Spice Cookies (Speculaas)

Spice Cookies (Speculaas) Recipe from Netherlands - Ingredients: margarine, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, salt, egg, all-purpose flour, almonds

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

Introduction

Spice Cookies, also known as Speculaas, are a traditional Dutch cookie that is popular during the holiday season. These cookies are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving them a warm and cozy flavor that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Speculaas cookies have been a beloved treat in the Netherlands for centuries. Originally, these cookies were made to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, which takes place on December 5th. The cookies are often shaped like windmills or the figure of Sinterklaas himself, making them a festive and fun treat for the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 cup margarine or butter
1.5 cups packed brown sugar
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
0.5 tsp ground cloves
0.25 tsp salt
1 egg
2.75 cups all-purpose flour
0.33 cup finely chopped blanched almonds (optional)
blanched whole almonds (optional)

How to prepare

Beat margarine or butter with a mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds or by hand.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Beat in the egg and flour.
Add chopped almonds if using.
Roll the dough to a thickness of 0.13 inches on a lightly floured board and cut into shapes (traditional shapes include windmills and Sinterklaas/Santa, but you can also cut them into the children's initials).
Decorate with whole almonds if using.
Place one inch apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.
Bake in a 350°F (177°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.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet crunch.
Substitute the almonds with other nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll the dough to the correct thickness to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.

- Decorating the cookies with whole almonds adds a nice crunch and visual appeal.

- Be sure to cool the cookies on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Spice Cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy for the best texture.

- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.

- If you don't have blanched almonds, you can use regular almonds and chop them finely.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Spice Cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spice Cookies with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Spice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spice Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spice Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spice Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spice Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spice Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Spice Cookies contain wheat, eggs, and nuts (almonds). They may also contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

Spice Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein. However, they are high in carbohydrates and fats, so they should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for the holiday season. With warm spices and a crunchy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Spice Cookies, also known as Speculaas. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of baking from my own grandmother.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves turning shades of red and gold, and the air filled with the scent of cinnamon and cloves. My grandmother had invited me into her cozy kitchen to help her bake some of her famous cookies.

As we worked together, measuring out flour, sugar, and spices, my grandmother began to tell me the story of how she learned to make these delicious cookies. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through our family for generations, originating from our Dutch ancestors who had brought it with them when they immigrated to America.

She told me how her own grandmother had taught her the recipe, showing her how to mix the dough just right, and how to roll it out to the perfect thickness. She spoke of the memories she had of baking these cookies with her own mother, and how the smell of them baking in the oven always brought her back to her childhood.

As we worked, my grandmother shared with me all of the tips and tricks she had learned over the years for making the perfect Spice Cookies. She showed me how to mix the spices just so, and how to roll out the dough to just the right thickness. And as we baked, she told me stories of her own adventures in the kitchen, of mishaps and triumphs, of recipes tried and tested until they were just right.

By the time the cookies were finished baking, I felt as though I had been initiated into a secret world of baking knowledge, passed down through the generations. And as I took that first bite of a warm, spicy Speculaas cookie, I knew that this recipe would become one of my own treasured family heirlooms.

Over the years, I have continued to make these cookies, following my grandmother's recipe to the letter. I have shared them with friends and family, bringing a taste of tradition and nostalgia to each bite. And as I bake, I can't help but think of my grandmother, and the love and care she poured into teaching me this recipe.

So now, whenever I make these Spice Cookies, I am reminded of that crisp autumn day in my grandmother's kitchen, of the laughter and stories shared, of the bond between generations that is woven into every bite. And as I pass this recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I know that the tradition will live on, just as strong and sweet as the cookies themselves.