Iconic Speculaas Cookies

Hi Bold Bakers! Dutch speculaas or speculoos — whatever you call these deliciously crispy, warmly spiced cookies, they’re bound to be (or become!) a holiday tradition in your house! Already have an account? On top of having that incredible taste and crisp bite, my Iconic Speculaas Cookies recipe gives you an absolutely beautiful treat to share around the table or to wrap up in some pretty gift bags that you can surprise your friends and family with. Usually, speculaas are made by using a mold that is imprinted on them. You can use either speculaas molds or an embossed rolling pin and a 2.5-inch (6.5 cm) round cookie cutter as I do. If you don’t have the mold or rolling pin, don’t fret! These cookies still taste great even without a signature look!

What Are Speculaas Cookies?

Speculaas cookies are a Dutch spiced shortcrust cookie that’s usually served the day before the feast of St. Nicholas, which takes place on December 5. Now, it’s not unusual to see these baked up in homes and bakeries all through the winter. The ingredients that give these cookies their distinct flavoring are warm spices, including cinnamon, ground cloves, aniseed, nutmeg, and ginger. Not only do they taste amazing — they’ll fill your entire house with a warm, comforting scent while they bake!

What You Need To Make Speculaas

Measuring Cups and Spoons Mixing bowls Speculaas mold, an embossed rolling pin, or a regular rolling pin. 2 ½ inch round cookie cutter 2 baking sheets Parchment paper Plastic wrap

How To Make Speculaas Cookies

Making these delicious cookies couldn’t be easier, and Santa will undoubtedly thank you for leaving them out the night of his yearly ride! Here is how you make them (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Speculaas

If you don’t have rice flour on hand to dust your molds and work area, you can use all-purpose flour. However, AP flour won’t disappear with baking. You can use a regular rolling pin if you don’t have speculaas molds or an embossed rolling pin! They’ll still taste great! Make sure your dough is very cold for easier handling. Use a pastry brush to remove any excess flour from the cookies before baking. Traditionally, flaked almonds are added to these cookies. If you’d like to add them, press a few almonds into your rolled cookies. If using molds, or an embossed roller, you can press the almonds into the cookie’s underside. You can make the dough ahead and freeze it for up to 2 months! Ready to go for the holidays!

How Do I Store Speculaas?

You can keep leftover speculaas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. However, you can also freeze the raw dough for up to 2 months!