Almond Butter Spekulatius

Almond Spekulatius is a variation of the traditional Spekulatius (or Speculoos) cookies. These spiced shortcrust biscuits are usually linked to the St. Nicholas feast in the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany. The cookies are known for their unique flavor, which comes from a mix of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. The "almond" variant contains ground almonds or almond slivers in the dough, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture. Almond Spekulatius may also include almond extract to enhance the almond flavor. These cookies often have detailed designs imprinted on them, typically depicting festive or seasonal images, using special molds or rolling pins. They are traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season, especially around Christmas, and are often served with coffee or tea.