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Speculoos — traditional dish from Antwerp, Belgium
Snack Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥250kcal
💪3gProtein
🌾35gCarbs
🥑12gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️50 gServing

* Per serving · 50 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Also served in

Speculoos

How to order / say it
Say it Speculaas — [SPEH-koo-lahs]
Order I would like some speculoos, please.
Locally Ik wil graag speculaas, alsjeblieft.
Say locally

Spiced shortcrust cookies from Belgium, popular during holidays.

Why try it?

Speculaas captures the festive spirit of Antwerp and Belgian holiday traditions. Its warm spices bring comfort and nostalgia, making it a cherished treat during St. Nicholas celebrations.

How it tastes

These cookies are crisp and deeply aromatic, with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg offering a warming sensation. A subtle caramel sweetness from brown sugar balances the spiciness and makes for a delightful crunch.

Origin & History — first documented: 1650

Speculaas dates back to the 17th century, originally baked during festive times like St. Nicholas Day. The spices used, a nod to colonial trade, make it a symbol of Belgium's historical trading prowess.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 300 g all-purpose flour
  • 🍯 150 g brown sugar
  • 🥛 150 g butter
  • 🧂 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 🧂 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 🧂 1 tsp ginger
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 🌾 1 tsp baking powder
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
  • 🥛 2 tbsp milk

Method

  1. 1 Mix flour, spices, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. 2 Cream butter and sugar until pale, then add milk.
  3. 3 Gradually incorporate dry ingredients to form dough.
  4. 4 Roll out dough, cut cookies with a speculaas mold.
  5. 5 Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12 minutes until golden.
All Europe recipes — Belgium — Antwerp — Speculoos
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