speculaas (dutch style gingerbread biscuits)
These are one of our family's favorite Dutch cookies. They bake thin and crisp. They are more of a biscuit than a cookie, thus the name.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Originating in the Netherlands, Speculaas cookies are a unique gingerbread cookie filled with warm spices. This version is made in a rustic style by simply rolling out the dough, baking it in one piece, and then breaking it into pieces. Using cake flour gives the cookies a nice crumble to their texture. We'd describe this biscuit as a gingerbread shortbread. A recipe for the unique speculaas spice is also included. It makes more than enough for a batch of cookies and extra to share as holiday gifts. Between the unique blend of spices and texture, these Dutch-style gingerbread biscuits are a cookie you'll remember.
Ingredients
- BISCUIT
- 7 ounces self-rising cake flour
- 4 ounces soft brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Speculaas spice (this is very authentic and hard to find, see below to make your own)
- 1 pinch salt
- 5 ounces chilled real butter (do not use margarine)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- SPECULAAS SPICE
- 1/2 cup cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cloves
- 1/4 cup nutmeg
- 1/2 cup ground ginger
- 1/4 cup cardamom
- 1/8 cup white pepper
How To Make speculaas (dutch style gingerbread biscuits)
-
Step 1For the Speculaas spice, add spices to a bowl and combine. You can use a pre-made gingerbread spice but it will not be the same. The gingerbread spices have allspice and no cardamom or white pepper, but use whatever suits your taste. -
Step 2Combine flour, sugar, Speculaas spice, and salt.
-
Step 3Dice the butter and mix into the flour using a pastry cutter or two knives.
-
Step 4Then slowly add milk. With your hands quickly knead all into a firm dough (do this quickly so the heat from your hands does not warm the dough too much).
-
Step 5Wrap the dough in Saran Wrap and let rest for at least 2 hours, but overnight is preferable to develop the spice flavor.
-
Step 6Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Step 7Bake for 30 minutes.
-
Step 8Cool on a wire rack. Break into pieces and serve.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
