The origins of the tan delicacy made out of butter, brown sugar, and spices are found almost four centuries ago. Speculoos can be traced back to at least 1650 when bakers were already making the biscuit alongside their bread. Made on the eve of Sinterklaas, children that had been good throughout the year would wake up to their shoes – which they’d set up the night before – stuffed with not only presents but also generous helpings of speculoos cookies.

What used to be a well-kept Belgian and Dutch secret mostly consumed during winter and fall has become a year-round treat that’s experiencing its big break across continents.