How to Make Spekulatius Cookies

Spekulatius cookies are originally from Belgium and Netherlands, they are called Speculaas, and became popular cookies in the Rhineland and Westphalia. Spekulatius are classic German Christmas cookies but are also popular throughout the year especially in Belgium and Netherlands.

History
The word “Speculaas” is derived from the Latin word “speculum” which means mirror. So why are they called “mirror cookies”? It’s believed that there is a reference to the traditional images that are molded into these cookies. Initially, they were associated with special occasions like birthdays, weddings or religious festivals like Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas.
In Holland it’s known that the Speculaas were created in their own country in the 17th century. That was the time when the Dutch East India Company imported exotic spices to Europe , and among them was cinnamon, cloves, mace and ginger, the spices used to make these cookies.

To make them you would need special molds with the typical Spekulatius design. Spekulatius contain a special spice mix which consists out of cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. There are different Spekulatius: Almond, Butter  and Spice Spekulatius.
The ones from Belgium and Netherlands have a typical caramel taste. If you want, get the molds, the spice and try them out, you will love them! If you don’t want to buy the molds just use nice cookie cutters or make them as regular round cookies. Both works well! Happy Baking!

How to Make Spekulatius Cookies

Ingredients

50 g baking marzipan – Find it here – 
200 g soft butter
150 g brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
2 tsp Spekulatius spice OR
2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/4 tsp ginger ground, point of knife: nutmeg, cloves
– Get EDORA Spekulatius Spice – 
300 g spelt flour Dinkelmehl (Type 603) – Find it here – 
100 g  ground almonds
1 tbsp starch
2 tbsp milk
Spekulatius molds

Baking Instructions Spekulatius Cookie

– Grate marzipan roughly.
– Mix it in a bowl with butter and sugar, then mix it well until bubbly.
– Add egg, cocoa and spice, mix it. Then add flour and ground almonds, knead fast until you get a smooth dough. Form to a ball.
– Wrap it in plastic wrap, and place for 1 hour in the fridge.
– Pre-heat oven to 175 C or 350 F
– Layer a baking tray with parchment paper.

– Roll dough on a floured surface or baking board of size 3-4mm.
– Sieve starch onto the dough and spread it all over.
– Press the dough into the molds, remove with a knife and place on baking tray.
– Brush the Spekulatius with milk and bake for 15 min.
– Let them cool off on a cooling grid.

CLICK here for classic and handmade Spekulatius Molds

Rolling Pin on Amazon – Find it here –