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Small glass jars filled with homemade BBQ spice rub with printable gift labels attached

Sweet & Smokey BBQ Spice Rub

A mildly spicy, sweet, and smoky all-purpose seasoning made with organic whole-food ingredients. Perfect for BBQ meats, roasted veggies, and so much more—and it makes a beautiful budget-friendly DIY holiday gift.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12 3.4oz jars

Equipment

  • 12 3.4oz jars or ANY containers or bags you like for gifting
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup maple sugar you can use light brown sugar too
  • 1/2 cup smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup fine pink sea salt
  • 1/4 cup garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup onion powder
  • 4 tbsp ancho powder
  • 2 tbsp fine black pepper
  • 1 tbsp coriander
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp oregano

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined, breaking up any clumps from the maple sugar.
    Mixing sweet and smokey BBQ rub ingredients in a glass bowl with wooden spoon
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as desired! We are all unique. Add more maple sugar for sweetness, more smoked paprika for smokiness, or more black pepper for heat.
  • Spoon into small jars (3.4 oz works perfectly) and seal tightly. Add a label or ribbon for gifting, free printable tags below! OR if you are just making it for you, store in a mason jar in your pantry.

Notes

How to Use Sweet & Smokey BBQ Rub

  • Rub generously on chicken, pork, beef, or ribs before grilling or roasting
  • Sprinkle on roasted vegetables or potatoes
  • Season burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf
  • Add to marinades or salad dressings for a smoky kick
  • Toss with nuts for a savoury snack
  • Sprinkle on popcorn for movie night
  • Use as an all-purpose seasoning any time you want bold, smoky-sweet flavour

Storage

Store your BBQ rub in a sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, this rub will stay fresh for 3–6 months. Avoid storing near heat or in direct sunlight, which can cause the spices to lose potency.

Gifting Tips

  • Use 3–4 oz jars for perfectly portioned gifts
  • Add a ribbon, twine, or festive fabric topper
  • Include a small card with usage ideas
  • Pair with grilling tools, a nice cut of meat, or a recipe card for a complete gift
  • Reuse clean spice jars from your pantry to keep costs even lower