Gingerbread spice mix

Posted: December 5, 2018 Last modified: October 22, 2024
Gingerbread spice mix

Perfect to make yourself and to have around the house during the holidays: gingerbread spices. In the Netherlands, this spice mix is hard to come by, so I always make it myself.

How to make gingerbread spice mix

I used to just add the spices for gingerbread recipes separately with each recipe, but that’s totally impractical. Especially if you like to bake with gingerbread spices like I do.

From now on, I (and you!) won’t have to deal with loose spices in every recipe, because I’ve made my own gingerbread spice mix. Since I wrote this recipe, the jar has already been refilled with a new homemade gingerbread spice mix. It went through several Christmas recipes I made in the last few weeks.

If you love gingerbread, I recommend you make enough and stock up 😉

Gingerbread spice substitute

As mentioned above, these spices are not easily available in the Netherlands. Therefore, an alternative is often chosen: Speculaas spice mix! This is a really typical Dutch spice mix, and of course I have a recipe for it.

Pumpkin spice is also a good alternative. Just remember that your recipe will taste different if you use an alternative.

gingerbread spice mix 2a

Homemade gingerbread spice mix

Every year I bake something with that famous gingerbread flavor. It’s a bit like our speculaas spice mix, but this gingerbread spice mix obviously contains more ginger.

While cinnamon is the dominant spice in the speculaas spice mix and usually at least 5-6 spices are added, the gingerbread spice mix is a bit simpler.

The gingerbread spice mix contains as much ginger as cinnamon, but because ginger is quite strong, you will taste it more. In addition, nutmeg and cloves come through, making it a truly wintry flavor combination.

FAQ: Gingerbread spice mix

Can I change the ratio of the spices?

Of course, you can make it your own spice blend. That’s part of the fun. For example, don’t like nutmeg or cloves? You can halve the amount.

Should I grind the spices in a mortar first?

Of all the spices in the ingredient list, I use the powder variety. So a mortar is not necessary.

Can I use gingerbread spices in cooking?

Absolutely. Just as speculaas spice mix tastes great in a stew, so does gingerbread spice mix. Experiment and share your results in the comments so other readers (and me 😉 ) can enjoy.

What kind of jar do you use to put the herbs in?

Basically, you can use any glass jar that you can seal airtight. Personally, I use a small jar like the one in the picture.

gingerbread spice mix 3a

 

gingerbread spice mix

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Gingerbread spice mix recipe

Perfect to make at home and have around the house during the holidays: gingerbread spice mix. Gingerbread spices are delicious in a variety of recipes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings: 1 small jar

Ingredients 

  • 2 tbsp ginger
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp cloves

Instructions

  • Combine all the spices in a small bowl and stir well. It's okay to stir a little longer than you think is necessary; it just adds to the flavor.
  • You can also double the ingredients for a larger batch of spices.
  • Store the mix in a sealed jar.
Tips

Of all the spices mentioned, you use the powdered form for this spice blend.
How to store

In a dry and dark place. It has a very long shelf life, but check the spice jars you use for a guideline (though it often lasts longer).

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