Homemade Speculaas Spice Mix (Dutch Spice Blend Recipe)

Name: Homemade Speculaas Spice Mix
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 4 tbsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp nutmeg; 1 tsp cloves; 1 tsp cardamom; 1 tsp star anise

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Speculaas spice mix is a fragrant Dutch spice blend made with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. It’s the secret ingredient behind the distinctive flavor of speculaas cookies, ontbijtkoek, and even Indonesian-Dutch favorites like lapis legit. Once you make your own, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand for all your holiday and everyday baking.

Aromatic speculaas spice mix featuring cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ground spices on a white plate, ideal for baking and cooking.

A Quick Look at the Recipe

🏷️ Recipe Name: Speculaas Spice Mix
⏱️ Ready In: ~ 5 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 33 portions
🔥 Calories: 5 kcal per serving (estimate)
🧾 Main Ingredients: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, star anise.
🥗 Dietary Info: Gluten free
🧠 Difficulty: Very easy

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Speculaas spice mix is a traditional Dutch spice blend made with warm, aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and white pepper. It is best known for giving Dutch Speculaas Cookies their distinctive flavor, but it can also be used in cakes, quick breads, and other baked treats.

Growing up in Indonesia, I became familiar with this spice blend through Dutch-influenced desserts. It is one of the key ingredients in Lapis Legit (Spekkoek), where it adds the characteristic fragrance that makes the cake so irresistible. I also love using it in Dutch Ontbijtkoek, a moist spiced cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make homemade speculaas spice mix with simple pantry spices so you can enjoy its warm flavor in your favorite cookies, cakes, and other baked goods.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy and quick to make – Simply measure the spices, mix them together, and your homemade speculaas spice mix is ready to use in minutes.
Customize it to your taste – Making your own spice blend lets you adjust the proportions of the spices. Add a little more cinnamon for warmth or more cardamom for extra fragrance.
Keeps well for months – Store the spice mix in an airtight jar, and you’ll always have it on hand whenever you’re in the mood to bake cookies, cakes, or breads.
Perfect for many baked goods – This versatile Dutch spice blend can be used in Speculaas Cookies, Dutch Ontbijtkoek, Lapis Legit (Spekkoek), and other baked treats that call for warm, aromatic spices.
More fragrant than store-bought blends – Freshly mixed spices have a richer aroma and flavor, giving your baked goods a more authentic and delicious taste.

Recipe Ingredients

Dutch spice mix ingredients with labels.

Ingredient Notes

Ground cinnamon forms the base of this spice blend and gives it its warm, sweet flavor. I recommend using fresh cinnamon for the best aroma.
Ground cloves add a deep, warm, and slightly spicy note. Since cloves are quite potent, a little goes a long way.
Ground cardamom contributes a sweet, floral aroma that makes speculaas spice mix so distinctive.
Ground star anise adds subtle licorice notes and extra warmth to the spice blend.
Ground nutmeg provides a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the other spices.

Don’t have ground spices? You can grind whole spices in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-powered blender until finely ground. Using pre-ground spices, however, makes this recipe quick and easy since all you need to do is measure and mix.

How to Make Speculaas Spice Mix

Process photo of mixing the speculaas spice mix in a bowl.

Stirring spekkoek spice in a bowl with a small whisk.

STEP 1. Add all the spices to a small mixing bowl.

STEP 2. Stir with a small whisk or spoon until the spices are evenly combined. Transfer the spice mix to a clean, dry airtight jar for storage.

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh spices. Ground spices gradually lose their aroma over time, so newer spices will produce a more fragrant spice blend.
If you’re using whole spices, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over low heat until fragrant before grinding. This helps release their natural oils and enhances the flavor of the spice mix.
Grind whole spices in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-powered blender until finely ground. For an extra smooth spice blend, sift the spices after grinding.
Feel free to adjust the spice ratios to suit your taste. Add a little more cinnamon for warmth or more cardamom for a stronger aromatic flavor.
Store the spice mix in a clean, dry airtight jar away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Properly stored, it will stay fragrant for several months.

Recipes Using Speculaas Spice

Dutch Speculaas Cookies – Traditional Dutch spiced cookies that showcase the warm, aromatic flavor of speculaas spice mix.

Dutch Ontbijtkoek – A moist Dutch spice cake that’s perfect with coffee or tea.

Lapis Legit (Spekkoek) – This Indonesian-Dutch layered cake uses speculaas spice mix to create its signature aroma and rich flavor.

Speculaas Spice Mix FAQs

What is speculaas spice mix made of?

Speculaas spice mix is a Dutch spice blend typically made with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and other warm spices. The exact combination varies by recipe and region, with some versions including ginger, mace, white pepper, or star anise.

Is speculaas spice mix the same as pumpkin pie spice?

Not exactly. Both spice blends contain warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, but speculaas spice mix is usually more complex and aromatic, often containing cloves, cardamom, white pepper, or other spices that are not commonly found in pumpkin pie spice.

How long does homemade speculaas spice mix last?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade speculaas spice mix can last for several months. For the best flavor and aroma, try to use it within 6 months.

Can I use whole spices instead of ground spices?

Yes. Simply toast the whole spices lightly until fragrant, let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-powered blender before mixing.

Why does my speculaas spice mix taste different from store-bought versions?

There is no single standard recipe for speculaas spice mix. Different brands, regions, and families use different spice combinations and ratios, which can result in slight variations in flavor and aroma.

Aromatic Dutch spice mix featuring cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ground spices on a white plate, ideal for baking and cooking.

Storage

Transfer the speculaas spice mix to a clean, dry airtight jar after mixing. Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

I like to keep mine in the refrigerator to help preserve its aroma for longer, especially since I don’t use it every day. Whether you store it in the pantry or refrigerator, always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping out the spice blend and keep the jar tightly sealed after each use.

Properly stored, homemade speculaas spice mix can last for several months, although its flavor and aroma are best within the first 6 months. If the spice blend starts to lose its fragrance, it’s time to make a fresh batch.