Speculoos

Name: Speculoos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 30 servings
Cuisine: Belgian
Ingredients: 350g all-purpose flour; 200g dark brown sugar; 150g unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp ground cloves; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground white pepper; 1 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 2 tbsp milk

Speculoos / Speculaas (SPEH-kyoo-lohs)

Belgian Spiced Biscuits

⏱ Prep Time 2 hours (incl. chilling)

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 75 kcal

Thin, crunchy caramelised biscuits spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, stamped into intricate shapes — the cookie that became a global phenomenon as a spread.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 1.0g

Carbs 11.0g

Fat 3.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

mixing bowl rolling pin cookie cutters baking sheet

Presentation Guide

Vessel: ceramic cookie jar or plate

Garnishes: powdered sugar dust

Accompaniments: strong coffee, hot chocolate

Ingredients

350g all-purpose flour
200g dark brown sugar
150g unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground white pepper
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp milk

Instructions

1
Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg.
2
Whisk flour, all spices, baking soda, and salt together. Add to butter mixture with milk. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3
Wrap dough and refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.
4
Roll dough to 3mm thick on a floured surface. Cut with decorative moulds or cookie cutters.
5
Place on lined baking sheets. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 min until deep golden brown.
6
Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight tin. Serve with coffee or crush into speculoos spread.

💡

Did You Know?

Lotus Biscoff, the world's most famous speculoos brand, produces over 3 billion biscuits per year at their factory in Lembeke, Belgium.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

mixing bowl
rolling pin
cookie cutters
baking sheet

Garnishing

powdered sugar dust

Accompaniments

strong coffee, hot chocolate

The Story Behind Speculoos

Speculoos emerged in the Low Countries in the 17th century as a St. Nicholas Day treat. The name may derive from the Latin "speculum" (mirror), referring to the carved wooden moulds that impress intricate designs onto the dough. Belgium transformed this seasonal cookie into a year-round obsession.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed with coffee, st. nicholas day (december 6) 📜 Origins: 17th century Low Countries

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