Speculoos Hot Chocolate

One of our favourite flavours is Speculoos, but what is Speculoos!?

Speculoos is a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit, traditionally baked for consumption on or just before St Nicholas’ day in the Netherlands and Belgium and around Christmas in Germany and Austria. Speculoos are thin, very crunchy, caramelized, 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.

Speculoos dough does not rise much. Dutch and Belgian versions are baked with light brown (sometimes beet) sugar and baking powder. Spices used in speculaas are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and white pepper; these were common in the 1600–1700s due to the Dutch East Indies spice trade.

The dough is prepared by beating butter, sugar and spices and combining them. The flour and leavening agent are mixed separately and then added. Bakers are careful not to overwork the dough, so it will rise slightly. The dough is stored in a cool place overnight to give the spices time to permeate the dough and add extra flavor.

You can experience this unique flavour in our Speculoos Choc-O-Lait Stick. Simply heat some milk, stir away and enjoy!