Speculoos Cookie Butter Pie Recipe (2024)

By Erin McDowell

Speculoos Cookie Butter Pie Recipe (1)

Total Time
30 minutes, plus chilling
Rating
4(551)
Notes
Read community notes

Traditionally served on St. Nicholas Day in Belgium and the Netherlands, crisp, gingerbread-like speculoos cookies have risen in popularity after airlines began offering them as mid-flight snacks. Cookie butter, a creamy spread, incorporate that cookie’s flavors. This easy pie uses crumbled speculoos (also known as speculaas) in its crust and the cookie butter in its filling, doubling up on the flavor of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. The pie is perfect all on its own, but if you want to dress it up, add some unsweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of cookie crumbs. Avoid sweetened whipped cream, which would take this pie from sweet to cloying.

Learn: How to Make a Pie Crust

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Ingredients

Yield:8 to 10 servings

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 30speculoos cookies or about 10 graham crackers (8 ounces/227 grams), plus more for garnish (optional)
  • 4tablespoons/55 grams unsalted butter, melted
  • 8ounces/230 grams cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1cup/280 grams speculoos cookie butter
  • 1cup/125 grams confectioners’ sugar
  • cups/300 milliliters heavy cream, plus ¾ cup/180 milliliters heavy cream for topping (optional)
  • 1teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼teaspoon fine sea salt

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (10 servings)

544 calories; 45 grams fat; 26 grams saturated fat; 1 gram trans fat; 13 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 33 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 20 grams sugars; 4 grams protein; 259 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Speculoos Cookie Butter Pie Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Lightly spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray.

  2. Step

    2

    In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the cookies into fine crumbs, about 1 minute. (You should have about 1½ cups.) Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is uniformly combined and sticks together when pressed, 15 to 20 seconds. Press the crust evenly into the base and up the sides of the pie plate. Freeze the crust while you heat the oven to 350 degrees.

  3. Bake the chilled crust until it appears set and the edges start to darken slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool completely.

  4. Step

    4

    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and cookie butter on medium speed, 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the confectioners’ sugar and mix on low speed until fully incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

  5. Step

    5

    In a liquid measuring cup with a spout, mix the 1¼ cups cream with the vanilla and salt to combine. Increase the mixer speed to medium and gradually add the cream mixture to the cream cheese mixture in a slow, steady stream. Continue to mix just until the mixture has thickened and holds medium peaks, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not overwhip, which could cause the mixture to separate.

  6. Step

    6

    Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth into an even layer. Freeze the pie for 20 minutes to set the filling, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill until the filling is firm, about 45 minutes.

  7. Step

    7

    Prepare the whipped cream, if using: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment, whip the remaining ¾ cup cream to medium peaks. Spread in an even layer on top of the chilled pie and garnish with a sprinkling of cookie crumbs, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ratings

4

out of 5

551

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Jeff K

Trader Joe's has cookie butter.

Kim

This recipe sounds delicious. I also believe that Bordeaux cookies by Pepperidge Farm would also work well with the crust. I often use those instead of graham crackers when making cheesecakes and other pies.

Catherine DiNardo

By happenstance I may know why the crust did not hold up for some. When I served it to guests it had been out of the fridge for about 5 minutes and the crust was perfect: held together and the crispness was a nice contrast to the airy filling. When I went to put the leftovers away around an hour or so later, the crust completely fell apart. So, I am thinking it needs to be cold when served. In any event, it was delicious (and I reduced the sugar to 1/4c so it was sweet but not cloying).

Robyne Camp

What is speculators cookie butter? I don’t see the explanation. Thanks.

Sherry

I love TJ’s cookie butter so this recipe appealed to me. I prepared it in a small, shallow rectangular baking dish so I could cut them into squares. It worked perfectly. My crust held up, too. The filling was perfect, even though I ended up using about 1/4 cup less of heavy cream than called for. I could see cutting down on the sugar by 1/4 cup and it still being delish. Wish someone else in my house liked cookie butter too.

Alyssa

I've been making a similar pie for years, modifying a Goober pie (pb/chocolate) that I really liked (adapted from a Smitten Kitchen recipe). My 2 suggested adds are a white chocolate ganache and some salted caramel. I spoon the carmel on the cookie layer and freeze before adding the whipped cookie butter. Then the white chocolate ganache as a shell on top. Top with more salted caramel.

Esther

Cookie Butter was so famous some years ago, although when I got to taste it, I found it a bit underwhelming. It's made with ground speculoos cookies, white chocolate, butter and vanilla. It tastes like gingerbread. I think the alternatives to Cookie Butter and Speculoos Cookies would be Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Cookies.

SBurns

Speculoos Cookie Butter has the consistency of a nut butter, but it’s sweet with warm gingerbread type spices. I’ve found it at Trader Joe’s in the past. It comes in a jar and is delicious.

Erin

Just to clarify, she only mentioned that Speculoos cookies are served on St. Nicholas Day to give some cultural context for the pie's base and inspiration, not that this dessert is a Belgian or Dutch recipe.

Alikat33

Biscoff! 😁

Yvonne & Eric

This is maybe the best thing I’ve put in my mouth in a long long time, and I bake a lot. Smooth and creamy texture and so so delicious. Follow the recipe exactly and you will not be disappointed.

Patsy

Trader Joe’s has the butter and the cookies.

Sally Mericle

You don’t say where or how you make the cookie butter? I’ve never heard of it.

Leonard

I think the nutritional info (336 calories) is way off. I calculate 551 cal without the extra cream topping, or 612 cal with the extra topping. I think EDAMAM doesn't recognize either the cookies or the cookie spread because if I leave these two items out I also calculate around 336 cal (331).

MAR

Biscoff is speculoos flavor. You can buy Biscoff anywhere (not just Trader Joe's) and Biscoff sells multiple types of cookies and cookie butter. Save yourself the hassle of going to Trader Joes and just go to your local supermarket to pick up Biscoff Cookies and cookie butter for this recipe instead.

Nora

I have made this many times and I will make it many more times. EVERYONE loves it!Step 5 truly only takes 30 seconds to a minute - I have overwhipped before and the texture just isn't the same! Also increased the butter by a tablespoon or two to prevent crust crumbling which really helped.

Brenda V.

I used mascarpone and Roland Speculoos Cookie Butter (Amazon). I also reduced the confectioners sugar by 1/4 cup. It was a big hit!

Kelly

This is tasty, simple and comes together quickly and a fun alternative to something like a peanut butter pie. My 15YO, who only knows biscoff cookies as airplane snacks, said that this was "really good for something based on airline food." LOL.

Lauren

Made with biscoff cookies and cookie butter. Used a whole sleeve for the crust with and additional 2 tbsp butter. Used the whole jar of biscoff butter in the filling with no other alterations. Held up well and was delicious

cheching

This is basically a no-bake cookie butter cheesecake. I love cookie butter, and I love cheesecake, but it isn’t the best flavour combination imo. The tang from the cream cheese clashes with the spice of the cookie butter. Next time I’ll try making this with mascarpone instead. And as with most of Erin’s recipes, the sugar can definitely be reduced.

Smallfat Dog

Skipped the sugar and, trust me on this, throw a generous amount of crushed cookies on top just before serving. This not a nuanced sophisticated dessert, more like a mouth party. Delicious!

Skip the sugar in the filling

skip the sugar in the filling! it’s a waste. plenty sweet already

sue

Wondering if this would be good with a chocolate crumb crust?

Slate

Wondering why this is classified as a “pie” and not “cheesecake”. With the cream cheese, this reminds me much more of a no-bake cheesecake than a pie. I decided to make this recipe because I had a ton of Dutch speculaas cookies laying around and wanted to use them up. For the people commenting that the crust is flaky and falling apart, make sure to thoroughly chill the pie before serving.

Jeff

Newer packages of Biscoff have 32 cookies as I just discovered this morning when making the crust. Perfect for the crust and a sprinkling of crushed cookies across the top of the finished pie. It's attractive and keeps plastic food wrap from sticking.

PZ

I used De Ruiter Speculaas and Roland Foods Speculoos Cookie Butter (both Amazon) opposed to Trader Joe's or Biscoff. I find getting imported products much better than other options. Made many mistakes- didn't have food processor- used potato masher to make crust but found my cookies and butter ration (per recipe) were perfect. The only adjustment I'd make in future is cutting sugar. Wow it's sweet!!! Dutch in-laws loved it but also thought turning volume down on sugar might be good.

Cooki Butter

Biscoff also makes a cookie butter

Delicious!

Great recipe. Just cut the amount of powdered sugar in half, though. Really good with the whipped cream and crumbled cookies on top.

sach

I made this and it turned out beautifully! I changed the cream cheese out for mascarpone and added only 1 cup of sugar.

Dana

Reduced sugar to 90g and probably will reduce further for subsequent bakes

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Speculoos Cookie Butter Pie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Biscoff and speculoos? ›

Speculoos, the cookie family to which Biscoff belong, are often described as a type of gingerbread, but that's a little misleading. Aside from their use of caramel sugar, speculoos don't have quite the same bite; their spice blend tends toward aroma rather than heat.

Why is cookie butter called speculoos? ›

Cookie butter is a dessert spread made from Belgian spiced cookies called speculoos. The spread is typically made by blending speculoos cookies with cane sugar, and various types of vegetable oil and flour.

What does Trader Joe's cookie butter go on? ›

Spread it on bagels or waffles. Use it as a dip for pretzels or apple slices. Melt in the microwave and pour it over ice cream. Or turn the classic peanut butter & jelly on its head, by swapping the p.b. for Cookie Butter and the jelly for tart Raspberry Preserves.

What are you supposed to do with cookie butter? ›

Use cookie butter like you would other spreads. Serve it on toast, waffles or pancakes at breakfast, or use it as a dip for sliced apples, bananas, graham crackers or pretzels. Cookie butter can also be used in baked goods such as banana bread, muffins and cookies, like these 3-Ingredient Cookie Butter Cookies.

What pairs well with cookie butter? ›

To go all-out with your beverage, add a dollop of whipped cream and crushed cookie pieces.
  • Schmear It On Your S'mores. ...
  • Add It To Your Homemade Cake. ...
  • Swap It For Peanut Butter In Your Puppy Chow. ...
  • Amp Up Your Favorite Brownie Recipe. ...
  • Make Your Banana Bread Extra Decadent. ...
  • Whip It Up Into A Frosting. ...
  • Make DIY Cookie Butter Cups.
Jan 20, 2024

Is Trader Joe's cookie butter the same as Biscoff? ›

It's true that Biscoff's and TJ's versions are not identical. TJ's spread, which topped the store's 2012 list of most popular products, has a slightly granular texture and more of a gingerbread flavor, while the Biscoff spread has a sweeter, richer taste.

What is the new name for speculoos? ›

In the United States and the United Kingdom, the same company is branded as Lotus Biscoff, short for biscuit with coffee. Company founder Jan Boone Sr. created the original recipe in 1932. In October 2020, Lotus Bakeries decided to omit the word "speculoos" from local markets, to harmonise their brand.

What is a substitute for speculoos cookie butter? ›

Cookie butter is traditionally made with Speculoos, a spiced crispy cookie from Belgium. Gingersnaps are a worthy substitute and are easy to find at any grocery store. You could also try this recipe with Nutter Butters or graham crackers.

Did Trader Joe's get rid of cookie butter? ›

cookie butter was discontinued. It was one of my. favorites.

How long does speculoos cookie butter last? ›

When does cookie butter expire? Unopened cookie butter can last up to a year in your pantry, so long as it is stored in a cool, dry place. Once you crack the jar open, cookie butter is generally good for about two to three months.

What happened to Trader Joe's cookies? ›

NEW YORK (AP) — Trader Joe's is recalling two cookie products because they may contain rocks, the grocery chain announced Friday. The recall impacts Trader Joe's Almond Windmill Cookies and Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies with “sell by” dates ranging from October 17, 2023 to October 21, 2023.

Is cookie butter healthier than peanut butter? ›

Considering the above point, it's a wonder that cookie butter isn't loaded with sugar and fat. There are only 90 calories in one serving (a tablespoon), six grams of fat, and only five grams of sugar. The only real downside is that unlike peanut butter, cookie butter offers virtually no protein.

What is Biscoff? ›

Biscoff or speculoos is a Belgian shortbread-type biscuit traditionally made of wheat flour, candy syrup, oil, salt and cinnamon. It's crispy yet chewy, with a delightful caramel tinge. But don't confuse Biscoff with the Dutch speculaas, which contain a greater variety of spices.

Is speculoos the same as cookie butter? ›

Spread or paste

Spreads made from crushed Speculoos biscuits went into production by three separate companies and become popular. By 2007, several Belgian companies began marketing a speculoos paste, now available worldwide under various brands and names: as Speculla, Cookie Butter, and Biscoff Spread.

Should you refrigerate cookie butter? ›

You can store and serve homemade cookie butter at room temperature for much of the year, but you'll need to take some precautions when your kitchen gets especially hot or cold. In warmer months, you may need to keep it in the fridge, then allow the cookie butter to soften at room temperature prior to use.

What do you eat with speculoos spread? ›

It's perfect for spreading on toast, bagels, or pancakes for a sweet and flavorful twist. You can also use it as a dip for fresh fruit like apples or strawberries. If you're feeling adventurous, try using it as a filling for cupcakes or cookies, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

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