Stay Ready for Cozy Season and Keep this Gingerbread Spice Mix on Hand!
Whenever there’s a cold snap, and the weather starts to turn, it’s Cozy Season. Cue the sweaters, fireplaces, and any foods or beverages that are warm and sweet! Gingerbread Spice Mix is the perfect flavor add-in to have on hand for cooler days and nights. Gingerbread is traditionally made with the spices ginger (big surprise), cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This power combo delivers that nostalgic, warm flavor profile.
While the spice ginger actually comes from Asia, it was the “it” spice of Medieval Europe. Returning Crusaders from the Eastern Mediterranean raved about the tasty gingerbread they’d had on their travels. Eventually, gingerbread pastries and cookies flooded the fairs and festivals of Medieval Europe. There were even gingerbread-specific festivals in France and England. American cooks carried on the English tradition, often with molasses, which was cheaper than granulated sugar. Nowadays, a variety of holiday baking recipes rely on the mix of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. From gingerbread men to biscotti to iced gingerbread loaf!
You will love having this spice mix made up and ready to go. No more messy, hurried measuring. You’ve got a blend that works in any number of recipes. Besides the holiday recipes like gingerbread men and the like, try adding a tablespoon to your hot oatmeal on a cold morning. Or even to your waffle mix on a cold Saturday morning when you fire up the waffle iron. Additionally, Gingerbread Spice Mix makes for an easy homemade gift during the holidays: make up a batch and fill mini-Mason jars with the mix for perfectly adorable gifts.
Are your Spices Expired?
While part of the ease of this recipe is just heading over to your pantry and grabbing a set of measuring spoons, you want to be sure you’re using fresh spices. If you’re like me, spices can overstay their welcome once they’re parked on that dark pantry shelf. Always check the expiration date before using them. Expired spices are not as zesty in flavor, can be dull in color, or even clumpy if moisture has crept in. So, a little pre-planning goes a long way if you can check those expiration dates and make sure you’re using the freshest spices you can.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
How to Make Gingerbread Spice Mix
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground black pepper.
Step 2: Stir the spices together until well mixed.
Step 3: Store the gingerbread spice mix in an airtight container at room temperature.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Gingerbread Spice Mix is perfect for making ahead and storing. The little glass jars like ours in the pictures above are great because that hooked enclosure ensures the jars are airtight. Mason jars or airtight Pyrex containers work as well. Whatever container you use, simply make sure the lid fits tightly and store it at room temperature. Although it is safe to use for up to a year, it has the highest quality when enjoyed within 6 months. A darkened kitchen cupboard is best, so the light doesn’t fade the colors of the spice mix.
How is Gingerbread Spice Different than Pumpkin Spice?
Pumpkin Spice, that ubiquitous spice blend popularized by the PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) at Starbucks, contains more cinnamon, while Gingerbread Spice Mix contains a more even amount of cinnamon and the other spices. Additionally, that little dash of ground black pepper is unique to Gingerbread Spice Mix as well (it puts the spicy in the Spice Mix)!
For Super-Fresh Flavor, Grind your Own Spices
This recipe calls for ground spices as you buy in the little metal or glass containers at the grocery store. However, if you have a spice mill or a mortar and pestle, consider using whole allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon sticks and grinding them yourself. Always measure after grinding. You will notice a boost in flavor and aroma if you grind them yourself.
Serving Suggestions
Besides giving cute little jars of Gingerbread Spice Mix as holiday gifts, how else can you use it? You can certainly use it to make Gingerbread Houses, Gingerbread Men cookies, or Gingerbread Cake like this Orange Gingerbread Bundt Cake. But think outside the box here: as mentioned above, try adding a tablespoon to your morning oatmeal or chia pudding. Top with some toasted walnuts, and you’ve got a powerhouse breakfast to start your day. Alternatively, add a tablespoon to your waffle or pancake batter. With this spice mix already on hand, you can experiment and add the warm, inviting flavors of gingerbread to any number of dishes!
Gingerbread Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground black pepper.
- Stir the spices together until well mixed.
- Store the gingerbread spice mix in an airtight container at room temperature.
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