Homemade Vanilla Extract Final Product

Homemade Vanilla Extract: A Sweet Memory in the Making

There’s something so special about slow, intentional projects—especially when they’re shared with the ones we love most. Millie Grace and I recently spent a cozy afternoon in the kitchen making homemade vanilla extract, and it quickly turned into one of those unforgettable mother-daughter moments.

Not only does this make the cutest gift (hello, Christmas prep!), but it also invites us to slow down, savor the process, and talk about the sweetness that comes when we invest time and love into something.

Full Supply List:

Why Vanilla?

Vanilla is more than a baking staple—it’s a symbol of patience, purity, and transformation. Over time, what starts as simple ingredients becomes rich and flavorful. And isn’t that just like life? When we take time to be present and let God work in the waiting, something beautiful begins to form.

How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract:

Slice the Beans
Using a sharp knife, slice 6 vanilla beans lengthwise per 8 oz. of vodka. You can leave the ends intact for a more elegant look (we love seeing the whole bean in the jar!).

    Fill the Jars
    Place the beans into your clean glass jar. You can cut them to fit, but make sure the entire bean stays in the jar for full flavor.

    Add the Vodka
    Pour vodka over the beans until they’re completely covered. This ensures proper infusion and preservation.

      Shake & Store
      Secure the lid tightly and give it a good shake. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months—but the longer it sits, the better the flavor becomes.

      Label Your Creations
      Wipe the outside of your jars and apply our free printable label. Write who it was made by and when it will be ready. This part was MG’s favorite—she loves adding the final creative touch! Grab some blank labels from amazon, and download the free vanilla label template here.

      Customized Labels

      And if you don’t want to make your own labels, you can also purchase personalized labels from amazon:

      A Legacy in a Jar

      What started as a little DIY project turned into a sweet memory I’ll never forget. As we measured and stirred, we talked about patience, creating with purpose, and the joy of giving handmade gifts. MG told me she wants to give a jar to her grandma for Christmas—and just like that, a tradition was born.

      It reminded me again that it’s not about doing things perfectly. It’s about showing up with love, spending time together, and creating something meaningful from simple ingredients.

      Final Thoughts

      Homemade vanilla extract is easy to make, beautiful to gift, and deeply rewarding to create—especially when you do it side by side with someone you love.

      So take a deep breath, pull your daughter close, and let the kitchen become your classroom of connection.

      Because these moments, just like the vanilla, get sweeter with time.

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