Advent in Latvia wouldn’t be the same without gingerbread cookies—crisp, flavorful, and melting in your mouth. And of course, no good Latvian gingerbread cookie is complete without the perfect spice mix!
This spice mix recipe has been passed down from my grandmother, and though I’ve shared it before (on an old blog that no longer exists), I just can’t resist sharing it again.
Make your gingerbread spice mix ahead of the holiday rush, so when it’s time to bake, your cookie dough comes together effortlessly. Plus, there’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling your home with Christmas cheer!
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: black pepper in gingerbread cookies? No, thank you! I know it’s a common ingredient in some recipes, but for me, it’s a no-go. My Oma’s spice mix has no black pepper, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Grandma's Spice mix for perfect Gingerbread cookies
This spice mixture is for about 6-8 cups of flour. It depends on how spicy you want.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp whole allspice
- 1/2 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tbsp whole coriander seeds
- 1/2 tbsp whole cardamom seeds (from pots)
- 1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
How To
Grind the whole spices and mix with the rest. Store in an airtight container like a glass jar.
This simple yet magical spice blend will bring your gingerbread cookies to life. Happy baking!
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
Useful post 🙂 thank you for sharing. And you know difference between Est and Latvia? We are eating gingerbreads only during christmas time. But in Latvia ( this sumner in Jurmala) i was amazed and surprised because of in July locals sold gingerbreads 🙂 :).:) ( and very tasty gingerbreads)
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We don’t like to eat gingerbread in summer…that’s something crazy but i’ve seen them in summer too! I will share dough recipe too!
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Wonderful!
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🙂 Have you ever tried to make your own spice mix. Freshly grind they are stronger!
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No – I was thinking that and it sounds fascinating. We have so many powdered spices, but I try to use fresh when I can – like freshly grating nutmeg, etc., but often times convenience wins.
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Yes, it’s always easier to grab what’s made! Gingerbread cookies are the exception! I love them exactly like my grandmother made them 🙂
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That’s awesome, thank you! I’m making gingerbread cookies this year and this will help 😀
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I will share Latvian recipe soon!
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Awesome 😀
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🙂 Start looking for malt extract 😀
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I love gingerbread cookies. Yum!
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Good! I will share Latvian cookie recipe soon!
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Excellent!
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They sound delicious. Sadly I don’t have my grandmother’s recipe. In a rush so can’t say any more at the mo’ but I’ll have another look at your post again later.
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I will share latvian gingerbread cookie recipe soon!
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That will be good, thank you.
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Be patient… as I am with our new friend 🙂
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Very interesting spice mix!
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It’s for traditional Latvian gingerbread man cookies 😉 I will share the recipe soon!
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Yay!
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Wow, these look great! Thanks for sharing them. This is an idea I am trying to spread this holiday season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hidlnk1NC10&t=52s If you like it, please share it! Thanks, rita
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Thank you! That’s a good video you made!
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Thank you!
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Thank you! So glad you like it! Rita 🙂
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You need to talk about those simple things 😉
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