Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies
These Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies, affectionately known as windmill cookies, are a cherished recipe passed down from generation to generation. My grandfather, a skilled baker, introduced me to the art of making these spiced delights using his beloved wooden cookie molds. Historically baked for St. Nicholas' Day, these cookies feature a rich blend of spices, creating a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. While the classic windmill shape is iconic, feel free to unleash your creativity with cookie cutters in any shape you desire. With a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and warm spices, these cookies are sure to bring a taste of Dutch tradition to your kitchen and warm your heart.
30
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
1 cup (softened)
Flour
2 3/4 cups (sifted)
Brown Sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground Cloves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Blanched Almonds
1/2 cup (finely chopped, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar, beating for about 30 seconds until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
4
Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.
5
Stir in the remaining dry ingredients along with 1/3 cup of the finely chopped almonds, mixing until a dough forms.
6
Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes for easier rolling.
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
8
Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on a greased cookie sheet. Optionally, decorate the tops with the remaining chopped almonds.
9
Repeat the rolling, cutting, and decorating process with the second half of the dough.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
11
Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
13g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies?
Also known as windmill cookies, these are spiced Dutch treats traditionally baked for St. Nicholas' Day featuring a rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
What are the primary spices used in this Speculaas recipe?
The recipe uses a fragrant combination of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, the dough should be divided into disks and refrigerated for about 30 minutes for easier rolling.
What thickness should the dough be rolled to?
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of softened butter or margarine.
How do I incorporate the almonds into the recipe?
Add 1/3 cup of finely chopped almonds into the dough and use the remaining almonds to decorate the tops of the cookies before baking.
What is the calorie count for one Speculaas cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
How much protein is in these cookies?
There is 1.3 grams of protein per cookie.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 3/4 cups of sifted flour.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together for about 30 seconds until well combined.
How long should the cookies cool before moving them?
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack.
What is the historical significance of these cookies?
Historically, these cookies were baked to celebrate St. Nicholas' Day in Dutch culture.
Can I use different shapes for these cookies?
Yes, while the windmill shape is iconic, you can use any cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients required for this traditional recipe.
What is the carbohydrate content per cookie?
Each cookie contains 13 grams of carbohydrates.
What should the texture of the cookies be?
These cookies are designed to have a delightful crunch that pairs well with tea or coffee.
Does the recipe include eggs?
Yes, the recipe includes one beaten egg.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
What kind of almonds should I buy?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of blanched almonds, finely chopped.
Is salt used in the dough?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry mixture.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
The cookies should be placed on a greased cookie sheet before baking.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include speculaas, dutch cookies, windmill cookies, holiday baking, and spiced cookies.
Who is the original source of this recipe?
This specific recipe was passed down from the author's grandfather, who was a skilled baker.
How do I combine the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stir, then add the remaining dry ingredients and almonds until a dough forms.