Nutella is a creamy chocolate hazelnut spread that was developed in Italy and released in 1963. Since then, the spread has gained fans all over the world, including in the United States, where it is becoming ever-more popular. Nutella isn’t the only European spread gaining in popularity: Biscoff spread is a new treat that is rapidly gaining fans of its own.
Biscoff spread is a peanut butter-like spread made of speculoos cookies. Speculoos are buttery, brown sugar and spice-flavored cookies that are similar to gingersnaps and are popular in the Netherlands (and elsewhere). They’re traditionally served around the Christmas season. The spread is made of speculoos cookies (Biscoff brand, which are widely available) that are turned into a thick spread with the addition of sugar, vegetable oil and other all natural ingredients. The spread is smooth and creamy, with a deep brown sugar, butter and spice flavor to it. In other words, it is a spreadable cookie and it is delicious.
The spread isn’t available at all grocery stores, but many are starting to carry it and you can find it at markets that specialize in imported foods, as well as online. Trader Joe’s also recently started carrying it, packaged as “Speculoos Cookie Butter.” The spread is excellent on bread, biscuits or even simply spread onto crackers. You can work it into baking applications, too, using it in a similar way to peanut butter. The spread is addictive and you probably won’t have any problem coming up with new ways to use it in your own kitchen – including sneaking a spoonful or two straight from the jar.
Gavin
December 9, 2011My daughter was recently diagnosed with peanut and tree nut allergies. We grabbed some biscoff spread to substitute in baking recipes and also on sandwiches, and she loves it. The only issue we have with it is that it is really, REALLY sweet. We like to mix it with sun butter (sunflower seed oil spread), to cut the sweetness a bit.
Even with the sweetness, it is fantastic and one of my daughter’s favorite treats. Occasionally, we find the jar out of place on the counter with the lid off or on crooked. Reminds me of my younger days sticking my finger in the peanut butter jar.
Jenna Z
December 9, 2011Am I the only one who thinks this is a terrible, disgusting product idea? You’re spreading cookies onto bread!! Who thinks that’s anywhere near equivalent to spreading nut butter (healthy fats anyone?) or even a dairy product like cream cheese onto bread? Yes, sure, it’s delicious but I can’t believe how popular this stuff has gotten online when you realize it’s COOKIE PASTE!
Mary
December 9, 2011Trade Joe’s has introduced it’s version of this product. They call it Cookie Butter. I just sampled some the other day. I decided I could not buy it as I would just open the jar and sit on the couch with a spoon. I think it would be great to use as a filling in sandwich cookies and as a dessert flavoring.
Linda
December 9, 2011I bought some of the Cookie Butter (that’s what Trader Joe’s calls theirs) at TJs the other day. The guy at the register said it is very addictive. I can agree. I don’t think it is overly sweet for what it is but I bought it mostly to play with in baking so it won’t be “disgusting” on bread as Jenna seems to think. I guess she hasn’t noticed people putting less healthy things on bread before. TJ also has a spinoff on Nutella–but using almonds instead of hazelnuts. I was excited to see that because I have a few people who dislike hazelnuts but I have many recipes using Nutella. Now I can make those for my group knowing it is almonds instead of hazelnuts in the chocolate spread. It too is very good and I hope you review it as well. Not everyone is a fan of hazelnuts but most people like almonds. It is very tasty too.
KB @ Home-Baked Happiness
December 9, 2011Is it weird to make cookies with these? I thought of it, and then I was like “but you’re taking a spread made from cookies, and making cookies out of it… shouldn’t you have just bought Biscoff cookies in the first place?” 🙂
Honey, What's Cooking
December 9, 2011i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Biscoff spread. It sucks that you have to order it. But i’ve heard Trader Joe’s makes a very similar version.
Debbie M
December 9, 2011@Jenna, It’s worse than cookie paste, it’s cookie-flavored frosting (because of all the added oil and sugar). Made with real cookies! I am not buying it.
But I am eating it at parties. Sadly, you know what it’s really good on? Cookies. Spice cookies. But lemon curd is even yummier on those.
Lora
December 9, 2011I’ve been a long time fan and last summer picked up the crunchy version in Holland. Best thing ever! I used it in a macaron filling.
Fallon
December 9, 2011My mom picked up the kind from Trader Joe’s.. It is so delicious, I’m always sneaking a generous spoonful!
Kelsey
December 14, 2011They make a crunchy variety now?!
Elwing
December 28, 2011This stuff is great! However, these cookies are called “Speculaas”. The spread, in the Netherlands, is called “Speculoos”, but the cookies are not. I just thought I’d clear that up 🙂
Angela
January 3, 2012I just discovered Biscoff Spread and I love it as much as I love Nutella. It’s a nice treat to break up the usual.
As far as it being “disgusting”, anyone who feels that way shouldn’t buy it. They should also avoid posting about it because really….what is the point? I think lots of things are disgusting but I don’t feel a massive need to post a comment on someone’s blog in order to change anyone’s mind.
Jeanna
January 27, 2012It may be cookie spread, but it is spectacular! I use it in cupcakes and cupcake frosting, when I can keep out of it with a spoon. Not really something I would use everyday as a toast spread, but it’s a nice treat.
Michelle
February 2, 2012They sale it at Publix stores now and if they don’t sell it at your particular Publix, you can ask them to order it and they will be happy to.
Donna
February 9, 2012Hey I juts got a jar of this from WalMart because I was curious about it. Yes it is very sweet. . a little goes a long way but it is yummy ; )
Doris
February 9, 2012so don’t put it on bread, sillies….i’m using it to mix with peanut butter for my yummy peanut butter chocolate squares. I know it will be delicious and little bit different.
also good on a ritz, but oh yeah, everything is 🙂
lots of baking applications with this stuff
Liz
February 22, 2012It’s true, this stuff is CRAZY GOOD. I’ve found that it is widely available at one of the local regular grocery store chains in New England. I’m not even a huge fan of Biscoff cookies (only eat them when given them on airplanes and have nothing else to eat) but the spread is delicious. The poster who said it’s more like frosting made from cookies hit the nail on the head, though… I’ve even thought of using this to frost cupcakes.
Deliciousness aside, it is NOT good for you. At least nutella (also not good for you) actually includes a kind of nut. This is just ground cookies, sugar, and oil. It and real peanut butter have absolutely nothing in common other than color and a SORT OF similar consistency. (Peanut “spread” on the other hand, which is what a lot of people call peanut butter, is more similar, with its added sugar and oil. But again, at least it actually contains peanuts.) This is in no way a healthy alternative to peanut butter for those who don’t like or are allergic to peanuts. If, however, you realize that what you have is essentially a dessert spread, and treat it as its own thing to be eaten in moderation, then it’s a tasty choice.
I’m wondering about substituting it for peanut butter in baking… afterall, it doesn’t have the qualities of peanut butter, as much as it may visually resemble peanut butter.
Jenn
March 19, 2012I found this at WAL-MART of all places this weekend. Yummy – most certainly. I plan to use it for dessert baking but it’s quite yummy with a spoon too! 😉
Donna
April 5, 2012@Jenna above… Seriously? Why get on a website and just complain about something…I respect your right to your opinion… But how about saying something positive instead of negative. I’m going to imagine you must never indulge in treats… What a sad life you must lead. By the way … If you compare the labels of Jif peanut butter and Biscoff spread… Per 1 Tbs… Biscoff is actually the lesser of the two evils. It’s people like you that seriously put a bummer on life. Sorry you are so unhappy. Feel better!
HAYLEY
April 10, 2012You can get it at Whole Foods. And it is sooooo good with sliced apples!!! 🙂
Chelsea
April 19, 2012Walmart carries this now. Soo delicious!!
Fox Fader
May 7, 2012It’s sold at Walmart and Publix. I like the taste, reminds me of gingersnaps. I tried this cause peanutbutter gives me vertigo. Hopefully my wife won’t like the taste! LOL
charity
May 16, 2012For those who thinks this is a not a good product. Have you tried it ? Cant say its a good product if you havent tried it. Have you thought maybe those who use this product have allergies or another diet retriction. I am allergic to peanuts so growing up I used another nut butter. My daughter has to be on a low protein diet. She cant have other nut butters but this one she could have. Its hard to find foods that she can have which others kids her age can have. So I find it exciting to find something that she can have especially when I can find it at another grocery store . So I will give this a try.
cs stephenson
May 30, 2012Got it today at Walmart for under $4….WooHoo
ssmith
June 25, 2012Love product great with any fruit (hard), crackers, and as a layered frosting on cake!!! The product is delicious and has lass calories than peanut butter
Wanda
July 8, 2012I was turned on to Biscoff spread Dec. 2011. I had to order it offline for a bit until last month I found it on the shelf at my local grocery store. I love this stuff! I dip animal crackers in it for a treat. Then I decided to use it as a topper on my ice-cream, awesome! there really needs to be an ice cream flavor of Biscoff. I didn’t stop there I bought vanilla yogurt and mixed in the Biscoff. Oh my! Now I am hoping for a Biscoff flavored yogurt. Never tried it on bread or crackers but I am sure it is delicious!
Veerle
July 17, 2012Just to clarify: Biscoff spread was develop in Belgium, not The Netherlands It has been popular there for many years now. It is consumed mostly for breakfast or lunch and is always spead on bread. Speculoos cookies are a staple in every Belgian household and come with almost every cup of coffee ordered in a Belgian cafe.
Chad
July 30, 2012Not saying it isn’t good, since I’ve tried it and it is delicious. But I also like Pillsbury chocolate frosting straight out of the can, and the nutritional value is similar.
Rose Sweet
August 15, 2012Never had this before ,had it walmart for 1.50$
Grabbed it , cause I eat lots of apples w/peanut butter..1.50 cheaper then jiffy, this stuff is just awesome, great on bread, but gonna go get some small cinnomin bagels for it, for work, did go back and buy 5more of each, crunchy …I dont care that it a cookie spread, cause I love cookies anyways, and my grandkids will love it to, celery sticks ans raisins, yummy, come one , can’t beat it for a 1.50$
Online it’ s 7$ a jar and 5$ shipping.
Karl Zohn
September 9, 2012Biscoff is also available at Fred Meyer in their Bakery department. They have the cookies too!!
John
September 23, 2012Lotus is a Belgian company. This product was invented in a TV show. The woman who invented it receives a % on each unit sold worldwide.
Deborah
October 21, 2012This is GREAT with apples, also fabulous with with dark chocolate – tastes like a super decadent peanut butter cup!
jake
November 6, 2012Just got this and tried it(on bread) and it was DELICIOUS 😀
April
December 9, 2012If anyone lives in the Pacific Northwest you can buy it at Fred Meyer for $3.50 or so in the bakery.
ann
December 15, 2012Huh. I kept seeing this biscoff mentioned on pinterest, did a search, and your blog came up 2nd on google! it sounds so strange, but then i think the whole cookie-dough as a flavor is kinda the same thing. i bet this would be good as a macaron filling, as someone suggested!
Jen
December 22, 2012Just picked up a jar. Thinking about coating a ham with it…
Rachel
February 4, 2013I just won a case (8 jars) of it from biscoff! so excited!
Jay
February 6, 2013I didn’t expect to like this stuff much, just because a plain, slightly spiced cookie did not sound so interesting to me. Boy, was I wrong! I don’t know how many jars I have been through in the past few months, but it’s quite a few. I like to put a couple generous spoonfuls in a small dish, add some semi-sweet chocolate chips and then slowly enjoy with a spoon (I do this with almond butter sometimes too). Speculoos spread in no way resembles nut butter (except kinda-sorta-texture wise). I wouldn’t consider putting it on bread, but then I never put Nutella on bread either. Neither Biscoff nor Nutella is healthy. I use them as dessert options. The only problem is that after I eat it, it tends to sit in my stomach like a blob…that’s the canola oil, I suppose. I have thought about making my own version with butter or coconut oil instead; I feel that would be healthier and even tastier, too.
Queen
March 10, 2013I found Biscoff Spread for $1 buck at a Dollar Store in New York City and decided to give it a try. Oh my gosh, I cant believe how it is so yummy. I use it on toast, bagels, crackers, bread and even eat it plain. I cant believe I have not touched my peanut butter for two months because I am going Biscoff crazy. This is the best ever. For those of you who found it disgusting, too bad. It sure satisfies my sweet cravings. I just love me some Biscoff. I am hooked and I am trying my best not to eat it every day.
Kellie
March 11, 2013I’ve been reading (read: DROOLING) about this stuff on the interwebs for soooo long now and not really being near anywhere that sells it, just dealt with the fact that I’d probably never have it.
Fast Forward to TODAY: Perusing my local mom/pop produce store that carries asian and eastern european goods and what do I see? BISCOFF SPREAD. *happy dance*
Naomi
March 16, 2013It is the most amazing thing in the entire world. It is a billion times better than nutella or peanut butter and is super addicitve because of its sheer deliciousness. I am absolutely in love with this European delicacy.
Carrie
March 18, 2013Just heard about this product. Not sure if I will try it or not. Will check out the nutritional label. Not that we don’t eat sweets, but keeping a jar of it in the pantry may not be the best idea. Will check out it’s comparison to PB… may not be all that much different.
But, seriously, I’m laughing at the reaction to one simple post. Don’t see any reason someone can’t post a short, honest response to a product idea. Chill, people!
Alison
April 29, 2013They were handing out jars at the end of the Carmel Marathon. So we picked up a couple. I am delighted to read how good it is. Our registration packets contained a Biscoff cookie and I like them – having flown on airlines that served them). I know the cookies as Spekulatius, which we occasionally had at Christmas time in our family.
The jars will grace the breakfast table at a weekend event in Versailles State Park next month and I hope they will be a big hit.
Tegan
May 17, 2013I found some at aldi’s! super cheap and its crazy delicious, especially swirled on matzo with some nutella! what happens when you melt it?
whickidd
May 28, 2013found this stuff for the first time in all places, my 99 cent store. put a dab on the side of a bowl of strawberries, very yummy! My husband loves Nuttela (which the Brittish are crazy about) and knew he would like this, I was right! 🙂 Yes, sweet, but tasty. A dab will do ya!
Dee
July 13, 2013I just won a coupon for a jar of this and I am eager to try it. I have tried (and love) the cookies when I am on a flight.