15 make-it-yourself kitchen staples for everyday cooking

Simple is the name of the game when it comes to homemade ingredients. These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their baking without much fuss. Whether you learn how to make your own vanilla extract, whip up fresh buttermilk, or infuse sugar with unique flavors, these easy-to-follow recipes can transform your kitchen into a DIY haven. Why buy the basics when you can make them at home with minimal effort and ingredients?

Homemade Powdered Sugar

A wooden spoon with powdered sugar from a white bowl, with additional bowls and measuring spoons on a wooden board and a striped cloth in the background.
Homemade Powdered Sugar. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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In those moments when a recipe calls for powdered sugar and you find your pantry lacking, fear not. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes, you can make homemade powdered sugar right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Powdered Sugar

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Two glass bottles filled with dark liquid, sealed with cork stoppers, and adorned with red and white strings. Vanilla beans are scattered in the foreground, with a jar of clear liquid and vanilla beans in the background.
Homemade Vanilla Extract. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Learn how to make your own vanilla extract at home. It’s a great way to amp up the flavor of your baked goods and culinary creations. Plus, it’s super easy and budget-friendly – only two simple ingredients are needed!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade Brown Sugar

Two bowls of brown sugar are placed on a countertop with a bottle of molasses, a bowl of white sugar, a copper saucepan, and a red flower in the background.
Homemade Brown Sugar. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Learn how to make brown sugar in just 5 minutes with granulated sugar and molasses. You will always have brown sugar on hand without needing to run to the grocery store at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Brown Sugar

Homemade Buttermilk

A spoon is scooping a thickened white liquid from a measuring cup, next to a lemon juicer with a halved lemon.
Homemade Buttermilk. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Many recipes call for buttermilk, but who uses enough to warrant buying a whole jug? If you’ve ever wondered how to make buttermilk, read on. There are several quick and simple methods for making it yourself and saving time and money.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk

Homemade Chicken Rub

Homemade Chicken Rub. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This all-purpose chicken rub recipe is wonderful on any cut of chicken, whether your grilling, smoking or baking! Say goodbye to expensive store-bought rubs and hello to this delicious homemade seasoning!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Rub

Chicken Stock

Three mason jars of chicken broth on a counter.
Homemade Chicken Stock. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make your own homemade chicken stock. The process is simple and requires only a pot, a few essential ingredients, and a bit of time. It’s as easy as it can be!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stock

How To Make Lemon Sugar

Three jars filled with different types of body scrub on a table.
Lemon Sugar. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Are you looking for a simple way to add lemon flavor to your edible creations? Search no more; the solution lies with this simple two-ingredient lemon sugar. This easy-to-make ingredient is perfect for adding a tangy twist to everything from cakes and cookies to your favorite drinks.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Lemon Sugar

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla bean panna cotta in a glass jar on a pink saucer, with spoons in the background on a marble table.
Homemade Vanilla Sugar. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Learn how to make this two-ingredient spices blend for your cooking and baking. You can also add it to coffee and tea for a sweet vanilla kick.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Sugar

Garam Masala Spice Mix

Garam Masala Spice Mix. Photo credit: Rachna cooks.

This fragrant spice mix, or garam masala, is an essential ingredient when making Indian curries or sides. Make this at home and enjoy the freshness.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Spice Mix

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar

A bowl and a plate with cinnamon sugar, alongside whole cinnamon sticks on a patterned cloth.
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Homemade cinnamon sugar is delicious on top of baked goods, on the rim of a cocktail or mixed into your morning coffee. This easy recipe is one you can bottle and keep in your pantry anytime you need it!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Sugar

Hot Cocoa Mix

A jar of hot cocoa mix, a cup of cocoa, and christmas candy.
Hot Cocoa Mix. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa is the easiest little recipe to whip up. Serve it for sledding parties, breakfast on cold days, or anytime you need a warm drink.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Mix

Hibiscus Simple Syrup

Hibiscus Simple Syrup. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This Hibiscus Simple Syrup hits a sweet-tart balance that works in all kinds of mocktails and cocktails. Make a batch and keep it in the fridge so a Hibiscus Margarita or quick mocktail is always within reach. Its deep magenta color makes any drink look extra special. It is an easy way to add big flavor and a bold pop of color with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Simple Syrup

Homemade Almond Butter

Homemade Almond Butter. Photo credit: Eat Fresh Glow.

I’m loving this easy homemade almond butter and can’t believe it’s so simple to make! Just 1 ingredient and a high-powered blender, and you can make this gooey, creamy, delicious almond butter in 1 minute.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Almond Butter

DIY BBQ Rub

DIY BBQ Rub. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

You probably know someone in your family who lives to grill and smoke food, and, if so, this DIY BBQ rub recipe is a great idea for a Christmas (or birthday) gift! The ingredients are a perfect blend of spice, savory and sweet flavors, although you can customize it of course. Once you’ve made the rub, you can package it up for a charming homemade look and be sure to impress the lucky recipient.
Get the Recipe: DIY BBQ Rub

Homemade Pancake Syrup

Spoon of homemade DIY pancake syrup over a mason jar on a wooden table.
Homemade Pancake Syrup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This homemade pancake syrup recipe blends white and brown sugar with a hint of vanilla, creating a rich, molasses-like flavor that’s perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Quick to prepare in about 15 minutes, it uses simple pantry staples and avoids the additives found in store-bought syrups.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pancake Syrup

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