Indulge your senses with the aromatic vanilla sugar. It’s perfect for gift-giving, and it’s so easy that even young kids can help make a special homemade gift for their teachers or family members. Plus, I’m including free vanilla sugar sticker labels for decorating the gift jars.

My Favorite New Coffee Stir In, Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is a delightful and aromatic infusion of vanilla beans with granulated sugar. My daughter says it smells like her Cabbage Patch dolls when she was a kid.
Not only is it great in coffee and tea, but this sweet concoction is also a popular way to add the rich and warm flavor of vanilla to various dessert recipes.
No, it’s not some new fad. Vanilla sugar has been used for centuries in European and Scandinavian baking. It’s a common ingredient in recipes for cakes, cookies, and pastries. The use of vanilla sugar dates back to the 18th century, when it was initially created as a way to preserve and enhance the flavor of vanilla.
Today, it continues to be a beloved ingredient in many kitchens around the world. It’s perfect when making Traditional Swiss Christmas Cookie Recipes.
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Vanilla Sugar
These simple ingredients are all you need to create your own fragrant and delicious vanilla sugar at home.
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla beans or vanilla pods
What Type Of Vanilla Beans Should Be Used
There are many varieties of vanilla beans, but I want to share with you the top 3 types that work well for making vanilla sugar.
- Madagascar Vanilla Beans: Known for their rich and creamy flavor with sweet, buttery undertones, making them a popular choice for imparting a strong and sweet vanilla flavor to the sugar.
- Tahitian Vanilla Beans: Prized for their floral, fruity, and cherry-like aroma, adding a unique and exotic twist to vanilla sugar.
- Mexican Vanilla Beans: With a smooth, creamy flavor and spicy, woody undertones, they are a good choice for those seeking a nuanced and slightly spicy flavor in their vanilla sugar.
Grade Your Vanilla Beans
When you are deciding which type of vanilla beans to purchase, you should also consider the bean’s grade. I purchased Madagascar Grade A for this recipe.
1. Grade A Vanilla Beans: Also known as Gourmet or Prime beans, Grade A vanilla beans are usually plump, moist, and supple, with a high moisture content and a high concentration of flavorful vanillin crystals. These beans are often visually appealing and, due to their higher moisture content, are typically used for culinary purposes, including making vanilla sugar, extracts, and gourmet desserts.
2. Grade B Vanilla Beans: Sometimes referred to as Extraction Grade, Grade B vanilla beans are drier, often darker in color, and have a lower moisture content compared to Grade A beans. While they may not be as visually appealing, Grade B beans are commonly used for extracting vanilla flavor for use in syrups, perfumes, and other products where appearance is less important.
What type of sugar should I use?
To make vanilla sugar, it’s best to use granulated sugar. Granulated sugar works well for infusing with the vanilla flavor and is commonly used for making flavored sugars.
Instructions To Make Vanilla Sugar
Prepare The Vanilla Beans
- Split the vanilla bean pod lengthwise using a sharp knife to expose the seeds inside.
- Use the back of the knife to gently scrape out the seeds from the inside of the pod. You might need a spoon or another knife to help remove the sticky seeds from the knife. Save the emptied vanilla bean pod for later use
Combine Ingredients
- Add the sugar to your food processor bowl with the chopper blade inserted.
- Scrape the vanilla bean seeds on top of the sugar.
Process
- Pulse the sugar and vanilla bean seeds about 10 quick times. Remove the lid and break up any clumps of the bean paste. Pulse a few more times to incorporate the seeds into the sugar thoroughly.
Fill Jars
- Transfer the vanilla sugar to a clean, empty jar.
- Cut the emptied vanilla bean pod into 4 even-sized pieces and poke them into the sugar.
- Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark cabinet, shaking it every 4 to 5 days to mix the sugar around. Your vanilla sugar will be ready to use in about two weeks.
Great Ways To Use Vanilla Sugar
- Sprinkle over fresh berries or fruit salads for a sweet and aromatic flavor boost.
- Stir into your morning coffee or tea for a touch of natural sweetness and fragrant vanilla essence.
- Add a subtle vanilla taste as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal.
- Incorporate into homemade whipped cream for a luscious vanilla-infused topping for desserts or beverages.
- Role sugar cookies in the sugar or sprinkle on top of cookies.
- Adding a sprinkle of vanilla sugar to the batter enhances the flavor of pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Dust over warm toast or pastries for a simple yet indulgent breakfast treat.
- Add to homemade ice cream or sorbet for a delicious hint of vanilla sweetness.
- Use as a rimming sugar for cocktail glasses, particularly for drinks like martinis or margaritas.
- Mix into cake or cookie batters to infuse your baked goods with a delightful vanilla flavor.
- Sprinkle over baked goods like muffins, scones, or cinnamon rolls before baking for a fragrant and sweet crust.
- Combine with fresh lemon juice to create a vanilla-infused glaze for cakes or cookies.
- Use as a sweetener in homemade jams, jellies, or fruit preserves for a subtle vanilla undertone.
Giving Vanilla Sugar As A Gift
This vanilla sugar makes a fun and delicious gift idea. It’s also a great gift that kids can make for teachers or family. To make it extra special, find some lovely glass jars and fill them with your aromatic vanilla sugar.
Then, here’s a fun touch: I have a set of printable labels for you to download. Print them on sticker paper and add them to your jars for a personal and charming finishing touch.
Free Gift Stickers
To access the Vanilla Sugar Stickers, visit Intentional Hospitality Shop and add the stickers to your cart. Head to checkout and type in the coupon code FREEGIFTSTICKER to get your stickers for free. You will receive a download link to access the printable stickers instantly. No waiting for shipping or delivery—it’s quick and convenient!
After applying the sticker labels to the gift jars, tie a pretty ribbon or twine around the neck for a festive touch.
Your thoughtful homemade vanilla sugar gifts are ready to spread a little sweetness to those you care about.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
How To Make Delicious Vanilla Sugar
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pod vanilla bean pod, about 6 inches in length
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, carefully split the vanilla bean pod in half lengthwise to expose the seeds inside.
- Use the back of the knife to gently scrape out the seeds from the inside of the pod. You might need a spoon or another knife to help remove the sticky seeds from the knife. Save the emptied vanilla bean pod for later use.
- Add the sugar to your food processor bowl with the chopper blade inserted.
- Scrape the vanilla bean seeds on top of the sugar.
- Pulse the sugar and vanilla bean seeds about 10 quick times. Remove the lid and break up any clumps of the bean paste. Pulse a few more times to thoroughly incorporate the seeds into the sugar.
- Transfer the vanilla sugar to a clean, empty jar.
- Cut the emptied vanilla bean pod into 4 even-sized pieces and poke them into the sugar.
- Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark cabinet, shaking it every 4 to 5 days to mix the sugar around. Your vanilla sugar will be ready to use in about two weeks.
Notes
- Sprinkle over fresh berries or fruit salads for a sweet and aromatic flavor boost.
- Stir into your morning coffee or tea for a touch of natural sweetness and fragrant vanilla essence.
- Role sugar cookies in the sugar or sprinkle on top of cookies.
- Add a subtle vanilla taste as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal.
- Incorporate into homemade whipped cream for a luscious vanilla-infused topping for desserts or beverages.
- Adding a sprinkle of vanilla sugar to the batter enhances the flavor of pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Dust over warm toast or pastries for a simple yet indulgent breakfast treat.
- Add to homemade ice cream or sorbet for a delicious hint of vanilla sweetness.
- Use as a rimming sugar for cocktail glasses, particularly for drinks like martinis or margaritas.
- Mix into cake or cookie batters to infuse your baked goods with a delightful vanilla flavor.
- Sprinkle over baked goods like muffins, scones, or cinnamon rolls before baking for a fragrant and sweet crust.
- Combine with fresh lemon juice to create a vanilla-infused glaze for cakes or cookies.
- Use as a sweetener in homemade jams, jellies, or fruit preserves for a subtle vanilla undertone.