Mézeskalács - Hungarian Gingerbread

Mézeskalács, which translates to "honey cake," is a traditional Hungarian gingerbread that holds a special place in the country's folk art and culinary heritage.

This firm, spiced cookie is made from honey, flour, and a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. The dough is rolled thin, cut into various shapes—most iconically hearts—and baked until crisp.

What makes mézeskalács truly distinctive is its elaborate decoration. Artisan masters pipe intricate designs onto cookies with coloured icing, often featuring flowers, folk motifs, and romantic messages. These beautifully decorated gingerbreads are traditionally given as gifts at fairs, weddings, and festivals, often adorned with small mirrors.

Our selection also includes other Hungarian desserts made with gingerbread pastry, such as mézes puszedli, which are delightful gingerbread biscuits, as well as iced gingerbread cookies known as pfeffernüsse in Germany.

If you feel inspired, you can try your hand at making authentic gingerbread at home with our easy-to-use gingerbread mix. You can also infuse any recipe with an irresistible festive aroma by adding a sprinkling of our gingerbread spice mix.