Best 4 Speculaas Dutch Spice Cookies Or Windmill Cookies Recipes

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In the realm of delectable treats, Speculaas, also known as Dutch spice cookies or windmill cookies, stands as a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Dutch baking traditions. These delectable cookies are renowned for their alluring aroma, captivating flavors, and intricate designs that evoke the charm of windmills and evoke the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands. With a symphony of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom, Speculaas captivates the senses, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Embark on a delightful journey as we delve into the realm of Speculaas, exploring two enticing recipes that showcase the versatility and artistry of this beloved Dutch treat. Discover the secrets behind crafting these delightful cookies, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of creating intricate designs that transform them into edible works of art.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

DUTCH SPECULAAS



Dutch Speculaas image

These Dutch spice cookies taste similar to the windmill cookies we enjoy in the United States. In Holland, it's tradition to mold the dough into the shape of St. Nicholas and serve the baked cookies on Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas Day). -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield about 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, molasses and orange zest. Combine the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, ginger and cardamom. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until easy to handle. , Preheat oven to 350°. On a parchment-lined surface, roll a small amount of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Use a floured cookie stamp to press design into dough, then cut with floured 3-in. cookie cutters, leaving 1 in. between cookies. Remove excess dough and reroll scraps, if desired., Transfer parchment with dough to cookie sheet. If dough has warmed, place baking sheet in refrigerator until it firms up, about 10-15 minutes. Bake at 350° until edges are lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 65mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

SPECULAAS



Speculaas image

I believe another name for Windmill Cookies is Speculaas. The spices "speculaaskruiden" make this cookie so distinctive and were imported centuries ago from the far east.

Provided by ICECATS

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Belgian

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
1 egg
½ cup sliced almonds

Steps:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour with spices, baking powder and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at high speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and mix well.
  • Stir in by hand half the flour mixture, then add the remaining flour and almonds. Mix with a wooden spoon or knead with hands.
  • Divide dough into four parts, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for several hours. (If you are using a mold, chill it as well.)
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and grease two cookie sheets.
  • Remove one quarter of the dough from the refrigerator and flatten it with your hands. Oil your mold and lightly flour it. Using your fingers, press dough firmly into the mold. Trim any excess dough from the mold with a knife.
  • Transfer the cookies onto greased cookie sheets with a spatula, spacing about one inch apart.
  • Refrigerate dough trimming to be rerolled later. Lightly flour but do not re-oil cookie mold.
  • Repeat process with remaining dough. When cookie sheets are full, bake cookies for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Store in a covered tin.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.9 calories, Carbohydrate 47.6 g, Cholesterol 56.2 mg, Fat 18.1 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 10.1 g, Sodium 151.6 mg, Sugar 22.5 g

SPECULAAS (DUTCH SPICE COOKIES OR WINDMILL COOKIES)



Speculaas (Dutch Spice Cookies or Windmill Cookies) image

Traditionally, these cookies are pressed into wooden windmill molds. But they're delicious in any shape!

Provided by Erin K. Brown

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 60-80 cookies, 60-80 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups butter (room temp)
1 egg
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cardamom

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Add egg.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir to form a stiff dough.
  • If making the cookies without a mold, roll the dough into cylinders that are the diameter of your desired cookies.*
  • Freeze for at least 20-30 minutes.
  • Slice the chilled dough into thin (~1/4 inch) rounds and place on a cookie sheet. Cookies will spread a little bit upon baking.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
  • *Also chill dough before pressing into molds or using cookie cutters.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.5, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 3, Cholesterol 15.7, Sodium 81.8, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 7.1, Protein 0.9

SPECULAAS (DUTCH WINDMILL COOKIES)



Speculaas (Dutch Windmill Cookies) image

My grandpa taught me how to make these authentic Dutch windmill cookies, using his wood cookie forms that have passed through the generations. Today, they can be made into any shape you like, using cookie cutters.

Provided by RyGuy

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 24-36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine
2 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup finley chopped blanched almond, divided

Steps:

  • In a bowl, beat the butter 30 seconds or until softened.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients, except for the almonds, in a small bowl.
  • Add half of this mixture into the butter. Stir until mixed.
  • Add the remaining flour mixture and 1/3 cup almonds and stir until mixed.
  • Divide dough in half.
  • On lightly floured surface roll one portion ot the dough to 1/8" thickness.
  • Cut into desired shapes, place on greased cookie sheet and decorate with remaining almonds (if desired).
  • Repeat with second half of dough.
  • Bake at 350 degrees 8-10 minutes, or until browned.
  • Cool on cookie sheet one minute.
  • Remove and allow to cool.

Tips:

  • Use the right spices: Speculaas cookies are all about the spices, so make sure you use high-quality cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Freshly ground spices will give you the best flavor.
  • Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the dough before baking: Chilling the dough will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Bake the cookies until they are golden brown: The cookies should be baked until they are golden brown around the edges. If you bake them too long, they will be dry and crumbly.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before serving: The cookies will be very soft when they first come out of the oven. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Conclusion:

Speculaas cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a little planning, you can make these cookies at home and enjoy them with your family and friends.

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