11 Homemade Spice Mixes to Use All Autumn Long

Autumn brings cooler days and the kind of meals that call for extra warmth and comfort. A homemade spice mix is an easy way to keep that cozy flavor ready for baking, cooking, or even stirring into drinks. With just a few jars and pantry staples, you can have blends on hand that fit every fall dish. From pies to soups to slow-cooked meats, these mixes make the season taste even better.

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Pumpkin Pie Spice

This classic fall mix gives pumpkin pies, muffins, and breads their cozy flavor. Cinnamon adds warmth, ginger provides a slight bite, and nutmeg and cloves balance it with depth. It’s also delicious in coffee or sprinkled over roasted squash.

You’ll need 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1½ teaspoons ground allspice, and 1½ teaspoons ground cloves.

Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Store in a small glass jar with a tight lid. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons for pies or add a pinch to lattes and oatmeal.

Apple Pie Spice

This blend is sweet, fragrant, and perfect for apple desserts. The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom gives apple crisp, muffins, and even pancakes a warm seasonal kick. It also pairs well with baked pears.

You’ll need 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1 teaspoon ground cardamom.

Mix the spices in a bowl, then funnel into a jar. Shake before each use to keep it even. Add 2 teaspoons to apple pie filling or stir into pancake batter for an autumn breakfast.

Chai Spice Blend

Chai spice is warm, slightly spicy, and aromatic. It works well in tea, cookies, and even oatmeal. The pepper and ginger give it a subtle heat while cardamom and cinnamon keep it fragrant.

You’ll need 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons ground cardamom, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.

Combine everything in a bowl and stir well. Store in an airtight jar. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons when brewing black tea with milk, or add to shortbread cookie dough for extra flavor.

Mulled Cider Mix

This blend turns plain apple cider into something festive. Whole spices simmer slowly to release a rich aroma, and dried orange peel adds brightness. It can also be used to make mulled wine.

You’ll need 3 cinnamon sticks, 4 star anise, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 tablespoon allspice berries, and 2 tablespoons dried orange peel.

Place the spices in a muslin bag or cheesecloth and tie with string. Simmer with 1 quart of apple cider for 20 minutes. Remove the spice bag and serve warm.

Herbed Roast Blend

Herbs like sage and rosemary make this a perfect seasoning for poultry or stuffing. It gives turkey, chicken, or even potatoes a savory autumn flavor. This mix can replace fresh herbs when cooking in colder months.

You’ll need 2 tablespoons dried sage, 2 tablespoons dried thyme, 2 tablespoons dried rosemary, 1 tablespoon marjoram, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.

Mix everything together in a small bowl. Crush with a mortar and pestle for a finer texture. Sprinkle over roasts before baking or add to bread stuffing mixtures.

Savory Pumpkin Seed Seasoning

This blend adds smoky and spicy notes to roasted pumpkin seeds. It can also be used on popcorn or in fall snack mixes. Cumin and coriander make it earthy, while chili powder brings a little heat.

You’ll need 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon coriander, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon chili powder.

Stir together until mixed. Toss with 1 cup pumpkin seeds and 1 tablespoon olive oil before roasting at 325°F (165°C) for 20 minutes. Store extra mix in a jar.

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Mix

This simple blend is perfect for toast, cookies, or roasted nuts. The brown sugar gives a deeper flavor than white sugar alone, and cinnamon ties it to autumn baking. Kids especially love it sprinkled on warm buttered bread.

You’ll need 2 tablespoons white sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg.

Mix in a bowl and transfer to a shaker jar. Sprinkle over buttered toast, mix into cookie dough, or coat roasted almonds while warm.

Spiced Hot Cocoa Blend

This mix turns plain cocoa into a warming drink. Cinnamon and nutmeg add comfort, while a pinch of cayenne gives a gentle kick. Vanilla sugar rounds it out with sweetness.

You’ll need ½ cup cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, and 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar.

Whisk all ingredients until blended. Add 2 tablespoons of the mix to 1 cup hot milk and stir until smooth. Store in a jar and shake before each use.

Harvest Chili Seasoning

This spice blend is hearty and warming, perfect for big pots of chili or stew. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a rich base with just enough heat.

You’ll need 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon cayenne.

Mix in a bowl and transfer to a spice jar. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons for a large pot of chili. Add at the beginning of cooking so the flavors meld.

Gingerbread Spice Mix

This mix is sweet, spicy, and full of holiday flavor. It’s perfect for cookies, loaves, or pancakes, and it can even be stirred into coffee. Ginger brings the warmth while cloves and allspice add depth.

You’ll need 2 tablespoons ground ginger, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon cloves, and 1 teaspoon allspice.

Stir together until even. Keep in a sealed jar. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to baked goods or hot drinks for that gingerbread taste.

Autumn Curry Blend

This variation of curry powder has extra warming spices for fall. Cinnamon and cardamom add sweetness, while nutmeg brings a deeper flavor. It works well in pumpkin curries or lentil soups.

You’ll need 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon cardamom, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg.

Mix until blended and transfer to a jar. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons in soups or stews. Try it with roasted pumpkin or squash dishes for an autumn twist.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.