How To Make Homemade Cinnamon Extract (Simple Recipe)

Using only 2 ingredients, homemade cinnamon extract is simple to make. It is cost-effective and makes a cozy handmade gift for friends and family.

Homemade extracts, tinctures, and other herbal concoctions are some of my favourite gifts to give people on their birthdays or during the holiday season. Cinnamon extract uses only two ingredients, is incredibly simple to make, and is super versatile. 

How long does cinnamon extract take to make?

Cinnamon extract, or cinnamon tincture as some people call it, is quick to get started. But the catch is that it needs to steep for about 2-3 months to be a true extract. In a pinch, you can leave it steep for 6-8 weeks but it won’t be the full strength of true cinnamon extract. So if you want to give it to family and friends, you need to think ahead a few months.

How to use cinnamon extract?

In baked goods – You can add cinnamon extract to many baked goods – think of it as a substitute for vanilla extract. It makes a delicious addition to muffins, breads, pies (especially apple pie!), cookies, and cakes. 

In your favourite hot beverage – You can add the extract to hot chocolate or tea. Another great way to use it is to add a teaspoon of cinnamon extract to a pot of coffee or a few drops to a homemade espresso. Just make sure to only use a little bit so it doesn’t overwhelm the espresso flavour!

To your favourite alcoholic drink – This extract would taste great in a fall cocktail. You could also make cinnamon whiskey by adding a few drops to a rich, dark whiskey! There are tons of other delicious recipes online if you search for how to use extracts in homemade cocktails.

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Whole cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder?

It’s best to use cinnamon sticks when making homemade cinnamon extract, rather than ground cinnamon. This is because ground cinnamon is difficult to strain off the liquid and will cause your extract to be gritty. If possible, make sure to use organic cinnamon sticks to avoid pesticides in your final extract. The cheapest option where we live is to find these in our local grocery store’s baking aisle.

Simple cinnamon extract recipe

Tools

Glass mason jar with plastic lids – for steeping the extract

Small glass jar or some sort of extract jar to store or gift the extract

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

A small funnel

Supplies

Fresh cinnamon sticks (Ceylon cinnamon is a good choice to get the strongest cinnamon flavor. For a less expensive option you could try cassia cinnamon.)

80-proof unflavored vodka (or 40% ethyl alcohol) 

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

Begin by adding 4-5 organic cinnamon sticks (or however many you need to fill your jar) to sterilised glass jar.

Cover the sticks with vodka until they are completely submerged.

Add a lid to the jar and date and label your jar. 

Leave it to sit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 2-3 months. Try to shake the jar a few times a week to ensure the cinnamon sticks remain covered in alcohol.

Open the jar after 8 weeks and smell the extract. If it has a strong scent of cinnamon and is a rich brown colour, you could use what you need for a recipe and then replace the lid and let the remaining extract steep for a couple of weeks longer.

After 2-3 months, you can either strain off the extract and add it to a clean glass jar or small bottle if you’re giving it as a gift. Avoid leaving the cinnamon sticks in the jar for longer than 3 months. This is because (unlike vanilla beans) they can become quite bitter and ruin the flavour of your extract.

Date and label your extract and then it’s ready to begin using it! It’s so simple and I hope this gives you the confidence to try your hand at making your own cinnamon extract!

How long does homemade cinnamon extract last?

This extract has a long shelf life. If stored in a cool, dark place it can last for 3-4 years. Make sure to keep a tight lid on your extract to maximize freshness and remove the cinnamon sticks after 3 months.

How to make cinnamon extract without alcohol?

You can use food-grade liquid glycerin and water – but if you don’t drink alcohol, don’t worry. When you use cinnamon extract in baked applications, the alcohol will be baked off.

What to read next

How To Make Lavender Infused Honey

How To Make Chaga Tea

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