Windmill Cookies Recipe: 7 Best Ways To Bake Dutch Speculaas

There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season—the twinkling lights, the chill in the air, and, most importantly, the cozy aroma of spiced cookies baking in the oven. One scent that always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen is the rich, warm fragrance of Windmill cookies. I remember watching her carefully press the dough into intricately carved wooden molds, revealing delicate patterns of windmills, animals, and floral designs. The house would fill with the sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it impossible to wait until the cookies cooled.

Windmill cookies, also known as Speculaas or Speculoos, are a treasured Dutch treat traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day and Christmas. Their crisp texture and spiced flavor make them perfect for pairing with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. But these cookies aren’t just for the holidays—they’re a year-round comfort.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to make your own Windmill cookies at home. Trust me, once you take a bite of these golden, spice-kissed cookies—crisp on the edges and full of cozy holiday flavor—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start baking them years ago!

What Are Windmill Cookies?

Windmill cookies, or Speculaas, are traditional Dutch spiced cookies known for their signature crisp texture and bold, aromatic flavors. These cookies are typically made with a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and mace, giving them a distinct, festive taste.

You might have heard the term Speculoos used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference. Speculoos, popular in Belgium, has a milder spice blend and is often softer, while Speculaas (Windmill cookies) have a richer spice profile and a crisp bite.

These cookies are especially popular during St. Nicholas Day (December 5th in the Netherlands) and the Christmas season, but their deliciously spiced flavor makes them enjoyable any time of the year.

Ingredients Breakdown: Spices and More

Flat lay grid of windmill cookie ingredients including flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and almonds on a rustic wooden surface.

The magic of Windmill cookies lies in their deeply aromatic blend of spices and rich ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need to recreate this Dutch classic.

Essential Spices

Cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice, bringing warmth and sweetness.
Nutmeg (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, earthy spice.
Cloves (½ tsp): Provides a bold, slightly sweet heat.
Mace (½ tsp): Offers a delicate, peppery note.

Key Ingredients

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): For richness and crisp texture.
Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness and a caramel-like depth.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): The foundation of the cookie dough.
Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness.
Sliced Almonds (½ cup): For texture and nutty flavor. (Optional but traditional)

Optional Variations

Almond Extract (1 tsp): For a stronger almond flavor.
Egg (1 large): To bind the dough if it’s too crumbly.
Dairy-Free Butter: For a vegan version.
Almond Flour: For a gluten-free twist.

Love spiced cookies? Try These Classic Molasses Crinkle Cookies for a Cozy Treat. They share the same comforting warmth!

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To create authentic Windmill cookies, a few kitchen tools will make the process smoother:

Traditional Wooden Cookie Molds or Cookie Stamps: For the signature windmill designs.
Mixing Bowls: Large enough for combining dough.
Parchment-Lined Baking Trays: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Rolling Pin: To flatten the dough evenly.
Cooling Rack: For crisp cookies that cool evenly.

If you don’t have traditional molds, don’t worry! You can roll out the dough and use any cookie cutter for simple shapes.

Step-by-Step Windmill Cookie Baking – Cozy and Simple

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp mace
½ cup sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions:

Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create that crisp texture we love.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and mace.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too crumbly, add an egg or a splash of cream for better consistency.
Fold in Almonds (Optional):
If using, gently fold in the sliced almonds for extra texture.
Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours or, ideally, overnight. This step is key for deep flavor and easier handling.
Prepare the Molds:
Lightly oil and flour your cookie molds or stamps to prevent sticking.
Shape the Cookies:
Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Press the dough into molds or stamp them, then trim any excess.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy:
Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Once cooled, enjoy with coffee or tea!

For another crisp treat, don’t miss these Homemade Chocolate Wafer Cookies for Every Occasion.

Pro Tips for Perfect Windmill Cookies

Chill the Dough: Letting the dough rest overnight deepens the flavors and prevents spreading.
Flour the Molds: Lightly flour or oil cookie molds for clean, detailed designs.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Customize the Spices: Adjust the spice blend to suit your taste—add ginger or cardamom for a twist.

Variations and Customizations

Almond-Enhanced: Mix in finely ground almonds for extra richness.
Chocolate-Dipped: Once baked, dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate.
Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free butter and a flax egg for a plant-based version.

Looking for more festive baking? Check out these Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles.

Storing and Freezing Windmill Cookies

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Dough: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Freezing Cookies: Baked cookies can be frozen for 1 month in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Windmill cookies are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and treats. Their warm, spiced flavors make them perfect for cozy moments or festive gatherings.

With Coffee or Tea: The crisp texture of Windmill cookies is ideal for dunking into a hot cup of coffee or tea. The spices complement dark roast coffee, chai, or herbal teas.
Holiday Platters: Arrange them with other holiday cookies, like gingerbread men or sugar cookies, for a stunning dessert spread.
Gift Idea: Package them in decorative tins or glass jars tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the cookies over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for added crunch and flavor.
Cookie Butter: Blend crushed cookies with butter and a little oil to create a creamy spread—a homemade version of the famous speculoos butter!

Cultural Significance: A Taste of Dutch Holidays

Windmill cookies hold a special place in Dutch culture, particularly during the festive season. Traditionally, these cookies are baked and shared on St. Nicholas Day (December 5th), a beloved holiday in the Netherlands. The intricate designs on the cookies often depict Dutch windmills, animals, and folklore scenes, reflecting the country’s rich heritage.

Across Europe, similar spiced cookies make appearances during winter celebrations. In Germany, Lebkuchen shares the holiday spotlight, while Belgium favors the milder Speculoos. However, the crisp, boldly spiced Windmill cookie is uniquely Dutch, bringing a taste of tradition to every bite.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations

Per Serving (1 cookie):

Calories: 120 kcal
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 2g

Diet-Friendly Options

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour also works for a nuttier flavor.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar-free substitute.

These easy swaps allow everyone to enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of Windmill cookies.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Overmixing the Dough:
Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

2. Skipping the Chill Time:
Chilling the dough is essential! It firms the dough and intensifies the flavors. Skipping this step may cause the cookies to spread and lose their shape.

3. Overbaking:
These cookies should be golden brown but not dark. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking to maintain their perfect crisp texture.

4. Dough Sticking to Molds:
Lightly oil and flour your molds or cookie stamps to prevent sticking and preserve the intricate designs.

Windmill Cookies Around the World

Though Windmill cookies are distinctly Dutch, similar spiced cookies appear in other cultures:

Belgium: Known as Speculoos, these cookies have a milder spice blend and a softer texture.
Germany: Lebkuchen offers a chewier, honey-sweetened alternative.
Scandinavia: Variations like Pepparkakor feature a sharper ginger flavor and are popular in Sweden during Christmas.

Each region adds its unique twist, but the comforting blend of spices remains a constant.

Engaging Your Family in Baking

Baking Windmill cookies can become a cherished family tradition. Here are some fun ways to involve everyone:

Kids’ Cookie Art: Let children use cookie stamps or cutters to create their own designs.
Flavor Experiments: Allow family members to choose their favorite spice blends or toppings.
Family Bake Night: Turn baking into an event with music, stories, and hot cocoa.

These moments create lasting memories and make the cookies even more special.

FAQs

What happened to Windmill cookies?

Windmill cookies are still enjoyed worldwide, though traditional wooden molds are now less common. Many bakers use cookie stamps or modern molds to recreate the classic designs.

What flavor are Windmill cookies?

They have a rich, spiced flavor from cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and mace, often complemented by almonds. The result is a warm, aromatic cookie with a crisp bite.

Who made the original Windmill cookies?

The original Windmill cookies, known as Speculaas, originated in the Netherlands. Dutch bakers created them for St. Nicholas Day, using carved wooden molds to make decorative shapes.

Are Windmill cookies German?

No, Windmill cookies are traditionally Dutch. While Germany has similar spiced cookies like Lebkuchen, Windmill cookies specifically come from the Netherlands.

Final Thoughts: Bringing Dutch Tradition to Your Home

Baking Windmill cookies is more than following a recipe—it’s embracing a piece of Dutch heritage and bringing warmth into your kitchen. The blend of aromatic spices, the intricate designs, and the crisp texture make these cookies a timeless treat. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, they’re sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.

So, roll up your sleeves, dust off those cookie molds, and fill your home with the sweet, spiced aroma of Windmill cookies.

Windmill Cookies Recipe: A Warm and Spiced Dutch Delight

Table of Contents

What Are Windmill Cookies?