Stop buying these at the store. 9 popular mixes to make at home instead

To start making your own mixes at home, you'll need a few essential ingredients that are common across many recipes. These include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder. For those who enjoy baking, having a variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract can add depth to your mixes. Additionally, keeping a stock of chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits can help you customize your mixes. It's also helpful to have airtight containers or jars for storing your homemade mixes, ensuring they stay fresh and ready to use.

Creating your own pancake mix is simple and allows you to enjoy fluffy, delicious pancakes anytime.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Store the mix in an airtight container.

To make pancakes (makes about 8):
Add 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 eggs, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to 2 cups of the dry mix. Stir until just combined, and cook on a greased griddle or skillet.

Make brownies that are perfectly rich and chewy with this homemade mix.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Store in a jar or airtight container.

To make brownies:
Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir until combined and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Enjoy light and crispy waffles made from this easy homemade mix.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Store in a sealed jar or container.

To make waffles:
Add 1 3/4 cups milk, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup oil to the dry mix. Mix until smooth and cook in a waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.

This crepe mix makes it easy to whip up sweet or savory crepes.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Keep the mix stored in an airtight jar.

To make crepes:
Add 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 eggs, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the dry mix. Whisk until smooth and cook thinly on a nonstick skillet or crepe pan.

Create fresh muffins in minutes with this handy mix.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Store in a jar or container.

To make muffins (makes about 12):
Add 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup oil to 2 cups of the mix. Stir gently. Add-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips can be folded in. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes.

This basic cake mix can be turned into any kind of cake you like.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Store in a sealed jar or container.

To make a cake:
Add 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup butter (softened) to the dry mix. Mix well and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes in a greased 9x13 inch pan.

Bake cookies fast with this simple, shelf-stable mix.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Store in a container or jar.

To make cookies (makes about 2 dozen):
Add 1 cup butter (softened), 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips or your favorite mix-ins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Enjoy fresh biscuits any time with this homemade mix.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Store in a sealed container.

To make biscuits (makes about 8):
Add 1/3 cup cold butter (cut into cubes) and 3/4 cup milk. Mix until a dough forms, pat out and cut into rounds. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Get the perfect balance of savory and sweet with this cornbread mix.

Dry Mix Ingredients:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Store in an airtight container.

To make cornbread:
Add 1 cup milk, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup melted butter to the dry mix. Stir just until combined and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

To ensure your homemade mixes stay fresh, store them in airtight containers or jars. Label each container with the contents and the date it was made. Keep the mixes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. For added convenience, attach a note with the additional ingredients needed and the cooking instructions. This way, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips when you're ready to bake.