Name: Windmill Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp Speculaas spice mix; Pinch of salt; ¾ cup 150 g dark brown sugar; ⅔ cup 150 g halal-certified butter, softened; 3 tbsp lukewarm milk (or plant-based milk); 1 tsp halal vanilla extract (optional, alcohol-free); ¼ cup sliced almonds (for topping, optional); Speculaas Spice Mix (DIY: 1.5 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cloves, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cardamom, pinch of white pepper.)

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Few cookies capture the magic of the holidays quite like windmill cookies. With their beautiful, fan-like shape and warm, comforting aroma, they are a traditional treat that always feels special. If you’ve been searching for a homemade version that’s guaranteed halal-friendly and tastes better than anything you can buy, you’re in the right place! We’ll show you how to bake perfect, crispy almond windmill cookies that are simple enough for any baker.

What Are Windmill Cookies?

Windmill cookies are a type of spiced shortbread cookie that originated in the Netherlands. They are often known by their original Dutch name, Speculaas cookies (or Speculoos).

They get the name “windmill cookies” because they are traditionally baked into shapes resembling windmills, figures, or ships. The key features of these cookies are:

Distinct Flavor: They are deeply flavored with a special blend of spices called Speculaas spice mix, which usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom.
Crunchy Texture: They are thin and bake up wonderfully crisp, making them perfect for dunking in tea or coffee.
Almond Topping: Many popular variations, including this one for almond windmill cookies, feature a topping of sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

This recipe is completely halal and uses only vegetable-based ingredients, so you can enjoy this classic treat worry-free!

Why Make Windmill Cookies at Home?

Baking windmill cookies at home is highly rewarding and gives you total control over quality and taste.

100% Halal-Friendly: Store-bought Speculaas or windmill cookies sometimes use animal lard or vanilla extract made with alcohol. When you bake at home, you can choose halal-certified butter, alcohol-free vanilla, and check all your spices.
Fresher and Tastier: The aroma of freshly ground spices and the taste of homemade butter make these cookies irresistible and much better than packaged versions.
Fun Activity: The process of pressing the dough into shapes and decorating them is a fantastic, fun activity to share with kids and family, especially during festive seasons.
Customizable: You can easily turn them into almond windmill cookies (our favorite) or use different nuts like pecans or walnuts.

Ingredients For Windmill Cookies at Home

Gather these simple ingredients for your perfect batch of spiced cookies.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups (250 g)	Standard baking flour.
Dark Brown Sugar	43 cup (150 g)	Adds moisture and a deep molasses flavor.
Butter	32 cup (150 g)	Must be softened and halal-certified.
Lukewarm Milk	3 tablespoons	Dairy or any plant-based milk.
Speculaas Spice Mix	2 teaspoons	Key spice blend (see note below).
Baking Powder	2 teaspoons	Helps the cookies rise slightly.
Salt	Pinch	Balances the sweetness.
Optional Halal Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon	Ensure it is alcohol-free.
Sliced Almonds	41 cup	For the classic almond windmill cookies topping.

Speculaas Spice Note: If you don’t have this mix, you can blend your own: use 1.5 tsp Cinnamon, 21 tsp Ground Cloves, 21 tsp Nutmeg, 41 tsp Cardamom, and a pinch of White Pepper.

Step-by-Step Recipe (Halal Windmill Cookies)

Follow these easy steps for a crisp and flavorful cookie:

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Speculaas spice mix, and salt. Set this aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Mix in the lukewarm milk and the optional halal vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredient mix (from Step 1) to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling is crucial for the perfect crispy texture and sharp shapes.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Top

Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Lightly flour your counter and roll the chilled dough out until it is about 81 inch thick. Use a windmill cookie cutter or any other cookie cutter you like.

Step 7: Add Almond Topping

Carefully transfer the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press a few sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie to create a decorative and crunchy almond windmill cookie topping.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be a nice golden brown, and the center should look set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Windmill Cookies

Don’t Skip the Chill: If your dough feels sticky or the cookies spread in the oven, it means the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Always stick to the 1-hour minimum chilling time.
Check Your Spices: Spices lose their strength over time. For the best flavor, use fresh Speculaas spices or freshly ground spices if you are making your own mix.
Storage: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight jar or tin. They will stay perfectly crisp and fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These spiced cookies are excellent for making ahead, which is perfect for holidays or busy weeks.

Freezing Dough (Long Term): For future baking, you can freeze the raw dough. Wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen dough lasts for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Storing Baked Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or cookie tin. Store them at room temperature where they will stay perfectly crisp and fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Chilling Dough (Short Term): The dough can be kept, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. This is great for baking a small batch daily.

FAQs

Q1: Are windmill cookies always made with almonds?

Not always. Traditional Speculaas cookies can be plain or decorated. However, almond windmill cookies are a very popular variation because the sliced almonds add texture and a lovely nutty flavor that pairs well with the warm spices.

Q2: Are windmill cookies halal?

Store-bought versions may not be halal due to ingredients like certain emulsifiers, animal fats (lard), or alcohol-based vanilla extract. This recipe is 100% halal-friendly because you control all the ingredients.

Q3: Can I make windmill cookies without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with plant-based margarine or a high-quality vegetable shortening. Note that this may slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookie.

Q4: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough is great for meal prep. You can refrigerate the dough for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze it, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling.

Q5: What is the difference between Speculaas and windmill cookies?

They are essentially the same spiced cookie. Speculaas cookies are the general term for the cookie itself, while windmill cookies refer to the classic shape the cookies are often stamped into.

Conclusion

Baking your own halal windmill cookies is a delightful experience that fills your home with the warm aroma of Speculaas spices. Whether you enjoy the simple spiced cookie or the extra crunch of almond windmill cookies, this recipe delivers a perfect, crispy treat every time. Try baking these delicious, halal windmill cookies at home and share them with family—they are guaranteed to be a new favorite!