Learn to Make Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies for Any Occasion

Speculaas, a traditional Dutch spiced biscuit, is enjoyed throughout the year. However, it is especially popular during the celebration of Saint Nicholas on the 5th of December. These biscuits often feature designs of Saint Nicholas or windmills. The unique shapes are created using a wooden board called a 'speculaasplank'. This board has figures carved into it, which imprint onto the dough.

• 110 g butter
• 90 g light brown sugar
• 1 g table salt
• 3 teaspoons speculaas spices
• 100 g flour
• 100 g self-raising flour
• 1 egg, beaten

• Speculaas mold or template
• Baking sheet
• Oven

Procedure

1. Cream together the butter, sugar, salt, and spices until you have a soft mass.
2. Add the egg and flours, and mix into a soft dough.
3. If desired, let the dough rest for 2 days in the fridge for a stronger spice taste.
4. Sprinkle the speculaas mold with flour to prevent sticking.
5. Press a piece of dough into the mold. Cut away excess dough with a string or knife.
6. Flip the mold over and smack it face-down on the worktop to release the speculaas.
7. Arrange the speculaas on a well-buttered baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
8. Bake in a 170°C oven. Small cookies take about 20 minutes; larger ones may take 30 minutes or more.
9. Let one cookie cool to check if it's done. It should smell good and be crispy.
10. Allow all cookies to fully cool before enjoying with tea or hot chocolate.

Nutritional Values

The speculaas spice mix is mainly cinnamon but also includes coriander, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, white pepper, and orange peels. This spice blend is also used in kruidnoten. Some mixes may contain a secret ingredient for added flavour.