speculaas
Speculaas is a traditional spiced cookie originating from the Netherlands and Belgium, often enjoyed during the Sinterklaas festival in early December. These cookies are typically made with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving them a warm, aromatic flavor. They are usually shaped using wooden molds, resulting in intricate designs.
The texture of speculaas is crisp and crunchy, making them a delightful treat with coffee or tea. In addition to the classic version, variations exist, such as speculoos, which is a spread made from crushed speculaas cookies, popular in many countries.