As we head into the holiday seasons, there’s something magical about the aroma of gingerbread spice wafting through the kitchen. That is one of the reasons I love making gingerbread anything during this time of year. While I can easily add in some ginger to whatever I am baking, I find that incorporating a homemade gingerbread spice blend truly elevates my holiday baking. I hope you find that out, too.
The Magic of Gingerbread Spice
Gingerbread spice is a medley of warm and comforting spices, each contributing to the overall charm of this holiday blend. Traditionally, when one thinks of gingerbread spice and what you’d use it for, many tend to only think of gingerbread cookies or houses. However, this spice mix can easily be used to add depth and flavor to a variety of holiday sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredient Line-Up
Ginger – is a sweet, yet peppery flavored spice.
Cinnamon – a sweet, yet woody flavor, cinnamon is used to flavor many types of baked goods.
Cloves – has a strong spicy flavor that is also mildly sweet.
Nutmeg – a very versatile spice, nutmeg adds a spicy yet slightly sweet flavor to baked goods.
Allspice – used in a variety of baked goods, allspice is similar in flavor to cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Tools Needed
Measuring Spoons – spices weigh very little, so I find it best to use measuring spoons versus a kitchen scale to measure out the ingredients.
Mixing Bowl – use a small bowl to hold and mix all the spices together evenly.
Whisk – a small whisk is all you need to mix all the spices together.
Small Funnel – avoid spillage by using a small funnel when placing the spice blend into a jar.
Glass Jars/Containers – use any small container you have to store your spice blends. If gifting your spices, check out these cute spice containers.
Stickers and/or Ribbon – use a sticker to label your new spice jar; if gifting, wrap the jar in a cute fall ribbon.
Four Ways to Use Gingerbread Spice
One: In Your Baking. Elevate cookies, cakes, and muffins by adding a teaspoon or two of gingerbread spice into the batter. The spice blend adds warmth and a little bit of complexity to your sweet treats!
Two: In Your Morning Routine. Sprinkle a pinch of gingerbread spice into your morning coffee, hot chocolate, or even your oatmeal for a cozy and festive start to the day.
Three: In Your Spiced Desserts. Enhance ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt with a dusting of gingerbread spice. It’s a simple yet impactful way to transform an everyday dessert into a seasonal treat.
Four: In Your Savory Dishes. Experiment by adding this spice blend to your savory dishes. The spices pair well with roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, and even some meat dishes.
Gingerbread Spice
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp cloves
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp allspice
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients together, including any tools and jars that you’ll need.
- Measure the spices out and place them in a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk the spices together until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- Using a funnel, transfer the homemade spice blend to an airtight container, such as a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will aid in preserving the freshness and potency of the spice blend.
- Label and store in a cool, dry place.
The Warmth and Flavor of the Season
Creating your own gingerbread spice blend is not just about mixing ingredients; it’s about infusing your kitchen and special creations with the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your spices, and create magic by adding this spice blend to your favorite recipes. And, sticking to the holiday classics, Gingerbread Cookies is a good place to start.
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