Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix
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Homemade gingerbread spice mix is one of those things I like to have ready before Christmas baking starts. A spoonful into pancake batter, muffin mix or cookie dough and you get that gingerbread flavor without measuring out six different spices every time.
You can mix it in a few minutes, pour it into a small jar and keep it in the cupboard for all your December baking. It also makes a simple edible gift if you like giving something homemade from your kitchen.
What is gingerbread spice mix
Gingerbread spice is a warm blend of ground ginger, cinnamon and a few other spices that give its familiar flavor.
Instead of measuring several spices every time you bake, you mix them once and use this ready-made blend. It saves time and helps keep the flavor consistent in all your Christmas recipes.
Ingredients you need
For this gingerbread seasoning you will need:
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground allspice
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cardamom
- Ground cloves
Ginger is the main flavor here, with cinnamon right behind it. The rest of the spices round everything out and give the mix a nice depth.
How to make gingerbread spice mix
Making this mix is very simple.
- Measure all the ground spices into a small bowl.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the blend into a clean, dry jar with a tight fitting lid.
That is all you need to do.
If you like using whole spices, grind them first. I tried turning whole spices into powder with a pestle and mortar once and it turned into quite a workout. A small spice or coffee grinder is much more practical and gives you a finer blend.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
One of the nice things about making your own gingerbread spice mix is that you can adjust it to your taste and to what you have at home.
A few tips:
- Keep ginger as the main flavor
- Keep some cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth
- Cloves and cardamom can be reduced if you prefer a milder taste
- Allspice adds a gentle background note, but you can omit it if needed
If you cannot find some of the spices or simply do not like them, you can:
- Leave them out
- Reduce the amount
- Add a little more of a spice you do enjoy
Ground anise works very well in this blend too. You can add a small amount to the mix, or use it instead of cardamom if that is easier to find.
Ways to use this spice mix
Once you have a jar of this gingerbread spice blend in your cupboard, you will probably start using it for more than just gingerbread cookies. Here are some ideas:
- Stir it into pancake or waffle batter
- Add it to muffins, gingerbread loaf and other quick breads
- Flavor gingerbread cookies and plain butter cookies
- Mix a little into cupcake batter or frosting
- Sprinkle over porridge, oatmeal or yogurt
- Stir into hot chocolate, coffee or latte
- Use it for gingerbread churros or French toast
- Add to cream cheese or mascarpone for quick dessert dips
Start with a small amount, taste and add more if you like a stronger spice flavor.
How to store it
Store the gingerbread spice mix in an airtight container or glass jar in a cool, dry cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Used and stored correctly, it will keep its flavor for up to 6 months. The aroma slowly fades over time, so it is better to make smaller batches and mix a fresh one for the next Christmas season.
I like to label the jar with the date I made it. That way I can see at a glance if it is time to prepare a new batch.
Homemade gift idea
This spice blend makes a lovely edible gift that looks very pretty in small jars.
Fill clean jars with the mix, close them well and decorate them with a ribbon or twine. Add a small label with the name and a short note, for example: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons in pancakes, muffins or cookies.
If you want to fill a larger jar, simply double or triple the recipe. As a guide, three times the amount below will fill a small 120 milliliter jar.
Gingerbread party tip
If you are organizing a gingerbread decorating party for kids, this mix is a fun extra to have on the table. Sprinkle it lightly over freshly iced cookies, mix a little into icing sugar or add a pinch to hot chocolate while they decorate.
Recipe Q&A
Yes, you can. This blend has more ginger and a slightly different balance of spices, but it works in many recipes that call for pumpkin pie spice. The final flavor will be a bit more “gingerbread“, which is great around Christmas.
Cloves have a strong, very specific flavor. If you are not a fan, reduce the amount or leave them out completely. You can add a little extra cinnamon instead.
For this spice mix you need ground ginger. Fresh ginger has moisture and will not keep well in a dry blend. If you want to add fresh ginger to a recipe, do that separately.
Yes. Simply multiply all ingredients by 2 or 3 and mix them in a larger bowl. Make sure the jar you use is big enough and give it a shake before each use to keep everything evenly distributed.
More homemade Christmas treats and gift ideas
If you are in the mood for more homemade Christmas ideas, you might like:
- Spicy Roasted Almonds
- Coconut Balls
- Dark Chocolate Truffles
- Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
- Gingerbread Ice Cream
- Linzer Cookies (Nut-Free)
- More Edible Christmas Gift Ideas
These are all festive recipes that work well as edible gifts or as small treats for your Christmas table.
Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Equipment
Instructions
- Add all the ground spices to a small bowl.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the gingerbread spice mix into an air-tight container or glass jar.
Notes
- Store in a cool, dry place and give the jar a little shake before each use.
- Adjust the blend to your taste by omitting, reducing or increasing any of the spices.
- Ground anise is another nice option for this mix and can be added to the blend or used instead of cardamom.
Thank you so much for sharing a full spice mix recipe you have helped me realize what ingredient I am allergic to. In all premade gingerbread spice mixes they keep some ingredients anonymous by labeling them as “natural flavoring”. I have never heard of cardamom before but I know it’s the culprit and can now officially get it tested. TMI my face is so itchy after just opening the bottle.
Oh my goodness, Olivia. I am glad it helped you figure out your allergen but hope you feel better now!
What a great, easy gift. Especially for my boys to put together and give out as holiday gifts. Gingerbread smells so great baking in the kitchen, too. Thanks for the great DIY idea!
You are welcome! :)
I’d love to get this as a gift! I love ginger bread, this one would perfect for the holidays.
Hope you give it a go so! :)
Oh, wow! Cool! I haven’t thought of trying a homemade gingerbread spice mix. This is great and I am already thinking of making multiple things with it.
Glad to hear that! :)
So perfect for the holidays! I love gingerbread spice, but have never made my own. This definitely would be perfect for holiday gifts. Your gingerbread men are so cute!
You must try it, Tara. It’s so easy to make :)
Your gingerbread men are the cutest! 🤗 I would love to receive this as a gift myself haha, I’m such a big fan of gingerbread-anything!
Thank you, Marie :) Gingerbread flavored goodies are the best, right? :)