This traditional Dutch Spice Mix Recipe(aka speculaaskruiden or speculaas spices) is so easy to make using ingredients that you probably already have in your store cupboard (if you bake regularly). And with a batch of this on hand, you are set to go with a staple spice mix that is used in many popular Dutch sweet baking recipes.
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A few years ago I shared a recipe for Dutch Pepernoten(mini Dutch spiced cookies) and I promised the recipe for the spice mix would follow.
It is only when I went to make a new spice mix-up ready for all the popular Dutch baking recipes that feature during this time of year (pepernoten, speculaas, etc) that I realised I had not shared it with you guys.
Where To Buy Dutch Speculaas Spices
Here in the Netherlands, you can easily buy this blend of spices in the Supermarkets but elsewhere you need to either purchase it at a specialist shop or buy it online.
This is an easy recipe to make a blend of spices that is frequently used in many traditional Dutch baking recipes such as Speculaas, Pepernoten, Kruidnoten to name but a few.
Print Recipe
Equipment
Air Tight Spice Jars
Ingredients
10tbspCinnamon
2tbspNutmeg
2tbspGround Cloves
1tbspGround Ginger
½tbspGround Cardamom
Instructions
Prepare airtight spice jars by cleaning them and adding labels.
In a large bowl simply measure out all the spices and mix.
Divide the spice mix between the spice jars and seal.
Notes
The amounts shown in this recipe make enough spice mix to fill 3 small spice pots.
There are many versions of this recipe here in the Netherlands and many bakeries have there own secret recipies.
This basic recipe can also be adapted to suit your own personal taste.
For example, if you are not so keen on cardamom then just leave it out or you really love ginger then you can simply increase the amount you put in.
*Optional*
Another optional ingredient that you often see is white pepper. I didn’t use this in my mix but if you want to spice it up a bit then you can add half a tablespoon to give it a bit of bite.
Nutrition
Calories: 100kcal
What To Bake With Your Dutch Spice Mix
Now that you have the basic recipe for this why not try making my traditional Dutch Pepernoten Recipe (Mini Spice Cookies)?This recipe is so easy and a lot of fun to make with the kids as their little fingers are perfect for rolling all the little round dough balls.
The kids here in the Netherlands go mad for them and eat them by the bucket load.
This is usually leading up to Sinterklaas (the Dutch Father Christmas) arriving in the country on his steamboat from Spain (this year it falls on the 16th of November) to when he brings them gifts on pakjesavond (present evening) which is on the 5th of December.
Once Sinterklaas has arrived in the land the kids are allowed to put their shoes out by the fireplace every Saturday night until pakjesavond.If they have been good the shoes will be filled with pepernoten and small gifts.
And Honestly, these are so yummy you will totally understand why the Dutch kids go crazy for them.
More Dutch Recipes …
In the Netherlands, another base ingredient that is used in many Dutch recipes is Amandelspjis (Almond Paste). This can be used to make many cookies, cakes, pastries, and dessert recipes. Here is a recipe to make a delicious homemade version
Another Dutch recipe that is great for kids and a total crowd-pleaser for parties and fetes is my Traditional Dutch Poffertjes Recipe. Not only are they easy to make but the topping combination ideas are endless.
And of course, if we are talking about recipes from the Netherlands then we can’t forget the classic Dutch Apple Piewhich is often served in cafes and during birthday celebrations, and the Gevulde Koek (Ductch almond Cookie) which is a real National favourite.
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The vandotsch speculaas spice mix is the definitive sweet tasting spice mix. It contains high quality, high grade organic 'real' ground cinnamon from Sri Lanka (55%), organic ground cloves (14%), organic ground ginger (14%) and six other organic ground spices to give our spice mix that unique kick.
The vandotsch speculaas spice mix is the definitive sweet tasting spice mix. It contains high quality, high grade organic 'real' ground cinnamon from Sri Lanka (55%), organic ground cloves (14%), organic ground ginger (14%) and six other organic ground spices to give our spice mix that unique kick.
They are particularly popular around the feast of St.Nicholas (Dutch: Sinterklaas). The oldest sources on speculaas also mention weddings and fairs. In recent decades, however, it has become normal to eat speculaas all year round, especially with coffee or tea, or with ice cream.
Speculaas and speculoos are 2 different biscuits. Speculaas is typical cookie from the Netherlands based on the specific flavour of "speculaas"herbs. At Lotus Bakeries, we produce Speculoos, a biscuit that obtains it taste by the special production proces of the karamelisation of sugar in the biscuit.
Mixed spice is very similar to a Dutch spice mix called koekkruiden or speculaaskruiden, which are used for example to spice food associated with the Dutch Sinterklaas celebration at December 5.
In the Netherlands, the three most commonly used spices are: Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a popular spice in Dutch cuisine, often used in both sweet and savory dishes such as stews, soups, and baked goods. Cloves: Cloves are another commonly used spice in the Netherlands.
Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Sea Salt, Dried Onion & Garlic, Black Pepper, Fennel, Celery, Marjoram, Thyme, Rosemary, Savory, Sage, Oregano, Basil. This seasoning is a great table salt alternative! Use on bread, meats, pastas, salads, vegetables (corn on the cob), casseroles, etc.
But while it's been known as speculoos in Belgium since its invention, when Lotus took the brand to international markets in the 1990s, it abandoned its native name. Instead, it gave it the name Biscoff — a portmanteau of “biscuit” and “coffee” — easier to say for an international audience.
Speculaas are spiced cookies mainly made in Belgium and the Netherlands, although they are also popular in Germany (Rhineland and Westphalia), Luxembourg and northern France. With an intense fragrance of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, the cookies are traditionally baked on the eve of St Nicholas Day, celebrated.
Speculoos is a heavenly Dutch spice mix made up of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger and white pepper that imparts a wonderful aroma to cookies. If gingerbread or pumpkin pie spice is your sort of thing, then speculoos is king!
What is Mixed Spice? Unlike allspice, mixed spice is a blend of several spices. These include cinnamon, coriander, caraway, nutmeg, ground ginger and cloves. The majority of the mix should be made from the cinnamon and coriander, and the remaining 10% made from the other spices.
Speculoos – also called biscoff – is similar to gingerbread and 'pumpkin spice' flavour. It also goes well with caramel to make sweet recipes that need a hit of warming spices.
Biscoff is a product manufactured by the Belgian company, Lotus Bakeries. These delicate, shortbread-like biscuits have a buttery and caramelized flavor, with a hint of spice that makes them warm and delightful. The cookies have a satisfying crunch, thanks to the caramelization of the sugar.
Spekulatius are a classic German Christmas cookie which not only has a long tradition dating back to about the 15th century, but it is also known for its depth of spices of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamon.
This is a Dutch spice shortcrust cookie. In German they are called Spekulatius. The spices are very similar to gingerbread, but the ginger isn't the predominant flavour. Also white pepper and anise seed are included.
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