How to Make Speculoos: The Best Recipe for Crispy, Spiced Cookies

Speculoos, also known as speculaas, are spiced shortbread cookies that are incredibly popular in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, especially during the Christmas season. With their irresistible aroma, satisfying crunch, and intricate designs, these cookies are a true treat for the senses.

And guess what? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home! So gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a delicious journey to create these festive delights.

What You’ll Need to Make Speculoos

Before we begin, let’s gather our baking arsenal. Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best speculoos cookies:

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional, for a bit of warmth)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Spatula
• Speculoos molds (optional)

Let’s Get Baking: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have our ingredients prepped and tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delicious speculoos cookies.

1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll and Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Working with one disk at a time, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If using speculoos molds, press the mold firmly into the dough to create the intricate designs. If not using molds, use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
5. Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Speculoos Cookies on a Wooden Board

Tips for Baking the Best Speculoos Cookies

Here are some additional tips and tricks to ensure your speculoos cookies turn out absolutely perfect:

• Spice It Up Your Way: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of cardamom, increase the amount of cinnamon, or even add a hint of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
• Storage: Once cooled, store your speculoos cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

FAQs About Making Speculoos

Can I freeze speculoos dough?

Absolutely! Speculoos dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

I don’t have speculoos molds. Can I still make these cookies?

Yes, you can still enjoy these delicious cookies even without molds. Simply use cookie cutters to create different shapes.

Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?

While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegan butter or shortening for a plant-based version.

Ingredients for Making Speculoos Cookies

A Taste of Tradition

Making speculoos is not just about baking cookies; it’s about embracing a cherished tradition. These cookies have been enjoyed for generations, their warm spices and delightful crunch evoking memories of holidays past.

So gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and create your own speculoos memories this year!

We hope you enjoy making these delicious speculoos cookies. Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us in the comments below!

Happy baking!