My homemade Lebkuchen spice recipe is your secret to creating holiday baking that tastes like it came straight from a German Christmas market.
This blend is what makes those legendary German gingerbread hearts, Aachener Printen cookies, and tender Lebkuchen cookies so irresistible. The perfect balance of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom - plus cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, creates an intoxicating aroma that'll transform your kitchen into a cozy German bakery.
Once you make this authentic Lebkuchengewürz spice blend, you'll save money, impress your family, and never go back to flat store-bought mixes again.
What is Lebkuchen?
Lebkuchen refers to a variety of German baked goods that are typically spiced with honey, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. The term Lebkuchen can refer to cakes, cookies, or cookie bars. It is similar to the US Gingerbread.
What spices are in Lebkuchen Gewürz?
The magic of authentic German Lebkuchen spice lies in its perfect balance of warm, aromatic spices. The foundation starts with five essential spices: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger. But what makes this blend truly special is how traditional recipes elevate it with extras like star anise, coriander, orange peel, lemon peel, and even rosewater (affiliate link) for that unmistakable Christmas market aroma.
For the detailed instructions and exact measurements, please jump to the printable recipe card
My Lebkuchen spice recipe uses ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, cardamom, ginger, anise, and allspice. This blend hits all the traditional notes while adding that extra depth with coriander and allspice that'll make your baking taste authentically German!
What Equipment do you need?
Your equipment depends on whether you want maximum flavor or maximum convenience. For the most aromatic blend, freshly grind whole spices using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder - it takes extra time but delivers incredible depth of flavor that'll blow you away.
If you're short on time, pre-ground spices work perfectly fine and still create a delicious blend, though you'll sacrifice some of that fresh, intense aroma.
How to make homemade Lebkuchen Spice
Place all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, cardamom, ginger, anise, and allspice) in an airtight container. Shake and mix well until completely combined. Store sealed in the airtight container until ready to use.
What recipes can I make with this German Gingerbread Spice Blend?
This is the base spice blend I use for many of my German gingerbread recipes on this website. From traditional Lebkuchen like Elisenlebkuchen, Aachener Printen and Lebkuchenherzen, to Christmas cakes such as Gewürzkuchen and German Stollen. It also elevates my Christmas desserts such as Stollen Trifle or Bratapfel.
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Storage Instructions
This homemade Lebkuchen spice mix will keep, if kept in a dry and airtight container, for up to a year.
What is Gingerbread Spice in German?
The German word for Gingerbread spice is Lebkuchen Gewürz. You pronounce it as English Speak as "LEB-COOK-EN-GE-WOO-RZ". "Gewürz'' is the German word for spice.
Where can I buy Lebkuchen Spice?
You can buy ready-made packages of authentic German Lebkuchengewuerz online. It is expensive and so easy to make your own. But here are the links I found.
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → (affiliate link)
Have you made this recipe?
I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating and comment below.
You'll help fellow readers enjoy it too and help me spread the word about German cuisine. - Marita x
Recipe
Homemade Lebkuchen Spice (German Gingerbread Spice)
Equipment
- 1 mason jar 130 ml or 4 oz jar is sufficient
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoon (4 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon (2 teaspoon) ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon (2 teaspoon) ground cloves
- 2 tsp (2 tsp ) ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) cardamon
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) ground anise
- 1 tsp (1 tsp ) all spice
Instructions
- Place all the spices in an airtight container.4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (affiliate link) , 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg , 2 teaspoon ground cloves , 2 teaspoon ground coriander , 1 teaspoon cardamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground anise, 1 teaspoon all spice
- Secure the lid, shake, and mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Store in a dark place in an airtight container until ready to use. (up to 1 year)
Video
Notes
Storage Instructions
This homemade Lebkuchen spice mix will keep, if kept in a dry and airtight container, for up to a year.Tips
For a more superior taste, ground the spices in a spice grinder yourself.Want to save this recipe?
Share your email below & we'll send it to you! Plus you'll get new German recipes from me every week!
Nutrition
Made this recipe?Drop a ⭐ rating and a quick comment below. I personally read and reply to every review!
Matthew says
I may be missing something, but what amount of each spice?? Are they equal?
Marita Sinden says
Hi Matthew, scroll to the bottom of the post and you will get to the printable recipe card with all the quanities 🙂
Leonard says
Very easy to make and cost effective. I made it in advance of baking the Pfeffernuesse cookies.
Jim says
How much of this spice should I use when making Lebkuchen’s using 23/4 cups of flour?
Marita says
Hi Jim,
thanks for your comment. 2 3/4 cups of flour is about 350g of flour. It is hard to tell you without testing the recipe myself. I think one or two teaspoons should be enough. I would lean towards two teaspoons. If you want to be sure, then add 1 teaspoon and bake one test cookie. If you want a stronger taste I would add a second teaspoon. Hope this helps. Marita
Heike says
You listed Anis 2x, does this imply use 2 Teaspoons or was that just a woopsie?
Marita says
Heike, it should only be one teaspoon ground Anis. I will have a look when i am back at my Computer. Thanks for checking with me. Marita
Jean says
this is great, I have all the spices and will make this. love to try new spice mix from other countries
Jere Cassidy says
I never knew exactly what spices are used in lebkuchen. I was surprised to see anise. Glad you shared this post and how to make my own spice blend.
Joanna says
Thank you for this! Now I can make my own Pfeffernuesse and bring a bit of the Christkindlemarkt feeling to the USA. Cant’t wait to make them as Christmas approaches.
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I can almost sense the aroma of this mix! And the smell of Christmas!:)) I can’t wait for whatever form of Christmas markets will open this year and for German vendors to come over to the UK with their gingerbread!
Jutta says
You forgot 1 tsp ginger in the bottom ingredients list.
Thanks for the recipe Marita.
Jutta
Marita says
Oh dear Jutta! Thanks for the correction. I am so sorry. Will try better next time. Hope you enjoy your Lebkuchen. Marita