As any vegan worth their salt, I ADORE Biscoff. Like, eat-it-out-of-a-jar with a spoon love it. So naturally, I had to try and create a Vegan Biscoff Cookie. After lots of playing around (failing), I did it! I created THE Vegan Biscoff Cookie to rule them all. And here it is. You’re welcome, world.
What the Heck is Biscoff?
Biscoff is a brand of Belgian biscuits that are commonly known as ‘Speculoos’ in Europe. These biscuits are made with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and other spices, and are typically served with coffee or tea as a snack. In recent years, Biscoff has become popular in the United States and other countries as a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts, including pie crusts, ice cream, and cheesecake. Biscoff spread, which is a creamy spread made from Biscoff cookies, has also gained a cult following and is often used as a vegan topping for toast, waffles, fruit, or incorporated in to recipes like these vegan biscoff cookies.
Are These Biscoff Cookies Vegan?
Yes, my Vegan Biscoff cookies are, as the name suggests, vegan-friendly! They are made without any animal-derived ingredients (No eggs or dairy). If you’re not using the branded Biscoff, it may be worth checking the ingredients just to double check!
Vegan Homemade Cookies Versus (Everything Else)
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional shop-bought cookies, homemade vegan cookies are a great choice. Here are some of the health benefits of vegan cookies:
Lower in saturated fat: Vegan cookies are typically made with plant-based fats such as coconut oil, which are lower in saturated fat than animal fats such as butter. This means that vegan cookies can be a healthier choice for your heart health.
Cholesterol-free: Vegan cookies are completely cholesterol-free since they don’t contain any animal products. High cholesterol levels are linked to heart disease, so choosing vegan cookies can be a great way to lower your cholesterol intake.
High(er) in fibre: Many vegan cookie recipes use whole wheat flour, which is higher in fibre than refined white flour. Fibre is important for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to control your appetite.
My Vegan Biscoff Cookie Recipe
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these Vegan Biscoff Cookies:
- Lotus Biscoff Spread (10 tsp): This is the primary flavor component of your cookies. It’s a sweet spread made from Lotus Biscoff biscuits (cookies), known for their caramelized flavor. The spread is likely used to infuse the cookies with the iconic Biscoff taste.
- Vegan Butter (100 grams): Vegan butter serves as a substitute for traditional butter in the recipe. It provides fat, moisture, and contributes to the texture of the cookies. Make sure the vegan butter you’re using is suitable for baking to achieve the desired results.
- Light Brown Sugar (165 grams): Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Light brown sugar has a mild caramel flavor due to its molasses content. It also helps with the cookie’s soft and chewy texture.
- Dairy-Free Milk (45 ml): The dairy-free milk is a liquid component that helps bind the dough together and contributes to the overall moisture of the cookies. It’s used instead of regular milk to keep the recipe vegan.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies, giving them a pleasant aroma and taste. It’s a common ingredient in baking that works well with sweet recipes.
- Bicarbonate Soda (1/4 tsp): Also known as baking soda, this ingredient helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It’s a leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients (such as the molasses in brown sugar) to create carbon dioxide gas, which expands the dough.
- Plain, All-Purpose Flour (195 grams): Flour is the primary structure-building ingredient in the cookies. It provides the necessary structure and bulk for the cookies to hold their shape and texture. All-purpose flour is versatile and suitable for most baking recipes.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cookies. It complements the Biscoff flavor and adds a delightful aroma.
- Salt (1 Pinch): Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness and other flavors. It’s a crucia
l ingredient in baking that helps to bring out the best in all the other components. - Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips or Chunks (70 grams): These add a burst of chocolatey goodness to the cookies. The bitterness of dark chocolate can offset the sweetness of the cookies, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. They also contribute to texture and visual appeal.
Vegan Biscoff Cookies
Ingredients
- 10 tsp Lotus Biscoff Spread
- 100 grams vegan butter
- 165 grams light brown sugar
- 45 ml dairy free milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp bicarbonate soda
- 195 grams plain, all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Pinch salt
- 70 grams vegan dark chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- To start, add 9 scant teaspoons of the biscoff spread onto a small tray or plate lined with baking paper and place this in the freezer.
- In the meantime, place the butter (chopped up) in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30-60 seconds until melted.
- Add this to a medium sized bowl along with the sugar, dairy free milk and vanilla and beat together until smooth.
- Sift in the flour, cinnamon, bicarbonate of soda and pinch salt and fold these in (don’t over mix)
- Fold in the chocolate chunks into the cookie dough so they’re evenly dispersed.
- Line a baking tray with baking paper and remove spoonfuls (approximately 1.5 tbsp worth) of the cookie dough, flatten slightly in your hands (it will be sticky but it doesn’t need to be neat) and then place on the tray. Do this 10 times.
- Remove the biscoff tray from the freezer, flatten each one slightly with your hands and add one to the top of each cookie. Add around a teaspoons worth of the cookie dough on top of the biscoff and flatten down slightly.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 20 minutes and preheat the oven to 180C.
- Remove from the freezer and place in the oven to bake for 13-14 minutes (the longer you leave them in the oven, the less soft and crunchier they will be). Remove and leave to cool and harden for 5-10 minutes before removing from the tray, enjoy!
Is Biscoff a UK Thing?
Yes and No. It’s true, Biscoff has developed somewhat of a cult following in the UK recently, but it has gained popularity in many countries beyond Europe in recent years, including the United States and Canada (where it is often used as an ingredient in various desserts and as a spread).
What is the Flavour of Biscoff?
The flavour of Biscoff cookies can be described as a mix of caramel, cinnamon, and ginger, with a slightly crunchy texture. The blend of spices used in Biscoff gives them a unique and delicious flavour that is both sweet and spicy.
Is Biscoff Just Peanut Butter?
No, Biscoff spread is not the same as peanut butter. Biscoff spread is a creamy spread made from ground Biscoff cookies, while peanut butter is made from ground peanuts. While both spreads have a creamy texture and can be used as a topping or ingredient in various dishes, they have different flavours and nutritional profiles. Biscoff spread has a unique caramelised flavour with a hint of cinnamon, while peanut butter has a nutty flavour.
Is Biscoff Very Unhealthy?
Like most sweet treats, Biscoff cookies and Biscoff spread should be consumed in moderation as they are high in sugar and calories. One Biscoff cookie contains about 30 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and 2.5 grams of sugar. Biscoff spread contains more calories and sugar, with two tablespoons (about 32 grams) containing around 180 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 16 grams of sugar.
While Biscoff cookies and spread should not be considered health foods, they can be enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet as an occasional treat.
