Speculaas Spices

In the 17th century the Dutch navy was one of the most powerful in the world, and much of the spice trade with the far east was controlled by the Dutch. This gave them a cheap supply of all kinds of spices, resulting in spices becoming available to the general public not just the elite. One spice blend created in this period that remains popular are speculaas cookies.  As with most blends, they differs from family to family, but the main ingredient is always cinnamon. Use this recipe to start and change it to suit your own taste. It will be delicious no matter what!

koekkruiden (spice blend)

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Course Dessert, World Recipes

Cuisine Dutch

Ingredients

  

• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp Cloves
• 1.2 tsp White pepper
• 1 tsp Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp Anise
• 1/2 tsp ¼ tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp Ginger

Instructions

 

• Mix spices in a glass container and store up to 6 months in the dark.
• If using whole spices, grind them in either a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to your preference, Make it Your Own! You can also add 1/2 tsp of coriander, or skip the anise or cardamom. You might find that they over power each other.

You can either use pre-ground spices, or whole spices. You'll have to adjust the volume of whole spices to achieve the right amounts of ground. As always, fresh is always best!

Keyword Cinnamon, Dutch, Spice Blend