Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies with Almond Topping
These Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies, topped with slivered almonds, evoke the rich heritage of Dutch baking, inspired by the nostalgic recipes from the community cookbook 'Cooking on Clogs.' Crafted to bring the authentic taste of the Netherlands to your kitchen, these cookies showcase a carefully curated spice blend that includes aniseed and ginger, diverging from the typical 'speculaas kruiden' with its secretive and competitive nature. Perfectly embodying the festive spirit leading up to Sint Nicolas day on December 5th, these cookies are reminiscent of the grand decorative speculaas found in Dutch bakeries.
40
Servings
117.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
3 cups (sifted)
ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon
butter
250 g (8.8 oz) (softened)
brown sugar
1 1/2 cups
salt
1 pinch
baking powder
4 teaspoons
ground cloves
1 teaspoon
ground aniseed
1/2 teaspoon
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
cinnamon
1 tablespoon
slivered almonds
125 g (4.4 oz)
egg white
1 (beaten for glazing)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground aniseed, ground ginger, and cinnamon.
3
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending until the dough comes together in a smooth ball.
4
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out evenly to a thickness of about 3 mm (1/8th inch).
5
Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes.
6
Place the shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7
Lightly beat an egg white and brush it over the tops of the cookies.
8
Decorate each cookie with slivers of almonds, pressing them gently to ensure they adhere.
9
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
10
Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown.
11
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
5.85g
Fat
14.85g
Carbs
1.43g
Protein
14mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies?
They are classic Dutch spiced cookies traditionally topped with slivered almonds and often served around Sint Nicolas Day.
What cookbook inspired this Speculaas recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the community cookbook 'Cooking on Clogs.'
What unique spices are included in this blend?
The blend features cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground aniseed, and ground ginger.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 40 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) for baking these cookies.
How long should I bake Speculaas cookies?
Bake them for approximately 12 minutes until they turn a light golden brown.
How thin should I roll the dough?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of about 3 mm or 1/8th inch.
How do I get the almonds to stick to the cookies?
Brush the tops of the cookies with a lightly beaten egg white before pressing the almonds on.
What kind of almonds are used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 125 grams of slivered almonds.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
Brown sugar is used to provide a rich flavor and the traditional color.
What is the calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 117.5 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains about 5.85 grams of fat.
Are these cookies high in carbohydrates?
Each cookie has about 14.85 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there protein in these Dutch cookies?
Yes, each cookie provides approximately 1.43 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is 14mg of sodium per serving.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Do I need to sift any ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
How should I cool the cookies after baking?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Is aniseed necessary for this recipe?
Yes, aniseed is a key ingredient that provides the authentic Dutch flavor profile.
When is the traditional time to eat Speculaas?
They are particularly popular leading up to Sint Nicolas Day on December 5th.
Can I use different shapes for these cookies?
Yes, you can use any cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The butter should be softened to properly cream it with the sugar.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of sifted flour.
What role does the egg white play?
The egg white is beaten and used as a glaze to help the almonds adhere and add a slight shine.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 12 ingredients in total.
Are these cookies similar to the ones in Dutch bakeries?
Yes, they are designed to mimic the grand decorative speculaas found in authentic bakeries.
Does the recipe include baking powder?
Yes, it uses 4 teaspoons of baking powder.
Is there any fiber in these cookies?
The specific fiber content is not listed for this recipe.
What is the significance of the 3mm thickness?
This thickness ensures the cookies bake evenly and achieve the correct crisp texture.
What is 'speculaas kruiden'?
It refers to the secret spice blends used by Dutch bakers, which this recipe approximates with its specific ratios.