Belgium Speculaas, also known as Speculoos or Biscoff, is a traditional Belgian spiced biscuit renowned for its crunchy texture and warm, spicy flavor. These cookies are popularly enjoyed during the winter holiday season and pair exceptionally well with hot beverages like cocoa or mulled wine.

Belgium Speculaas has a rich history rooted in Belgian culinary traditions. Originating as a seasonal treat, these cookies have evolved into a global favorite, appreciated for their distinctive blend of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom—that impart a delightful aroma and complex flavor profile. Traditionally, they are rolled thin and cut into intricate shapes like stars or windmills, adding to their festive appeal.

Ingredients:

- 1-2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.

2. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy; beat in egg.

3. Gradually add dry ingredients to form dough; chill for 30 minutes.

4. Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thickness; cut into shapes.

5. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden.

6. Cool on a wire rack; store in an airtight container for crispness.

Notes:

- Adjust spice amounts for preferred intensity.

- Enhance texture with nuts or dried fruit.

- Maintain crispness by storing at room temperature in a sealed container.

Nutrition Value:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

1. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 910
• Total Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 190g
• Dietary Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 28g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein. It's often enriched with nutrients like iron and B-vitamins.

2. Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 814
• Total Fat: 92g
• Cholesterol: 244mg
• Sodium: 16mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.1g
• Protein: 1g

benefits: Contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. It also provides fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K.

3. Brown Sugar (3/4 cup):

• Calories: 549
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 23mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 142g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 138g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Contains some minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron, although in small amounts. It provides quick energy due to its high sugar content.

4 .Large Egg (1):

• Calories: 72
• Total Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 186mg
• Sodium: 71mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.2g
• Protein: 6g

benefits: A good source of protein and contains essential amino acids. It also provides vitamins like B12, riboflavin, and selenium.

5. Baking Powder (1/2 tsp):

• Calories: 1
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 488mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Helps baked goods rise and become fluffy. It doesn't have significant nutritional benefits but is essential for baking.

6. Baking Soda (1/2 tsp):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 618mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Helps baked goods rise and can also be used as a cleaning agent. It can help with digestion and is sometimes used as a remedy for heartburn.

7. Salt (1/2 tsp):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1146mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Essential for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. However, excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure, so it's best used in moderation.

8. Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp):

• Calories: 6
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart health.

9. Ground Nutmeg (1/2 tsp):

• Calories: 5
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. It's also used in traditional medicine for its potential digestive benefits.

10. Ground Cloves (1/2 tsp):

• Calories: 3
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. It's also used in traditional medicine for its potential benefits for digestion and oral health.

11. Ground Ginger (1/2 tsp):

• Calories: 3
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help with nausea, muscle pain, and osteoarthritis.

12. Ground Cardamom (1/4 tsp):

• Calories: 6
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may help with digestion and improve breath freshness. It's also used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Belgium Speculaas are a deliciously indulgent treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their warm spices and crunchy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.