Whether you know them as speculoos, speculaas, spekulatius or Biscoff, few things are as irresistible as these positively delicious, buttery gingerbread shortcrust cookies! Wonderfully crispy, crunchy and deeply caramelized, they’re sure to become part of your annual holiday baking regimen!
Speculoos, as they’re called in Belgium, are spiced gingerbread shortcrust cookies that are traditionally made and eaten on St. Nicholas Day and throughout the Christmas holiday season. They’re traditionally embossed with designs using wooden molds, special rolling pins, or cookie stamps. Speculoos are likewise popular in the Netherlands (speculaas or Dutch windmill cookies) and Germany (spekulatius). This speculoos recipe creates those perfectly delicious, thin, crispy, crunchy, caramelized cookies that are positively irresistible eaten plain or dunked in a hot beverage.
Homemade Biscoff Cookies, Anyone?
If you haven’t heard of them by their traditional names, you’re most likely familiar their commercially-sold name: Biscoff. But let me tell you, the store-bought cookies, as good as they are, cannot compare with the rich and robust flavor of these homemade Biscoff cookies. These crunchy, buttery gingerbread cookies are absolutely scrumptious!
What Is the History Behind Speculoos?Â
Speculoos cookies go back to at least the mid-1600’s when the shoes of well-behaved children would be filled with them on the eve of December 5th. The following day the children would rush out to see what Sinterklaas left behind for them. The good children would empty their shoes and happily munch on their heaps of speculoos while the bad children were carried off in Sinterklaas’ burlap sack. Such was the threat anyway. From what history tells us no children were actually ever taken, leaving them with another chance to get it right the next year.
For centuries these cookies were a well-kept joint secret of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany but have since become wildly popular throughout much of the world in the form of Lotus Bakeries’ famous Biscoff cookies, which are now sold in over 40 countries.
In their earliest days speculoos were embossed with the image of St. Nicholas and over the years a wide variety of images were used.
The Belgian, Dutch and German versions of these cookies are similar but with slight variations of the ratios and amount of spices used as well as the thickness of the cookies.
Where Did the Name Speculoos Originate?Â
Historians believe the name’s origin comes from the Latin word speculum. While the word speculum makes most of us cringe and really should be banned from anything having to do with food, the name, which simply translates as “mirror” from Latin, reflects the traditional method of embossing the cookies in wooden molds that created a “mirror image” of them. Invasive medical instruments aside, speculoos molds were treasured family heirlooms that were passed down from one generation to the next. Wooden molds are still made in Belgium, the Netherlands and in Germany and you can likewise find old antique ones circulating on the web (e.g., Etsy, eBay, etc) and in antique stores. I have a collection of hand-carved 19th-century and newer wooden molds that I look forward to taking out each year for this special occasion of making speculoos.
Do You Need Special Molds to Make Speculoos? Â
Not at all. They will taste exactly the same no matter what shape they are. You can simply cut them in rectangles (like Biscoff cookies) and enjoy them plain and simple. However if you’d like to go the traditional route of embossing them, you can use traditional wooden molds as mentioned above. For example, a wooden Dutch Windmill mold is something you’ll commonly find in the Netherlands (here in the U.S. we call them “Dutch windmill cookies”). Or you can use silicon molds. Alternatively you can use cookie stamps. I have several sets from Nordic Ware like this one, this one, and this one and they are built to last.
Another option is wooden mold rolling pin that stamps designs onto the cookie dough as you roll it out. I have a mold rolling pin similar to this one that I brought back with me from Germany when I moved to the U.S.. So there are a lot of options out there, both inexpensive and expensive, and you can go as simple or as fancy as you want.
What is Baker’s Ammonia?
Baker’s ammonia, or ammonium bicarbonate, is what was traditionally used as a leavening agent up until 19th century when baking powder or baking soda came along. But that is not to say that baking powder/soda replaced baker’s ammonia because they are in fact different chemical compounds and they yield different results. For that reason some recipes, especially in Europe and the Middle East, still call for baker’s ammonia – specifically low-moisture baked goods like crackers and crispy cookies.
How is Baker’s Ammonia different than Baking Powder / Soda?
Baker’s ammonia consists of tiny crystals that break down during the baking process, leaving tiny air pockets behind that create a unique honey-combed, porous crumb for a crispier, crunchier texture. This unique texture is something that neither baking powder nor baking soda can replicate, which instead will yielder much harder, denser cookies without the same crisp-crunch effect. Baker’s ammonia is also unique from baking powder or baking soda in that it contributes to a more uniform spread in the cookies and also increases browning for that wonderful caramelized effect.
Baker’s ammonia does have a very strong, very unpleasant odor but don’t be put off by that – the odor and taste will dissipate during baking.
Speculoos are a prime example of the kind of cookie that greatly benefits from the use of baker’s ammonia for all the reasons mentioned above. Another example is German Springerle.
Any brand of baker’s ammonia will do the trick, just select one that’s food grade.  I’ve been using this one from Amazon.
One of the advantages of these cookies is that they’re supposed to be made well in advance. So you can get some of your Christmas baking done at least a couple of weeks before you’ll even need them. Speculoos cookies are supposed to be stored in airtight tins for at least a couple of weeks before eating them to allow their flavors to mature.
While they’re delicious straight out of the oven, their flavor only gets better with time. This also means they’re perfect for gift-giving as they store and ship well. And you’ll score major points with your friends and family!
Let’s get started!
In a mixing bowl combine the flour, baker’s ammonia, salt and spices. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place the brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, cream, vanilla and lemon zest. Cream this butter mixture until smooth and pale, 5-6 minutes.
Add the almond/hazelnut flour and mix until combined.
While beating, gradually add this flour mixture to the wet mixture.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in a cool place (NOT the fridge or it will become brittle) for at least 5 hours or overnight.
If you’re using a mold rolling pin you can roll the dough out between two sheets of plastic wrap to a thickness of just under 1/4 inch (4mm), peel off the top sheet of plastic wrap, use the mold rolling pin to roll the designs out onto the dough, then cut out the cookies and place them on a non-stick cookie tray.
If you’re using molds give them a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking. No need to roll out the dough if you’re using molds, simply take some of the dough and roll it in your palms to the length of the mold, lightly flour the dough (depending on your particular mold you may need that additional bit of flour to prevent sticking), and press it into the mold.
Keeping your knife parallel to the speculoos mold and using a sawing motion, gently cut away the excess dough off the mold so that all you’re left with is the dough that’s shaped inside the mold. Save the dough scraps to roll out to make the rest of the cookies. Invert the mold onto your lined cookie sheet and tap and gently peel until it comes out.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Bake the speculoos on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes or until nicely browned and caramelized. Let the speculoos cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store them in an airtight container. It is best to wait at least a week before eaten them to allow the flavors to develop. Will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for several weeks.
Enjoy by the speculoos by themselves or dipped in your favorite hot beverage.
To put your molds and mold rolling pins to further use, be sure to try our Authentic German Springerle!
Traditional Speculoos Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened at room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks (if the dough is too dry add some extra egg yolk)
- 3 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 cup almond or hazelnut flour
- 3 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baker's ammonia (see blog post for explanation)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground anise seed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Beat the brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, cream, vanilla and lemon zest in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or use an electric mixer) until it's pale and fluffy, 5-6 minutes. Add the almond/hazelnut flour and mix until combined. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baker's ammonia, salt and spices. While beating, gradually add this flour mixture to the wet mixture. (If not using a stand mixer use a wooden spoon while you can and then knead with your hands.) If the dough is too dry/crumbly add a little extra egg yolk as needed.Form the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in a cool place (NOT the fridge or it will become brittle) for at least 5 hours or overnight.
- Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of about 4mm or just under 1/4 inch. You can simply cut them into small rectangles (like Biscoff cookies) or you can use molds, cookie stamps, a molded rolling pin or any cookie cutters of your choice to shape the speculoos (see blog post pictures for instructions on how to use molds and molded rolling pins). If using molds be sure to lightly flour them first to prevent sticking. Cut out the cookies and place them on a non-stick baking sheet. Chill the cookies for at least one hour before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the speculoos on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes or until nicely browned and caramelized. Let the speculoos cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.Store them in an airtight container. It is best to wait at least a week before eaten them to allow the flavors to develop. Will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for several weeks. Enjoy by the speculoos by themselves or dipped in your favorite hot beverage.
David says
I tried two different recipes for these cookies and by far the favorite was this. The brown sugar made gave them a nice color and just the right spices with the lemon zest. Definitely, will be keeping this recipe and throwing the other one out! Delicious. Thank you.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, David, thank you so much!
Mariel says
These are divine! I am so happy I chose this recipe and decided to double the batch because my family and I cannot stop eating these!
I want to note that I did have to refrigerate the dough against the author’s advice because I didn’t have somewhere cool to rest it, and it was VERY hard when it first came out of the fridge; however, I let it sit out on the counter for about 30-40 minutes, and then was easily able to roll it out without it cracking or drying out.
Everything about these cookies is absolutely splendid! The proportions of spices are perfect. I love the nuttiness and crunchy bite to these cookies. The caramelizad sugar is scrumptious.
I believe I will be forced to make a third batch before the Christmas season is over!
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. Merry Christmas!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
That’s wonderful, Mariel, I’m absolutely thrilled that they’re a family hit, thank you so much!
Jackie R Torrence says
Great taste! However, the dough was VERY crumbly. Couldn’t get it to roll out to the proper thickness…the more I rolled the more crumbly it became. After making the dough, I let it sit overnight on my kitchen counter (72 degrees). It was like there wasn’t enough liquid in the dough. What did I do wrong??? HELP!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jackie, something definitely went wrong. Did you beat the butter/sugar/egg mixture for a full 5-6 minutes? Did you use large egg yolks? Was the dough wrapped very tightly while it was sitting overnight (if not it can very easily dry out)? Are you in a very dry climate (if so cutting back a little on the flour is the solution)? Did you make any other adjustments to the recipe, either the ingredients or the method?
Jackie R Torrence says
I did beat the butter/sugar/egg mixture for 6 minutes. I used two XL egg yokes. The dough was wrapped tightly. There was not a lot of humidity the day I made the dough, nor on the day I baked them. In the kitchen, I put them in a spot where the heat was not blowing directly on them. The only adjustment I made was: I replaced the baker’s ammonia with baking powder (same quantity). I followed the recipe exactly otherwise. Thank you for your help!!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jackie, yeah that just shouldn’t have happened then. Without having been there in person to see what was going on I’m afraid I just don’t know.
Jackie R Torrence says
Hi Kimberly! Sorry we couldn’t figure this out, but I’m not a quitter! I’ll keep trying! I thing I’ll try reducing the flour quantity first. Thank you for your patience with me!!!! I absolutely LOVE these cookies!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jackie, yes I’d start with that first. You can always add more. Wishing you success this time and please let us know how they turn out! Happy Thanksgving!
Evan says
I am so excited about these! I made the dough yesterday evening and am planning to bake today.
Question: in the step by step instructions it says to chill the cookies for an hour after cutting them before baking them. This wasn’t mentioned in the long-form instructions and you did warn against refrigeration during the overnight resting period. Is this chilling phase just for cookies in a mold (in just cutting mine) or for all types? And am I to interpret this as a green light for the fridge but only for this limited window?
Thanks so much!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Evan, yes, the chilling period is after the cookies have already been molded/shaped and placed on the cookie sheet. Happy baking and please let us know what you think!
Evan says
They are so yummy!! I did have a couple of questions after my first half-batch trial:
1. Thanks for the reply on refrigeration. I put them all one a single sheet to be in the fridge and then pulled half off and onto a separate sheet to stay in the fridge while the first half baked on that cold sheet. My question is: does the cookie sheet need to be cold when they go into the oven or is it really just about the cookies being chilled?
2. I did have some crumbly dough issues as several have noted. Your recommendation is to cut back on the flour a bit next go round?
Thanks for the recipe! I’m going to try Mandelhörnchen next! When we lived in Berlin I loved those things :)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, Evan, I’m happy you enjoyed them, thank you! Correct, it’s just about the dough itself being chilled before they go into the oven. And yes to #2 as well. Thanks again!
Kathy Beanblossom says
I just made these and they taste amazing, but I’m wondering if I did something wrong. My dough was very crumbly and hard to work with. I left it in a cool spot for 5 hours. Just wondering if it’s too dry in my house and wondered if I should cut back in the flour. Thanks!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Kathy, yes that could very well be the case if you’re in a relatively low humidity area. I would do just that, scale back a little on the flour.
Pam says
Hi! I visited Germany last year and fell in love with the traditional Speculoos! So glad I found this recipe! I live in tropical Singapore, and your recipe emphasises NOT leaving the dough in the fridge. But leaving it out in my climate means it doesn’t stay in a cool place EVER outside the fridge… haha.. would it be a really bad idea to leave the dough in the fridge in my situation? Would love to hear from you!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Pam, the dough will become very hard, crumbly and miserable/impossible to work with. I’d recommend just letting it sit at room temp for a few hours and if your room temp is hot then reduce the “sitting” time :)
Michelle says
Hi, would it be possible to make these nut-free by subbing the almond flour for AP flour?
thanks!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Michelle, yes you can make a direct 1:1 substitution. The cookies will be denser/heavier but still delicious.
Sara says
I just made these and they are delicious!! I didn’t have baker’s ammonia so I used baking soda instead. I will have to pick it up in future to try these again!
Two questions: Can you freeze this dough? And do the (baked) cookies freeze well?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Wonderful, Sara, I’m so glad you enjoyed them, thank you! I haven’t tried freezing the dough but the baked cookies freeze well.
Oliver says
Hi Sara, I’m not sure if you’re still looking for an answer, but the dough does freeze well and bakes the same way as it would if made that day. I hope this helped. I hope you have a lovely day!
Niki says
Hello, I’ve been looking into Speculoos/all the other names they go by hah, cookie recipes and they all have a different variation of ingredients. I was hoping I could ask you a couple of questions! This is the first recipe I’ve come across that requires heavy whipping cream, would you consider it essential to the recipe where milk wouldn’t substitute well? Is this for the “richness” or the texture of the cookie?
-Also, have you ever tried toasting the almond flour before incorporating it?
-In terms of the cookie tasting better with time—would it have the same effect if I pre-made the dough letting it sit in the fridge for a couple of weeks to develop flavor, or does it tend to be after the bake?
Sorry for all the questions. Thanks!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Niki, yes the cream is for richness and texture but you can use milk instead if you prefer. I have not tried toasting the almond flour first. Letting the dough sit in the fridge for a few days will enhance the flavor in and of itself, yes, but it won’t compensate for letting them “ripen” after they’re baked. That said, I love these cookies straight out of the oven – the flavor is so good I usually don’t even bother letting them age for more than a few days.
Irena says
I can’t stop making these!
Kathryn says
Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. I weighed the butter, flour, ground hazelnuts, and sugar, and the dough turned out beautiful.
Incidentally, your Springerle recipe is just the best also!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much, Kathryn, I’m absolutely thrilled you enjoyed both recipes! :)
Kitten says
These were so yummy. My family loved them, even the sheet of cookies I burned!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Oh no!! Well it sounds like they’re really good sports :) Glad it was just one sheet and that your family enjoyed them even so – thanks, Kitten!
Kitten says
Hi Kimberly! I’m a little confused by the first step of this recipe. You have the egg yolks, cream, vanilla and zest in two places. Does it go into the bowl with the sugar and butter at the beginning or do the butter and sugar get beaten first and then the yolks, cream, vanilla and zest go in? Thanks!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Kitten, sorry I had the same sentence repeated twice in a row. Yes, they’re added together in the beginning.
Anonymous says
✔ best ✔ ever ✔ Speculoos essay…ManyThanks
Michelle L says
The flavor of these is perfect! Love them!