What are famous Belgian biscuits?
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Direct Answer: Famous Belgian biscuits include Speculoos (spiced shortcrust cookies), Couques de Dinant (extremely hard honey biscuits), Antwerp Handjes (hand-shaped butter cookies), and Lierse Vlaaikes (spicy tartlets). Each region has its specialty, often tied to local folklore or religious traditions, such as Speculoos being traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day.
What is Speculoos?
Speculoos is the most iconic Belgian biscuit.
- Flavor: Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Texture: Crunchy and brown.
- Tradition: Originally for St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6), now a year-round staple with coffee.
What is the story behind Antwerp Handjes?
Antwerp Handjes (Little Hands) are butter cookies or chocolates shaped like a hand.
- Legend: They commemorate the legend of Brabo, who cut off the hand of the giant Antigoon and threw it into the river Scheldt.
- Usage: A symbol of the city of Antwerp.
What are Couques de Dinant?
Couques de Dinant are famous for being incredibly hard.
- Ingredients: Just honey and flour.
- History: Born from a siege in the 15th century when citizens had limited resources.
- How to eat: Break off small pieces and let them melt in your mouth (do not bite!).
Other Regional Favorites
- Pain à la Grecque: A Brussels specialty, a sugary bread-biscuit (not actually Greek!).
- Kletskoppen: Thin, lace-like almond cookies from Bruges.
- Bernardins: Almond-topped biscuits resembling a monk’s habit.