Speculaas (spice cookies)

Speculaas (Spice Cookies) Recipe from the Netherlands

Region / culture: Netherlands | Servings: Makes 4 to 6 dozen cookies, depending upon size.

Introduction

Speculaas, also known as Dutch spice cookies, are a traditional holiday treat in the Netherlands and Belgium. These delicious cookies are flavored with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, giving them a unique and festive taste.

History

Speculaas cookies have been enjoyed in the Netherlands for centuries, with records of their existence dating back to the 17th century. Originally, these cookies were made using wooden molds called 'speculaasplank', which gave them their distinctive shapes. Today, speculaas cookies are still popular during the holiday season and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

500 g of flour
250 g of butter or margarine
0.5 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of salt
125 g of dark brown or Demarara sugar
50 ml of milk
slivered almonds
20 g of cinnamon
10 g of ground nutmeg
5 g of ground cloves
a pinch of cardamom powder
a pinch of ginger powder

How to prepare

Sift the flour onto a large cutting board or countertop. Sprinkle the baking powder, salt, and sugar over it. Thinly slice the hard butter or margarine and add it to the flour-and-sugar mix. Add the milk and hand knead until there is a firm but malleable dough.
Pack the dough into a piece of foil and keep it in the fridge overnight to allow the spices to penetrate the cookie dough.
If you have a 'speculaasplank', dust it with flour. Press the dough into the hollows, cut off the excess, and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
Shake the dolls out onto a dusted countertop. Put them flat, almond-covered side down on a greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 – 20 minutes, depending on the size of the dolls.
If you don't have a 'speculaasplank', roll the dough out thinly on a lightly floured board and cut it into shapes. Traditional shapes include windmills and Sinterklaas/Santa shapes.
Decorate with whole almonds if using them.
Place the shapes about 2 cm apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.
Bake in a 180°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
Cool for 1 minute, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Makes 4 to 6 dozen cookies, depending upon size.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough overnight to allow the flavors of the spices to develop.

- If you don't have a 'speculaasplank', you can roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become dry and lose their chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy speculaas cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and festive treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use a 'speculaasplank' for traditional shaped cookies, or roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have all the spices listed, you can use a pre-made speculaas spice mix.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the speculaas cookies on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve speculaas cookies with a glass of mulled wine or hot apple cider for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of speculaas cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of speculaas cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of speculaas cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of speculaas cookies contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Speculaas cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Speculaas cookies may contain allergens such as wheat, milk, and nuts.

Summary

Speculaas cookies are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of fats and carbohydrates.

Summary

Speculaas cookies are a delicious and festive holiday treat that is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in every bite of these traditional Dutch spice cookies.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Speculaas. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Clara in the Netherlands. Aunt Clara was a wonderful cook, and she had a whole collection of traditional Dutch recipes that she had learned from her own mother and grandmother.

One day, as Aunt Clara was bustling around the kitchen, preparing a batch of Speculaas cookies, I asked her if I could help. She smiled and handed me a piece of paper with the recipe written out in her elegant handwriting. As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I was struck by the unique combination of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger – that gave these cookies their distinctive flavor.

Aunt Clara explained to me that Speculaas cookies were a beloved tradition in the Netherlands, especially around the holidays. They were often made in the shape of windmills or St. Nicholas, and were enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. As she mixed the dough and rolled it out on the floured countertop, Aunt Clara shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Speculaas from her own mother when she was a young girl.

She told me about the importance of following the recipe exactly, of measuring the spices with care, and of baking the cookies until they were perfectly crispy on the edges but still soft in the middle. As we worked together in the warm kitchen, the spicy aroma of the Speculaas dough filled the air, and I knew that I was learning something special from my Aunt Clara.

After the cookies had cooled on the wire rack, Aunt Clara showed me how to decorate them with slivered almonds and sugar crystals, giving each one a touch of beauty and sweetness. As we sat down at the kitchen table with a plate of warm Speculaas cookies and a pot of steaming tea, I felt a sense of pride in having helped to create something so delicious and comforting.

Years passed, and I carried the recipe for Speculaas with me wherever I went. I made the cookies for my own family, for friends and neighbors, and for special occasions and holidays. Each time I baked a batch of Speculaas, I thought of Aunt Clara and the time we had spent together in her kitchen, sharing a love of cooking and tradition.

As I grew older, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, adding them to my own repertoire of dishes that brought joy and nourishment to those I loved. But the recipe for Speculaas remained a favorite, a cherished memory of my Aunt Clara and the magical day when I first learned to make those spicy, sweet cookies.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, I can't help but smile as I think back on that moment of amazement all those years ago. The recipe for Speculaas is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a connection to my past, a link to the traditions and stories that have shaped me into the cook and the person I am today. And for that, I am forever grateful.