Speculoos (also called speculata, spéculatius or speculaas) are traditionally baked biscuits made from brown sugar, spices and flour. The dough is usually very stiff, making it difficult to work with. As a result, speculoos are often made using a mold in the shape of a figure or an animal.
The name “speculoos” is derived from the Latin word for mirror, “speculum”. This refers to the fact that the cookies were originally made with a mold that had a mirror-like surface. The cookie was then cut into individual pieces and served as a dessert or snack.
The traditional spice mix used in speculoos recipes includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger. However, other spices such as cardamom, black pepper and white pepper can also be used. The ratio of spices can vary depending on personal preferences.
Speculoos were originally created in the Netherlands in the 17th century. However, they have since become popular in Belgium and Germany as well. In recent years, speculoos have started to gain popularity in other parts of Europe and North America.