In Germany Lebkuchen spice (Lebkuchengewürz) is intrinsically linked with Christmas. If I close my eyes and think of the German gingerbread spice mix, I can almost taste Christmas. Exotic flavours come to mind and the smell of cinnamon, ginger and cardamom will fill the air. In Germany, you will find plenty of recipes that use Lebkuchen seasonings such as gingerbread hearts, stollen, gingerbread spice cakes, and desserts such as this caramel apple trifle.
What we will cover in this post:
What is Lebkuchen?
Lebkuchen refers to an array of German baked goods that are spiced usually with honey, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger. The term Lebkuchen can be referred to as cakes, cookies or cookie bars. It is similar to the US Gingerbread.
What is Gingerbread Spice in German?
The German word for Gingerbread spice is Lebkuchen Gewürz. You pronounce it as an 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.
- German Gingerbread Spice UK (Affiliate Link)
- German Gingerbread Spice USA (Affiliate Link)
What spices are in Lebkuchen Gewürz?
The original gingerbread spice mixture has some basic spices that make the flavour. The main spices for gingerbread spice mix are:
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Cardamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
Often the Lebkuchen spice mix is further refined by adding
- Anis
- Coriander
- orange peel,
- lemon peel
- rosewater (affiliate link)
Lebkuchen Spice Recipe
What Equipment do you need?
The equipment you require depends on how you are planning to make your homemade Gingerbread Spice mix. If you are planning to grind the spices freshly, you will require either a pestle and motel or a spice grinder. The flavour of your spice mix will be more intensive, but it also takes more time.
You can also buy pre-ground spices which will cut down on the preparation but may not taste as nice.
- Pestle and Motel UK (affiliate link)
- Spice Grinder UK (affiliate link)
- Spice Jar UK (affiliate link)
- Pestle and Mortar USA
- Spice Grinder USA
- Spice JAR UK
Ingredients for German Lebkuchen Spice Mix
- 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground anis
- 1 teaspoon allspice
Recipe Instruction
Place all the spices in an airtight container. Shake and mix well until completely combined. Seal in an airtight container and wait until you want to use it.
What recipes can I make with this Lebkuchen Spice Blend?
- Authentic German Stollen
- Caramel Apple Trifle
- German Gingerbread Cake
- Elisen Lebkuchen
- Pfeffernüsse
Storage Instructions
This homemade Lebkuchen spice mix will keep, if kept in a dry and airtight container, for up to a year.
Homemade Lebkuchen Spice (German Gingerbread Spice)
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cardamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground anis
- 1 tsp all spice
Instructions
- Place all the spices in an airtight container.
- Shake and mix well until completely combined.
- Seal in an airtight container and wait until you want to use it.
- Store in a dark place up to a year.
How much of this spice should I use when making Lebkuchen’s using 23/4 cups of flour?
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
You listed Anis 2x, does this imply use 2 Teaspoons or was that just a woopsie?
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
this is great, I have all the spices and will make this. love to try new spice mix from other countries
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.
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.
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!
You forgot 1 tsp ginger in the bottom ingredients list.
Thanks for the recipe Marita.
Jutta
Oh dear Jutta! Thanks for the correction. I am so sorry. Will try better next time. Hope you enjoy your Lebkuchen. Marita