Best 2 Speculaas Dutch Windmill Cookies Recipes

Indulge in the delectable world of Speculaas, a traditional Dutch windmill cookie that captivates hearts with its rich flavors and intricate design. These delightful treats are a symbol of Dutch culinary heritage, often enjoyed during the festive season. Speculaas boasts a unique blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and white pepper, that creates a symphony of warmth and comfort. The cookies are typically shaped into beautiful windmills, paying homage to the iconic Dutch landscape. They are baked until golden brown, revealing intricate details that make them a feast for the eyes. This article presents a collection of Speculaas recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic treat. From traditional recipes that stay true to the original flavor profile to innovative variations that incorporate modern ingredients, there's a Speculaas cookie for every palate. Explore the diverse selection of recipes to find the perfect one for your next baking adventure.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

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

Ingredients

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.

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

Ingredients

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

Tips:

Use high-quality butter: The quality of the butter you use will greatly impact the taste of your speculaas. Look for a butter that is at least 82% fat and has a rich, creamy flavor.
Chill the dough before baking: Chilling the dough will help it to hold its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
Use a windmill cookie mold: A windmill cookie mold will help you to create the traditional windmill shape of speculaas. If you don't have a windmill cookie mold, you can use a sharp knife to cut the dough into shapes.
Bake the cookies until they are golden brown: Speculaas should be baked until they are golden brown around the edges. This will ensure that they are cooked through and have a crispy texture.
Let the cookies cool completely before serving: Speculaas are best served after they have cooled completely. This will allow them to firm up and develop their full flavor.

Conclusion:

Speculaas are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. With their unique flavor and windmill shape, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special cookie to bake, give speculaas a try.