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Speculaas

Crisp, thin Dutch spiced biscuits made from a brown sugar butter dough flavored with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, traditionally pressed into carved wooden molds. Plan ahead: chill the dough for 1 hour before rolling.

45 minMediumServes 12215 cal/serving

DutchDessertOvenVegetarian

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and 1 cup packed light brown sugar together until light, about 3 minutes. Beat in 2 tbsp whole milk.

  2. 2

    Whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, and 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg in a bowl. Mix into the butter until a firm dough forms.

  3. 3

    Wrap the dough and chill it for 1 hour, until firm enough to roll.

  4. 4

    Preheat the oven to 340F and line two baking sheets with parchment.

  5. 5

    Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut out shapes or press it into floured molds. Place the cookies 1 inch apart on the sheets.

  6. 6

    Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until deep golden and set. Cool on the sheets 5 minutes, then move to a rack.

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Questions

What is Speculaas?

Crisp, thin Dutch spiced biscuits made from a brown sugar butter dough flavored with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, traditionally pressed into carved wooden molds. Plan ahead: chill the dough for 1 hour before rolling. This reference files it under Dutch dessert: made in the oven, rated medium and about 45 minutes start to finish.

How long does Speculaas take?

As written, 45 minutes: 30 of prep and 15 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 3, 1 hour. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

What temperature do I cook Speculaas at?

For Speculaas, the oven is set to 340 F (about 170 C) in step 4. The longest stretch at that heat is 15 minutes, in step 6.

Can I skip chilling the dough for Speculaas?

Step 3 reads: "Wrap the dough and chill it for 1 hour, until firm enough to roll." Not without a cost. The rest in step 3 firms the fat and relaxes the gluten, so the dough holds its shape and bakes up tender instead of spreading or shrinking.

Can I make Speculaas gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Speculaas is 2 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Speculaas vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and 2 tbsp whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Can I make Speculaas ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Store Speculaas airtight: two to three days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. It freezes for up to two months; thaw at room temperature.

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