Whether you know it as speculoospasta, cookie butter or Biscoff spread, one thing's for sure: spreadable speculoos has been a big hit with foodies around the world in recent years. But, because commercial versions are relatively expensive, it was only a matter of time before home cooks replicated the popular cookie butter in their kitchens.

We've seen some interesting recipes circling the internet, using ingredients such as vegetable shortening, lard and other fats, coconut milk and raw eggs (!), but the so-called ''original recipe'' for Biscoff spread couldn't be simpler: all you have to do is mix together the spiced cookies and half a cup of sweet, milky coffee (the clue's in the name!) with a little extra cinnamon. We've taken this as our starting point, adding a tbsp of butter, which seems to round out the flavors, as well as a few extra spices to make it a bit more grown-up. We've also left out the sugar, because we thought it was sweet enough already.

Slather this homemade version of the popular cookie spread on fluffy white bread, pancakes or waffles, or use it in your favorite dessert recipes as you would peanut butter or hazelnut-chocolate spread.

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See Also

How to Make Appelstroop (Dutch Apple Syrup)

Make Homemade Chocolate Spread from Scratch

Apple & Pear Chutney with Speculaas Spices

Ingredients

•  7 oz/200g speculaas cookies (homemade or store-bought), about 2 cups of crumbs
• 1/3 cup strong black coffee, slightly cooled
• 1/4 cup full-fat milk
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of ground cardamom
• 1 tbsp butter (optional), softened
• YOU WILL NEED: a food processor

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Makes 1 jar.

Preparation

In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they form fine crumbs. Pour over the coffee and milk and add the spices. Blend until smooth. Finally add the butter and blend until thoroughly combined. Spoon into a clean Mason jar (or Dutch equivalent, Weckpot), cover and refrigerate until needed. 

Tips:

• Can't find these cookies where you live? Make your own speculoos cookies.
• If you keep vegan, buy Lotus/Biscoff cookies, which don't contain any animal products, to use in this recipe.

• Sweet tooth? Add 1 tbsp of brown sugar to the food processor along with the cookies.
• If you don't have a food processor: place the cookies in a freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the crumbs to a bowl, pour the coffee and milk over the dry ingredients along with the spices and whisk until smooth, adding the butter in the final stage.
• Our speculaas cookie butter will keep for 1 week, stored in the fridge.

Did you know?

• Speculaas and speculoos are different names for the same cookie in the Netherlands and Belgium.
• Learn more about the origins of Biscoff spread and where the original cookie butter recipe came from.