Speculoos, also known as Dutch Windmill Cookies, are thin, crisp, spiced cookies traditionally baked in the Netherlands and Belgium for St. Nicholas Day (Sinterklaas). Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom, these cookies are deeply aromatic, sweet and perfect for the holiday season.
This authentic speculoos cookie recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and can be made with a traditional cookie stamp, windmill cutter, or any shape you like. The dough is easy to work with, and chilling ensures sharp designs and perfectly crisp edges after baking.
Tips for Best Results
For sharper designs, keep the dough cold and the stamp well-floured
Cookies crisp up more as they cool. Don’t overbake
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
To make the Speculoos Dutch Windmill Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup white sugar, and ¾ cup brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 5-10 minutes until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups flour, ⅛ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon cardamom.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough firms it and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
Lightly flour the working surface. Using a cookie stamp, flatten each ball to about ¼ inch thickness. Keep the stamp well-floured to prevent sticking. Using a knife, transfer the cookies to the parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the cookies lightly with cinnamon sugar. If the dough gets too warm, place the cookie sheets in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Bake for 11 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Enjoy with a warm drink or share as a delightful gift!
These Speculoos Dutch Windmill Cookies not only taste amazing with their blend of warm spices but also bring a festive spirit to any gathering. Perfect for holiday celebrations, cookie exchanges, or simply savoring at home, they embody the essence of cozy traditions. Don’t forget to share your baking experience and tag your creations with #cookmerecipes on social media to inspire others. Happy baking!
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