Speculaas are traditional Belgian spiced cookies, often enjoyed during the holiday season. These cookies are known for their aromatic blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and are typically molded into various shapes. Here’s how you can make these delightful cookies at home.
Ingredients:
- 250g (8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
- 150g (5.3 oz) brown sugar
- 125g (4.4 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, white pepper, and salt.
- Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg with the milk and add to the mixture. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or speculaas molds to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- If using speculaas molds, press the dough into the molds, then carefully remove the shaped dough.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Enjoy these delicious speculaas cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make wonderful gifts during the holiday season.
These Belgian Speculaas cookies are a delightful treat that combines a crisp texture with warm, aromatic spices, perfect for any festive occasion.