A clear glass bottle labeled Vanilla Extract Homemade filled with vanilla beans and liquid, stands in focus, with two similar bottles and kitchen canisters blurred in the background.

There’s something incredibly meaningful about giving a gift you’ve made with your own hands. Handmade gifts are a budget-friendly, heartfelt way to show someone you care, and they add that extra special touch you just can’t find in store-bought stuff. One of my absolute favorite homemade gift ideas is homemade vanilla extract—and not just because it smells amazing and tastes even better! I love making my own vanilla extract because it’s so cost effective, and I have full control over the purity, strength, and quality of the ingredients.

The best part? It only takes a few simple ingredients, and when you start now—exactly six months before Christmas—you’ll have perfectly infused bottles of pure vanilla extract just in time for your holiday baking and Christmas gifts. Whether you’re keeping some for your own use or giving them as a thoughtful hostess gift, this project is a classic that never disappoints.

A glass bottle of homemade vanilla extract with a swing-top lid sits on a counter next to a large jar of sugar and a stack of cookies in the background. The bottle contains vanilla beans and has a handwritten label.

Supplies

A cutting board with a knife, an empty glass bottle, a small jar of clear liquid, a metal funnel, and several vanilla beans on a marble countertop.

To get started on your homemade vanilla extract, you’ll need:

This recipe makes about 6 8.5 oz bottles of vanilla, each full of rich, complex vanilla flavor that far outshines anything you’ll find at the grocery store.

Types of Vanilla Beans: What to Know Before You Begin

Before diving into the extraction process, let’s talk about the kind of vanilla beans you’re using. The vanilla flavoringof your final extract will vary depending on the origin and grade of your vanilla pods. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Madagascar Vanilla Beans: Known for their creamy, rich, and sweet profile—perfect for baking. These are my go-to for DIY extract because they yield the best flavor and are widely available.

Mexican Vanilla Beans: Have a bold, spiced depth with notes of nutmeg and clove. Great for holiday recipes and something a little different.

Tahitian Vanilla Beans: These offer a floral, fruity taste—delicate and ideal for custards and creams.

What’s the Difference Between Grade A and Grade B Vanilla Beans?

  • Grade A (Gourmet): These are plump, moist, and look beautiful in a glass bottle. I prefer these for gifting because their appearance is part of the charm. They’re also easier to slice. 
  • Grade B: These are dryer and usually recommended for homemade vanilla extract recipes because the lower moisture content allows for a stronger extraction process. But they’re not as pretty and are sometimes more difficult to extract the flavor. As a result, these are usually available at a lower price point. 

Even though grade B vanilla beans are totally acceptable and even preferred by some, I stick with grade A when I want something that looks as good as it tastes—especially if I’m giving them as a great gift!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Vanilla Extract

Step 1: Separate the Vanilla Beans

Portion out 8 vanilla bean pods per 8.5 oz bottle. This ratio of vanilla beans ensures a deep, aromatic pure vanilla flavor without being overpowering.

Two hands holding several dried vanilla beans over a wooden cutting board, with a small knife resting nearby.

Step 2: Slice the Beans

Using your sharp knife, carefully slice each vanilla bean lengthwise down the center. You don’t have to slice all the way through, just enough to expose the top of the beans and the rich inner paste. For extra intensity, open them wider or even cut into smaller pieces.

A hand holds a vanilla bean pod on a wooden surface while scissors cut the end off the pod.
Seven dried vanilla beans are laid out on a light wooden surface next to a black-handled knife. The beans are dark, wrinkled, and unevenly spaced.
Two hands split open a dark vanilla bean pod on a wooden surface, with more vanilla pods in the background.

Step 3: Add Beans to the Bottle

Slide the whole vanilla beans into each cleaned glass bottle. If they have a curved side, place them with the curve facing down—it creates a beautiful, natural display.

A person places a vanilla bean pod into a small glass bottle on a wooden surface, preparing the jar for use.

Step 4: Add the Vodka

Using your funnel, pour 8 oz (1 cup of vodka) into each bottle. You don’t need expensive alcohol—cheap vodka works perfectly! Just make sure it’s unflavored and about 80 proof.

A glass bottle with vanilla beans inside is on a wooden surface. Liquid is being poured through a metal funnel into the bottle.

Step 5: Seal and Shake

Secure the lid and give the bottle a good shake to start the extraction process. You’ll notice the color begin to deepen over time to a rich, dark brown as the vanilla’s flavor infuses.

A hand opens a glass bottle with a flip-top lid containing several vanilla beans submerged in liquid, set on a white marble surface.
Two hands are opening a glass bottle with a swing-top lid and red gasket on a white marble surface.
A hand with white-painted nails holds a clear glass bottle with a metal clasp lid containing dark vanilla beans.
A glass bottle with a swing-top lid contains several vanilla beans submerged in clear liquid, standing on a light-colored marble surface.

Step 6: Label and Finish

Add your free labels, a little baker’s twine or ribbon, and set the bottles aside in a dark place. The labels are available as a free download and are sized perfectly for Avery 2” square labels.

A person holds a glass bottle of homemade vanilla extract with a white label, next to a sheet of similar labels on a marble surface. The bottle contains dark vanilla beans and has a swing-top cap.

Tips for the Best Homemade Vanilla Extract

  • Store in a dark place like a cupboard or pantry, out of direct sunlight, to preserve the vanilla pods and alcohol base.
  • Shake each bottle once a week (if you remember!) to encourage even infusion.
  • Allow at least 6 months for the flavors to develop fully. The longer you wait, the richer the flavor.
  • Use your extract in everything from cookie dough to sugar cookies, cakes, and more.
  • Keep a bottle for your own extract stash—it’s too good not to use year-round.
A glass bottle of homemade vanilla extract with a swing top sits on a marble countertop in a kitchen, surrounded by white jars, a pitcher holding wooden utensils, and a copper measuring cup.

Common Questions

How long does homemade vanilla extract last?

Properly stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, your homemade alcohol-based vanilla extract can last indefinitely, though it’s best used within 3–5 years for peak flavor.

Can I reuse the vanilla beans?

Yes! Once your extract has been used up, you can refill the bottle with more vodka and get a second round out of the same beans. You may want to add a few fresh vanilla pods for the best flavor.

Is there a difference between homemade and store-bought vanilla extract?

Absolutely. Homemade vanilla extract tastes more robust and layered than many store-bought vanilla extract brands, especially when compared to imitation vanilla. Plus, you know exactly what’s in it.

Can I use other types of alcohol?

Yes—rum, bourbon, or even brandy work well and create a deeper, more complex flavor. Just be sure it’s unflavored and at least 70–80 proof.

What kind of bottle should I use?

I love using swing top glass bottles, but amber bottles, mason jars, or any airtight glass bottle will work just fine. The key is keeping air and light out during the ripening process.

Three glass bottles with swing-top lids, filled with homemade vanilla extract and labeled Vanilla Extract Homemade, are displayed on a kitchen counter with jars in the background.

Why This is the Perfect Gift Idea

These beautiful bottles of DIY vanilla extract make the most wonderful holiday season gifts. Whether for a baking friend, a neighbor, or as a charming hostess gift, they’re always well-received. Add a little note with your free printable label, wrap with baker’s twine, and you’ve got something both thoughtful and useful.

This is also a gift that keeps on giving—every time they use it in cookie dough or a birthday cake, they’ll think of you. And the store-bought version just can’t compare.

If you’re planning ahead for the holiday season, now is the perfect time to start your extract. With just a bit of prep, you’ll be giving out stunning, high-quality gifts without spending much money—and you’ll also have the best secret ingredient in your kitchen for fall and Christmas baking.

I’d love to see how your bottles turn out! Be sure to grab your free labels, and if you give this a try, leave a comment or tag me on social media @returninggrace so I can cheer you on!

Happy Homemaking, Y’all!

A glass bottle of vanilla extract sits on a counter in front of a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Behind, a jar of sugar, kitchen towels, and utensils hang on the wall in a bright kitchen.
salutation with a signature Wishing you grace, Stephanie

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A hand holds a bottle of homemade vanilla extract with a custom label. Below, three bottles with vanilla beans inside sit on a counter in front of jars of sugar and flour. Text reads: Homemade Vanilla Extract, Easy Recipe + Free Label.

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A clear bottle of homemade vanilla extract sits on a kitchen counter beside a jar of sugar, a plate of chocolate chip cookies, and large jars with rolling pins, with striped towels in the background.

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