Step 1

Mix flour, sugar, spice mixture, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 2

Make a well in the middle and add egg and butter cut into smaller pieces. Add milk or water and mix until just combined – either manually or with a stand mixer with a dough hook. Do not over-knead the dough.

Step 3

Wrap the dough in plastic foil and place it into a refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 4

One hour before baking, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 170°C/340°F.

Step 5

Dust the work surface with flour. Roll out the dough, so it is approximately 4 mm (1/8-inch) thick. Cut the dough into rectangles, or use special speculaas cookie stamps.

Step 6

Transfer the cookies carefully onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Step 7

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature.

Step 8

Cool and serve.