Speculaas

Speculaas is a type of shortcrust biscuit, traditionally baked in the Netherlands for consumption on St Nicholas' Eve (December 5). Speculaas are thin, very crunchy, slightly browned and, most significantly, have some image or figure (often from the traditional stories about St. Nicholas) stamped on the front side before baking; the back is flat.

The Dutch version is baked with light brown (beet) sugar and baking powder. Spices used in speculaas are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom and white pepper. Most Speculaas versions are made from white flour, brown sugar, butter and spices. Some varieties may use almond flour and have slivered almonds embedded in the bottom.

In the United States, New Zealand and Australia, speculaas are often sold as Dutch Windmill cookies.