Speculaas, delicious Dutch spiced cookie you need to try
Speculaas, a spiced cookie, is one of the beloved Dutch treats. Speculaas has become synonymous with the cozy, festive atmosphere of the Netherlands. Known for its rich, warm flavors speculaas is enjoyed not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. But what exactly is speculaas? Let’s dive into the history of this iconic Dutch cookie.
What is speculaas?
Speculaas (also known as Dutch spice cookie) is a traditional spiced biscuit made primarily from flour, butter, brown sugar and a blend of warm spices. These spices typically include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and cardamom, giving speculaas its signature rich flavor. It is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and is especially popular during the months leading up to and around Sinterklaas.
The history of speculaas
The origins of speculaas can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Early versions of speculaas were made in monasteries, where spices such as cinnamon and cloves were used in baking. The name speculaas is derived from the Latin word speculum, meaning “mirror” or “image,” which is a reference to the decorative molds used to create intricate shapes on the cookies. These molds often depicted scenes from everyday life or religious symbols, making each batch of cookies a work of art.
Speculaas became more widely popular in the Netherlands around the 17th century, particularly as trade with the East Indies introduced new and exotic spices. The Dutch East India Company played a key role in bringing these flavors to the Netherlands, where they were incorporated into traditional recipes like speculaas.
How speculaas is made
The process of making speculaas involves creating a dough from simple ingredients like butter, flour and sugar, along with the unique blend of spices that defines the cookie. The dough is then rolled out and cut into shapes using specially designed wooden molds or cookie cutters. In some cases, the dough is pressed into molds to create detailed designs, such as windmills, Dutch houses or even Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of the holiday season. After baking, speculaas is crisp and golden brown, with a slightly crunchy texture and a deeply spiced flavor. The cookies are often enjoyed as a snack.
Variations of speculaas
Over time, speculaas has evolved into a variety of forms, each with its own unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Speculaas cookies: The most common form of speculaas. These cookies are thin, crisp and rectangular in shape. They are often sold as individual cookies or in packs and can be enjoyed year-round.
- Gevulde speculaas: One of the most popular variations of speculaas is gevulde speculaas (filled speculaas). This version consists of two layers of speculaas dough, with a rich almond paste filling sandwiched between them. The result is a chewy, flavorful treat that is particularly popular during the holiday season, especially around Sinterklaas and pakjesavond celebrations.
- Speculaasbrokken: These are large, thick pieces of speculaas that are often broken into smaller chunks. Speculaasbrokken can be enjoyed as a hearty snack.
- Speculaas poppen: A festive and charming variation of speculaas are the speculaas poppen. These cookies are shaped like figures, often resembling Saint Nicholas or other holiday characters. Speculaas poppen are particularly popular during Sinterklaas celebrations, when they are often given as gifts or enjoyed as part of the holiday feast.
- Speculaas spread: In recent years, speculaas-flavored spreads have gained popularity, particularly as a topping for bread or pancakes. This spread is typically made from crushed speculaas cookies blended with sugar and spices to create a smooth, sweet topping.
- Speculaas with chocolate: Another popular variation of speculaas is the addition of chocolate. Chocolate-coated speculaas or speculaas combined with chocolate in cookie form is a delicious treat, blending the rich spices of speculaas with the indulgence of chocolate.
