Speculaas (St. Nicholas Cookies)

Speculaas (St. Nicholas Cookies) Recipe from Netherlands | Ingredients: Butter, Flour, Spices, Almonds

Region / culture: Netherlands | Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Introduction

Speculaas, also known as St. Nicholas Cookies, are a traditional Dutch spiced cookie that is popular during the holiday season. These cookies are filled with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, giving them a delicious and festive flavor.

History

Speculaas cookies have been a beloved treat in the Netherlands for centuries. Originally, these cookies were made as a special treat for St. Nicholas Day on December 5th, but they have since become a popular holiday cookie enjoyed throughout the season.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
1.25 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
0.5 tsp ginger
0.5 tsp ground anise seed
0.13 tsp salt
0.5 cup sliced almonds

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and vanilla with both sugars. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add beaten eggs and blend well.
Sift the flour and all remaining dry ingredients together. Beat into the butter mixture.
Mix in the sliced almonds by hand, being careful not to crush them.
Divide the dough into four equal portions and chill overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Roll the chilled dough out to a thickness of 0.25 inches. Cut with cookie cutters or shape with a special speculaas mold or other cookie mold or stamp.
Bake for 10-15 minutes and store in an airtight container.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top of the cookies before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
Substitute the almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugars to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Chilling the dough overnight allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients to avoid a tough cookie texture.

- Using a speculaas mold or cookie cutter adds a traditional touch to these cookies, but you can also shape them by hand if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Speculaas cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. They also make a great gift when packaged in a festive tin or box.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the chilled dough to an even thickness ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have a consistent texture. Using a speculaas mold or cookie cutter helps create uniform shapes for a professional look.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the spices on hand, you can use a pre-mixed speculaas spice blend or pumpkin pie spice as a substitute. You can also use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the baked cookies on a festive platter or cookie tray for a beautiful display. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Speculaas cookies pair well with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also go well with spiced cider or mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months and thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Speculaas cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Speculaas cookies contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Speculaas cookies contains approximately 8g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Speculaas cookies contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Speculaas cookies contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.

Alergens

Speculaas cookies contain dairy (butter) and nuts (almonds). They may also contain gluten from the flour.

Summary

Speculaas cookies are a delicious holiday treat that is moderate in calories and contains a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Speculaas cookies are a delicious and festive holiday treat that is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With warm spices and a crunchy texture, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was during a trip to the Netherlands, where I had the pleasure of tasting Speculaas cookies for the first time. The aroma of spices filled the air, and the taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these delicious treats.

I was lucky enough to meet a kind elderly woman at a local market who was willing to share her family recipe with me. She had been making Speculaas cookies for years, and her expertise was evident in every bite. As she walked me through the process, I listened intently, taking notes and asking questions along the way.

The key to making authentic Speculaas cookies, she explained, was in the blend of spices. A mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom gave these cookies their unique flavor. The dough was also crucial – it had to be rolled out thin and cut into intricate shapes to create the characteristic designs.

I watched as the woman worked, her hands moving with precision and care. She showed me how to roll out the dough and press it into traditional wooden molds, creating beautiful patterns on the cookies. I was amazed by her skill and attention to detail.

After the cookies had been baked to perfection, we sat down to enjoy them together. The warm, spicy flavor was unlike anything I had ever tasted, and I savored every bite. As I thanked the woman for her generosity, she smiled and told me that she was passing on a tradition that had been handed down through generations in her family.

Inspired by her story, I returned home determined to master the art of making Speculaas cookies. I spent hours in my kitchen, experimenting with different spice blends and practicing my technique until I had perfected the recipe. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, transporting me back to that market in the Netherlands.

Over the years, I have made Speculaas cookies for countless family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Each time, they are met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I am always happy to share my knowledge, passing on the tradition that was gifted to me by that kind woman so many years ago.

As I bake a fresh batch of Speculaas cookies today, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and to the people who came before us. The recipe may have originated in a distant land, but it has become a beloved part of my own family's culinary heritage.

I am grateful for the chance encounter that led me to discover the magic of Speculaas cookies. They will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food and traditions with those we love. And as I take a bite of a warm, freshly baked cookie, I am filled with gratitude for the woman who shared her recipe with me all those years ago.