this as it sounds super simple. And I can see them fighting over who gets to shake it each day! Does the brand or quality of vodka matter? I don't drink much and know nothing about vodka.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen
Homemade vanilla extract is probably THE best gift! The flavor is unbeatable and the uses are endless. Who wouldn´t want to receive this? Wonderful pics
Faye Leong
Thanks so much for the detail explanation of making this vanilla extract. I am going to try this for own use too and is also a great idea as a gift!
veronica gantley
I have homeade vanilla extract all ready to go for christmas presents.
Heather@girlichef
I hate to double-up on comments, but I'm not sure if my first went through (got a weird 404 re-direct). Anyhoo...I think homemade vanilla extract makes a fabulous gift! It's all I use and think that everybody should be able to experience the difference. Great bottles and labels! 🙂
Flour On My Face
Heather
Sorry you had a problem leaving the first comment. No problem it never came through! Thanks!
Eileen Gross | Wine Everyday
Wow!
I never knew how simple it is to make Vanilla Extract. Your explanation of how the vanilla beans should be (softer rather than hard) is much appreciated. I love when a recipe tells you the pitfalls you may encounter along the way, it takes the scariness out out trying something for the first time.
If I get started now, I may have a batch ready for Christmas!!
Cheers!
Flour On My Face
Eileen
Thank you so much. It's nice to know when the little extra info I've included is useful to my readers.
Tara
I just saw this recently and thought what a brilliant idea. A great gift to give and I love your little jars!!
Jen @JuanitasCocina
My homemade vanilla has been sitting for weeks for gifts! Of course, I kept some for me too! 😉
Katie
I've never thought to try to make homemade vanilla extract before - what a great idea! I'd love to get this as a gift...
Nicole @ The Daily Dish
I've only made my own extract once and it was absolutely fabulous. I really need to do it again and you have inspired me. I love the labels and bottles you used!!
Flour On My Face
Thanks so much Nicole!
Renee
I have thought about making vanilla extract for the longest time. I don't know why I haven't made it yet because I use vanilla so much. You have inspired me to give it a try and I'm using your formula and recipe. Now for the patience part...
Flour On My Face
Renee
You will love it I promise!
Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Never tried making my own, thanks for the idea!
Hezzi-D
I started making vanilla extract last year for Christmas and since I've used it in my baked goods I haven't stopped! It's much cheaper then buying at the store and the flavor is so much better. Love the pretty bottles you have it in!
Baker Street
It has been over a year now and I only use homemade vanilla extract! This is easily one of the best gifts for a baker! 🙂