Speculoos
Speculoos, also called speculaas in Dutch or speculoos in Belgian marketing, are thin, crisp biscuits traditionally associated with the Netherlands and Belgium. The dough is made from flour, sugar, butter, and a spice blend that typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and sometimes cardamom or white pepper. The dough is pressed into wooden or metal molds with relief designs, then baked until very crisp. Common motifs include windmills, ships, and festive figures, reflecting their holiday associations.
The cookies are closely tied to Christmas and St. Nicholas Day celebrations in Dutch-speaking regions. The name
Preparation and regional variation: while the basic recipe remains consistent, spice blends and the thickness of
Modern developments: mass-produced versions are widely available, and a popular spread known as speculoos or Biscoff