Cookie butter has become an increasingly popular spread in recent years, with its rich, sweet flavor earning it a cult following. But what exactly is cookie butter, and where did it come from? This article will explore the origins, ingredients, nutrition facts, and uses of this decadent spread.
What is Cookie Butter?
Cookie butter, sometimes referred to as speculoos spread, is a sweet spread made primarily from ground speculoos cookies. Speculoos are a type of spiced shortcrust cookie that originated in Belgium and the Netherlands. The main ingredients in speculoos cookies are flour, brown sugar, butter or margarine, spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes cacao.
To make cookie butter, these cookies are ground into a smooth paste and blended with vegetable oils to achieve a spreadable consistency. The most popular brand of cookie butter is Biscoff, which is made by Lotus Bakeries. Biscoff cookie butter consists of pasteurized cookie crumbs (56%), vegetable oils (24%), brown sugar, brown rice syrup, soy lecithin, and salt. It has a rich, sweet, spicy flavor reminscent of gingerbread cookies or holiday spice cookies.
The History of Cookie Butter
The origins of cookie butter can be traced back to speculoos cookies, which have been popular in Belgium and the Netherlands for centuries. These spiced shortbread cookies were traditionally baked around the feast of Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) in early December. The name “speculoos” likely derives from the Latin word “speculum”, meaning mirror, referring to the image of Saint Nicholas that was stamped on the cookies.
In the early 20th century, speculoos cookies began to be marketed commercially by various bakeries in Belgium. One of the leading speculoos producers was Lotus Bakeries, founded in 1932 in Lembeke, Belgium. In the 1980s, Lotus Bakeries began experimenting with making a spreadable paste from their speculoos cookies, eventually marketing it under the Biscoff brand name.
Biscoff cookie butter was first introduced in the United States in 1999. It slowly gained popularity, appearing on supermarket shelves and in specialty food shops. The spread had a surge in popularity after being featured in recipe videos around 2010, and it soon gained a cult following.
Part of the appeal of cookie butter was its similarity to peanut butter in texture, making it perfect for sandwiches, dips, and spreads. But with its sweet cookie flavor, cookie butter was an indulgent alternative. The spread became especially popular among fans of peanut butter looking for an option free of nuts.
In recent years, cookie butter has exploded in popularity, with many brands offering their own versions of the spread. It can now be found in most grocery stores and mass retailers like Target and Trader Joe’s. The spread has inspired all kinds of recipes, from cookie butter cheesecake to cookie butter milkshakes. Its popularity shows no signs of waning anytime soon.
Ingredients
As mentioned earlier, the primary ingredients in cookie butter are:
- Ground speculoos or other cookies
- Vegetable oils like palm, canola, or sunflower oil
- Brown sugar
- Spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves
- Sometimes cocoa powder or chocolate
- Lecithin as an emulsifier
- Salt
The specific ratios vary between brands, but cookie crumbs usually make up 50-60% of cookie butter. Vegetable oils make up around 20-25% to give it a smooth, spreadable texture. Sugar also comprises about 10% to balance out the spice flavors. The spices used can also vary, with some brands using a gingerbread spice blend.
Most commercial cookie butter is vegan, though some specialty brands may use dairy ingredients like butter or milk. It is gluten-free if made with gluten-free cookie crumbs. Overall, cookie butter has a relatively simple ingredients list compared to many sweet spreads.
Nutrition Facts
A 2 tablespoon (32g) serving of cookie butter contains around:
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, a serving of cookie butter is quite high in calories, fat, and sugar. The saturated fat content is moderate, as it contains both vegetable oils and sometimes dairy ingredients. Cookie butter has minimal protein and fiber.
Its high sugar content comes from the cookie crumbs, brown sugar, and sometimes added chocolate or cocoa powder. The overall fat content reflects the oils used to produce a smooth, creamy texture.
Cookie butter should be enjoyed in moderation, as it is considered more of an indulgent treat. Two tablespoons provide nearly 10% of recommended daily calories for an average adult. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons (25g) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36g) for men.
How to Eat and Use Cookie Butter
Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy cookie butter:
As a spread
Cookie butter can be used like peanut butter or Nutella as a spread. Try it on toast, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, or fruit slices. For an indulgent breakfast, top waffles with cookie butter and banana slices.
In sandwiches
Use cookie butter instead of peanut butter or jam in sandwiches. Pair it with jelly for a PB&J twist, or try it with sliced apples or pears. Cookie butter and marshmallow fluff is another favorite sandwich combo.
In milkshakes
Blend cookie butter into milkshakes for flavor reminiscent of cookies & cream. It’s delicious paired with vanilla ice cream and milk.
In desserts
Bake cookie butter into cookies, brownies, cakes, or other baked goods. Swirl it into cheesecake or frosting. It can be used to fill donuts or cream puffs too.
As a dip
Cookie butter makes an indulgent dip for pretzels, graham crackers, apple slices, or vanilla wafers. Serve it alongside fruit for dipping at a dessert party.
In smoothies
Add a tablespoon of cookie butter to smoothies. It pairs well with banana, oats, cocoa, peanut butter, or chocolate protein powder.
In coffee drinks
Try swirling cookie butter into your morning coffee for a mocha-esque flavor. It’s also tasty blended into fall coffee drinks with pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using cookie butter creatively. Its versatility makes it perfect for customizing drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts.
Buying Cookie Butter
Here are some tips for buying cookie butter:
- Check the ingredients list and choose products made with oils, cookie crumbs, sugar, and spices you feel comfortable consuming.
- Biscoff is the original and most popular brand, but there are many store brands as well.
- Look for cookie butter in the peanut butter/nut butter aisle or with specialty spreads like Nutella.
- Natural food stores like Whole Foods have alternative cookie butter with simpler ingredients.
- Trader Joe’s has their own Speculoos Cookie Butter that’s very affordable.
- Buy cookie butter in jars or squeeze packs for convenience.
- Look for seasonal flavors like pumpkin or gingerbread around the holidays.
Be aware that cookie butter comes in smooth and crunchy textures. The crunchy style has pieces of chopped cookies mixed in. This gives it more texture but slightly less spreadability.
Make Your Own Cookie Butter
Making homemade cookie butter is surprisingly easy. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups speculoos cookies or gingerbread cookies
- 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil, softened
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Process the cookies in a food processor or high-speed blender until finely ground. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the coconut oil and pulse to combine. Scrape down the sides.
- Add milk, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and spreadable, scraping down sides as needed. Add more milk if needed to thin.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
- Store homemade cookie butter in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Feel free to customize your cookie butter with different cookies, oils, spices, extracts, or mix-ins. Cookie butter is a very versatile recipe!
Common Questions
Is cookie butter healthy?
Cookie butter is high in sugar and fat, so it’s not the healthiest option. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Look for products made with healthier oils if you’re concerned about too much saturated fat.
Can you eat cookie butter on keto or paleo diets?
Most commercial cookie butter is not keto or paleo friendly due to its high carb content. However, there are some cookie butter brands made with almond flour or coconut flour that may be better options if you’re following a very low carb diet. You can also make homemade cookie butter with almond flour or coconut flour cookies.
What’s the difference between cookie butter and other nut butters?
Cookie butter gets its flavor from ground cookies, while nut and seed butters like peanut and almond butter get their flavor from nuts/seeds. Cookie butter also contains added sugar, whereas nut butters typically don’t (unless flavored). Both make great spreads, but cookie butter is higher in carbs.
Can you substitute cookie butter for peanut butter or other nut butters?
In most recipes, you can substitute an equal amount of cookie butter for peanut butter or other nut butters. Keep in mind cookie butter has a different texture and flavor. The sugar content may also change the end result, so you may need to reduce other sugars in the recipe.
Does cookie butter need to be refrigerated?
It’s best to refrigerate unopened cookie butter to maintain freshness, similar to nut butters. Once opened, it can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated. If left unrefrigerated, it may separate and need to be stirred or warmed gently to mix before using.
Conclusion
Cookie butter is a decadent treat that has amassed a cult following for good reason. With its indulgent taste of spiced holiday cookies, cookie butter delivers a serious hit of nostalgia. Despite its high calorie and sugar content, it can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when used sparingly to add flavor to breakfasts, snacks, baked goods, and other foods.
Next time you want to add a touch of spice, sweetness, and creativity to your meals and treats, don’t overlook the possibilities of cookie butter. Grab a jar the next time you’re in the grocery store baking aisle, or try your hand at making your own healthier cookie butter at home.