Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix
If you make a lot of gingerbread recipes during the holiday season, then you’ll find it useful to have your own gingerbread spice mix ready to go in your spice cabinet! Here’s a simple spice mixture that I like to add to baked goods and all things gingerbread. Please let me know in the comments below how you use it this Christmas season!
Gingerbread spice mix makes a great gift!
You can make small batches or one large batch that you can use for all of your holiday baking! Last year I made way to little so next year I’ll be making a very large batch! It really is very useful to have on hand!
Ingredients
Quick note
This is the classic spice blend that we use most often here in Sweden, but you can, of course, adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences. There are some variations at the bottom of the post.
-Pre-ground spices are very useful, but you can also use whole spices (for the best flavor) and grind them to a powder using a spice grinder.
Small Batch
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger – the key ingredient in gingerbread; a little goes a long way, but too little, and your gingerbread men will taste bland!
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – I use whole nutmeg for this recipe and use a fine grater.
- Optional:
1/2-1 teaspoon ground cardamom – Cardamom is really popular in the Nordic countries and adds a citrusy and herbal note. Start with adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
Big batch
- 1/2 cup ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cardamom
Equipment
A small jar with an airtight lid, or a clean, dry mason jar if making a large batch.
Instructions
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the spices and mix well.
- Transfer to small jars or an air-tight container.
Storage
Store the gingerbread spice mix in an airtight container or empty spice jars, in a dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness.
How to use gingerbread spice mix
Use this spice blend to add gingerbread flavor to quick breads, waffles, pancakes, mug cakes, cookies, and many more of your favorite recipes! Give the jar a good shake before using it in case the spices have settled.
For Gingerbread cookies – Start with 1.5 tablespoons of spice mix for an average cookie dough recipe. Taste a little pinch of the dough to see if it has enough flavor; otherwise, you can add more. Here’s our favorite recipe for Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies!
For hot chocolate – For hot chocolate with a unique flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of this mixture. Add a star anise to the pot as you warm your milk for extra flavor.
For cakes – Use about 2-3 tablespoons of gingerbread spice mix for a standard-sized cake. Again, adjust to taste.
For pancakes pancakes or waffles – Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the spice mix per batch of batter.
Variations
The great thing about making your own spice mix instead of buying it at the store is that you can add more or less of the various spices, or test some of the flavors below. Our personal favorite is vanilla.
Vanilla powder can add a sweet and aromatic flavor and produces a blend similar to a German gingerbread spice blend. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
Allspice has a flavor like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon to start.
Ground anise adds a licorice-like flavor to your mix. Start with 1/4 teaspoon.
A pinch of black pepper can add a bit of warmth. Try a small amount to start, about 1/4 teaspoon.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Be cautious and start with a very small amount.
If your’e looking for Christmas recipes to try be sure to check out some our family favourites!
Easy Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies,
Saffron Basque Cheesecake- Christmas Cheesecake,
Swedish Christmas Toffee – Knäck With Saffron,
Swedish Saffron And Pistachio Cookies.
Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix
Equipment
- A small jar with an airtight lid – Or a clean, dry mason jar if making a large batch.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon Ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon Ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- Optional:
- 1/2-1 teaspoon Ground cardamom . – Cardamom is really popular in the Nordic countries and adds a citrusy and herbal note. Start with adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the spices and mix well.
- Transfer to small jars or an air-tight container.
- Small jar of gingerbread spices layered
Notes
1/2 cup ground ginger
2 tablespoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional: 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cardamom Storage
Store the gingerbread spice mix in an airtight container or empty spice jars, in a dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness. How to use gingerbread spice mix Use this spice blend to add gingerbread flavor to quick breads, waffles, pancakes, mug cakes, cookies, and many more of your favorite recipes!
Give the jar a good shake before using it in case the spices have settled. For Gingerbread cookies – Start with 1.5 tablespoons of spice mix for an average cookie dough recipe. Taste a little pinch of the dough to see if it has enough flavor; otherwise, you can add more. For hot chocolate – For hot chocolate with a unique flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of this mixture. Add a star anise to the pot as you warm your milk for extra flavor. For cakes – Use about 2-3 tablespoons of gingerbread spice mix for a standard-sized cake. Again, adjust to taste. For pancakes pancakes or waffles – Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the spice mix per batch of batter. Variations The great thing about making your own spice mix instead of buying it at the store is that you can add more or less of the various spices, or test some of the flavors below. Our personal favorite is vanilla. Vanilla powder can add a sweet and aromatic flavor and produces a blend similar to a German gingerbread spice blend. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. Allspice has a flavor like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon to start. Ground anise adds a licorice-like flavor to your mix. Start with 1/4 teaspoon. A pinch of black pepper can add a bit of warmth. Try a small amount to start, about 1/4 teaspoon. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Be cautious and start with a very small amount.
Nutrition
Please note:
This nutritional information is an estimate and values may vary. It is for guidance only and should not be considered dietary advice.
Gingerbread spice mix is so helpful to have on hand! I’d love to know how you use yours, so be sure to let me know!