a simple start to intentional homemaking: my homemade dry mix collection

Alexa Rickenbach
Jul 27
3 min read

Updated: Jul 27

Somewhere between the desire to be intentional and the overwhelm of reading every label… I started making my own pantry staples. I didn’t start because I wanted to be crunchy.I started because I wanted to be informed.

As I looked at what I was feeding my family and how much time I was spending making those decisions, I realized that building a homemade pantry (starting with dry mixes) was one of the easiest ways to simplify. It saved me time, saved us money, and most importantly, gave me full control over every single ingredient.

This little collection of dry mixes has been growing slowly, and it’s become one of my favorite homemaking rhythms. Just a few jars in the pantry means I can whip up pancakes, muffins, cookies, or a simple cake with no extra effort—no weird ingredients, no hidden additives, and no last-minute grocery runs.

Today I’m sharing the first six dry mixes I’ve built my pantry around. Three of them are already on the blog, and the rest are included in a beautiful downloadable PDF you can save and print below. It even includes bonus mixes for seasoning staples and sweet treats like hot cocoa and strawberry milk powder!

Here’s a quick peek at each mix & why I love them! Grab the full collection below 👇🏼

universal muffin mix

endlessly customizable and so simple | The base recipe is endlessly adaptable—add fruit, nuts, chocolate, or protein powder for a quick and nourishing breakfast. It’s a favorite in our house for toddler snacks or freezer meal prep mornings.

pancake mix

fluffy, cozy, and ready in minutes | This is our go-to breakfast mix for busy or slow mornings. It makes 12 fluffy pancakes in minutes with just a few wet ingredients. It also works great for sheet pan pancakes or mini silver dollars for snacks!

vanilla cake mix

better than boxed, and just as convenient | This mix makes a tender, fluffy cake with simple pantry staples and can even be turned into a chocolate cake with one easy tweak. I keep it on hand for birthdays, baby showers, or just because cake sounds good after dinner.

any-chip cookie mix

cozy cookies without the measuring | A versatile, buttery base that works with whatever chips, candy, or mix-ins you have on hand. I love keeping this on the shelf for last-minute gatherings or when we just need a warm and nostalgic treat.

cornbread mix

lightly sweet and perfectly moist | A pantry essential in our house, especially during the cooler months. This recipe is simple, lightly sweetened, and makes a perfect side for soups and stews.

hearty oatmeal cookie mix

soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced | Hearty and not overly sweet, these cookies are a favorite comfort snack. The oatmeal base can be dressed up with coconut, nuts, or turned into oatmeal cream pies.

Favorite tools for mixing & storing

Having the right tools on hand makes the process of prepping homemade mixes simple and even a little fun. Here are a few of my favorite essentials I use every time I stock my pantry. Just click to shop!

Half-gallon Mason Jars

Perfect for storing large-batch mixes like pancakes, muffins, and cornbread. They’re airtight, reusable, and easy to label.

Label Maker

I love using this to keep my jars clearly marked. It makes everything look tidy and cohesive on the shelf.

Canning Vacuum Sealer

This helps extend the shelf life of your mixes, especially if you’re prepping in bulk or planning to gift some.

Large Glass Mixing Bowl

A wide, sturdy bowl is a must for combining all your dry ingredients with ease.

Wooden Spoon

A simple staple — I reach for this every time I’m stirring up a new batch.

Wide-Mouth Funnel Set

Essential for mess-free transfer into jars. If you’ve ever tried to pour flour into a mason jar without one, you know.

Kitchen Scale

Makes prep faster and more accurate, especially for flours and mix-ins!

These little investments have made such a difference in keeping my pantry tidy and functional — and they make it feel like a joy instead of a chore.

want the full collection?

I’ve bundled all 6 dry mixes into a printable guide, plus a bonus section of staple seasoning blends (like ranch and taco) and fun sweet treats (like hot cocoa powder, chocolate milk mix, and more). Whether you're just starting your intentional living journey or looking to simplify your kitchen rhythms, this is a beautiful, easy place to begin.