How to Make Cinnamon Extract

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Homemade extract is a great way to stock your baking pantry and makes a beautiful gift! In this post, you’ll learn how to make cinnamon extract using just 2 ingredients.

I didn’t realize how versatile cinnamon extract would be until I made some! You know how when you’re browsing the baking aisle at the store, you see all the different extracts, but you pretty much stick to your usual? That’s me. I grab vanilla, sometimes almond or lemon extract, but that’s about it. Then this year happened and I’m on a serious extract making kick! Recently I shared a post (with video!) on making your own vanilla extract. But since I also make lemon extract, and now cinnamon extract, I’m going to share those too. You’ll find making cinnamon and lemon extract even easier than vanilla!

You only need 2 ingredients!

To make this extract, you only need 2 ingredients – cinnamon sticks and vodka. You can find whole cinnamon sticks in the spice section at the grocery store. Cinnamon can be found in two forms, typically. There’s ground cinnamon, which is what most of us purchase for everyday cooking and baking. You also have cinnamon sticks, which are great for things like oatmeal or Cincinnati-style chili. To avoid grit and powder in your extract, use the sticks.

The second ingredient is alcohol. If you don’t drink, don’t worry, any alcohol burns off in the baking. Alcohol is an ingredient in every extract because that’s what pulls the flavor from whatever you’re extracting. It’s a preservative, which is why homemade extracts are shelf stable. Clear, unflavored vodka, is perfect for cinnamon extract. You don’t need anything top-shelf, but for a smooth extract that blends well, try to avoid the cheapest option too. Somewhere in the “economical but not for industrial-strength cleaning” is good. That will give you the strongest cinnamon flavor in your extract. You don’t want other flavors in there.

How long does it take to make the cinnamon extract?

This is exactly why I love this recipe, especially for those of you new to making extract. You can have great cinnamon extract ready to use in as little as 6 weeks! To get vanilla extract in that amount of time, you have to use a lot of beans, and it still won’t be at its very best. Cinnamon sticks – especially if they’re pretty fragrant – infuse the alcohol quickly!

Steps for making extract:

First, gather your ingredients and a clean glass container. A mason jar is perfect. I prefer to start my extract in a wide-mouth mason jar and then transfer to a pretty jar for storage after I’ve removed the extra cinnamon sticks.

Place 4 cinnamon sticks (or as many as will fit) into your mason jar. Pour in enough vodka to cover the cinnamon sticks. Place the lid on the jar and set in a pantry. Shake every week or so if you feel like it, but it’s not required. In 4-6 weeks, open the lid and smell. If your extract smells potent enough, transfer your cinnamon extract to a pretty jar.

Unlike vanilla beans, which you can leave in your extract jar indefinitely, cinnamon sticks can taste bitter if steeped in the vodka too long. They also turn bitter if overcooked. Since we don’t want bitter extract, pull the sticks once your extract has reached the appropriate strength. You’ll know by smell and color – it will be a lovely rich brown and very fragrant.

How can I use cinnamon extract?

In ALL the cold weather baking! And not cold weather baking, haha. I like swapping it for all or part of the vanilla extract in many recipes, including:

• Oatmeal cookies
• Brownies
• Chocolate cake
• Cinnamon scones
• Pumpkin cheesecake
• Sugar cookies

Basically anywhere you would use vanilla extract, you can use cinnamon extract.

I do hope you’ll give it a try, darlings! Enjoy!

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How to Make Cinnamon Extract

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Making your own cinnamon extract is a wonderful and economic way to stock your baking pantry with specialty ingredients! Use this 2-ingredient recipe for homemade gifts and in a variety of baked goods!

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Ingredients

• 4 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 cups vodka, unflavored
• 1-pint jar with lid

Instructions

1. Place your cinnamon sticks in your pint jar or extract-making container. You may need to break them in half to fit.
2. Pour in the vodka, making sure the cinnamon sticks are completely submerged.
3. Cover and allow to rest in a pantry 4-6 weeks until it reaches the desired strength.
4. Remove the cinnamon sticks and enjoy your extract!

Notes

• You can halve this recipe to make a smaller batch of extract, or double or triple to make more.
• Once your extract has reached the desired strength, remove the cinnamon sticks. Sticks left in the vodka too long will turn bitter and ruin your extract.
• The exact amount of time your extract will need to steep depends on the strength and age of your cinnamon sticks and how strong you like your extract.

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