The Appeal of Cookie Butter
1️⃣ Introduction
Cookie butter is a sweet, spiced spread made from crushed speculoos or Biscoff cookies, blended with oils and sugar to create a smooth, buttery texture. It has gained massive popularity due to its unique flavor, versatility, and nostalgic appeal.
Originally from Belgium, cookie butter has evolved from a local specialty into a global sensation, thanks to brands like Lotus Biscoff and Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter. Its rich, caramelized taste makes it a favorite addition to desserts, coffee, and baked goods, while its smooth, spreadable consistency allows for multiple uses.
The rise of social media and food influencers has helped turn cookie butter into a cult-favorite spread. Videos showcasing cookie butter milkshakes, stuffed cookies, and coffee drinks have made it even more desirable. Whether eaten straight from the jar or incorporated into recipes, cookie butter is beloved by many for its indulgent, dessert-like quality.
Table of Contents
2️⃣ What Is Cookie Butter?
Cookie butter is a creamy, sweet spread made by grinding speculoos or Biscoff cookies into a fine crumb and blending them with vegetable oils, sugar, and sometimes spices. The result is a buttery, spiced, caramel-flavored paste that can be used like peanut butter or Nutella.
Main Ingredients:
- Ground spiced cookies – The base ingredient, usually speculoos or Biscoff cookies.
- Vegetable oils – Help create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Sweeteners like brown sugar or honey – Enhance the sweetness.
- Optional spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) – Add warmth and depth to the flavor.
How It Differs from Other Spreads:
- vs. Peanut Butter:
- Cookie butter is sweeter and contains no nuts.
- Peanut butter has a strong, nutty taste, while cookie butter is spiced and caramel-like.
- vs. Nutella:
- Nutella has a chocolate-hazelnut flavor, whereas cookie butter has a cinnamon-spiced cookie flavor.
- Nutella is slightly richer due to cocoa, while cookie butter is lighter and more buttery.
Unlike peanut butter or Nutella, cookie butter has a nostalgic, baked-cookie taste, making it a unique and beloved option for those who love sweet spreads.
3️⃣ The Irresistible Flavor of Cookie Butter
One of the biggest reasons for cookie butter’s popularity is its rich and indulgent flavor. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess, making it incredibly satisfying.
Taste Profile:
- Sweet and caramelized, with notes of brown sugar and butter.
- Hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, similar to holiday cookies.
- Buttery smooth texture, with some variations including crunchy cookie bits.
Why It’s So Addictive:
- High sugar and fat content triggers dopamine release, making it highly craveable.
- The warm, spiced flavors create a cozy, nostalgic feeling, similar to eating fresh-baked cookies.
- Balanced sweetness – Unlike some overly sweet spreads, cookie butter has deep caramelized notes that add complexity.
How It Pairs Well with Other Foods:
Cookie butter is extremely versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory foods:
- Breakfast: Spread on toast, pancakes, waffles, or bagels.
- Coffee & Drinks: Stir into lattes, hot chocolate, or milkshakes for extra creaminess.
- Desserts: Mix into ice cream, cake frosting, or cheesecake fillings.
- Savory Twists: Surprisingly good as a dip for pretzels or apples.
Its buttery, caramelized flavor profile makes cookies butter a go-to spread for those who love indulgent, comforting treats.

4️⃣ Why Do People Love Cookies Butter?
Cookie butter isn’t just delicious—it’s a food that creates an emotional connection for many people. Here’s why it has gained such a devoted following:
1. Nostalgic Flavors
- Cookie butter is made from speculoos cookies, which have been a European favorite for generations.
- The flavors of cinnamon, caramel, and butter remind people of homemade cookies and holiday baking traditions.
- It has a comforting, warm taste that feels like a childhood treat.
2. Versatile Uses
- Can be spread, mixed, baked, or blended into countless recipes.
- Works as a peanut butter alternative for those with nut allergies.
- Can be eaten straight from the jar, making it an easy, instant indulgence.
3. Limited Availability in Some Countries
- In many places, cookies butter isn’t always easy to find, making it feel more special and exclusive.
- Some brands, like Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter, are only available in specific stores, increasing their desirability.
4. Viral Popularity
- Food influencers and social media trends have boosted its popularity.
- TikTok and Instagram are filled with cookies butter recipes, from stuffed cookies to cookies butter ice cream.
- Limited-edition products, like cookie butter-flavored cold brew and shakes, keep fans excited and engaged.
With its irresistible taste, nostalgic appeal, and endless possibilities, it’s no wonder cookie butter has become a global favorite.
Variations, Comparisons & FAQs
5️⃣ Different Types & Brands of Cookies Butter

Cookie butter has gained worldwide popularity, leading to multiple brands and variations on the market. Here are some of the most well-known options and DIY alternatives:
1. Lotus Biscoff Spread – The Original Classic
- Made by Lotus Bakeries, this is the most famous and widely available cookie butter.
- Uses speculoos cookies, known for their caramelized, spiced flavor.
- Comes in smooth and crunchy varieties, depending on texture preference.
- Available in grocery stores worldwide and online.
2. Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookies Butter – A Chunkier Twist
- Exclusive to Trader Joe’s, making it highly sought-after in the U.S..
- Has a slightly stronger cinnamon flavor compared to Lotus Biscoff.
- Available in smooth and crunchy versions.
- Often used in cookie butter-flavored ice creams and desserts.
3. Other Brands & Homemade Versions
- Some European brands offer cookie butters with different spice levels (some milder, some more intense).
- DIY Cookie Butter Recipe:
- Blend crushed speculoos or shortbread cookies with vegetable oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add a touch of milk or cream for a smoother consistency.
- Adjust spices like nutmeg, ginger, or vanilla to customize the flavor.
Whether store-bought or homemade, each variation offers its own unique take on this beloved spread.
6️⃣ Cookie Butter vs Other Popular Spreads
How does cookie butter compare to other popular spreads? Here’s a breakdown of flavor, uses, and calorie content:
Spread | Flavor Profile | Best Uses | Calories per Tbsp |
---|---|---|---|
Cookies Butter | Sweet, spiced, caramelized | Desserts, toast, coffee | 90-100 kcal |
Peanut Butter | Nutty, rich, slightly sweet | Sandwiches, smoothies | 90-95 kcal |
Nutella | Chocolatey, hazelnutty | Crepes, toast, baking | 100-110 kcal |
Almond Butter | Mild, slightly sweet | Oatmeal, fruit, savory dishes | 90-100 kcal |
Key Differences:
- Sweetness – Cookie butter is sweeter than peanut butter or almond butter and has no nutty taste.
- Texture – It is smoother than peanut butter but less creamy than Nutella.
- Best Uses – While peanut butter and almond butter work well in protein-packed snacks, cookie butter is better for desserts and sweet treats.
- Calorie Content – Similar to peanut butter but higher in sugar and slightly lower in protein.
For those looking for a nut-free alternative to peanut butter, cookie butter is a delicious and indulgent option.
7️⃣ How to Use Cookies Butter in Everyday Foods
Cookie butter is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of the best ways to use it:
1. Breakfast
- Spread on toast, bagels, or English muffins.
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for extra flavor.
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
2. Desserts
- Use as a filling for cookies, brownies, or cakes.
- Mix into cheesecake batter or frosting for extra richness.
- Swirl into ice cream or milkshakes.
3. Drinks
- Stir into coffee, lattes, or hot chocolate.
- Blend into smoothies for a cookie-flavored boost.
4. Savory Dishes (Surprising Uses!)
- Mix into marinades or sauces for a sweet, spiced depth.
- Spread on pretzels or crackers for a salty-sweet combination.
Cookie butter’s caramelized, spiced flavor makes it a delicious addition to almost any meal!
8️⃣ FAQs (Based on People Also Ask Section)
✅ Why is cookies butter better than peanut butter?
- Sweeter, more dessert-like taste compared to peanut butter’s nutty and slightly salty flavor.
- No nut allergens, making it a safer option for those with nut allergies.
- Higher sugar content, making it more indulgent and addictive.
- Works better in desserts and coffee, while peanut butter is more protein-rich and suited for savory dishes.
✅ Does cookies butter contain actual butter?
No, cookies butter does not contain dairy butter.
- It gets its buttery texture from oils and crushed cookies.
- Despite the name, it is dairy-free unless mixed with milk-based products.
✅ Is cookies butter gluten-free?
Most store-bought cookie butter is not gluten-free because:
- It is made from speculoos cookies, which contain wheat.
- However, you can make homemade gluten-free cookie butter by using gluten-free shortbread or sugar cookies.
✅ How many calories are in cookies butter?
- 1 tablespoon of cookies butter contains about 90-100 calories.
- It has more sugar and fat than peanut butter, making it a more occasional treat rather than an everyday food.
✅ Can you make homemade cookies butter?
Yes! Making homemade cookies butter is easy. Here’s how:
Basic Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups crushed speculoos or shortbread cookies
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or coconut oil
- ¼ cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp milk or non-dairy milk for a smoother consistency
Instructions:
- Blend cookies in a food processor until finely crushed.
- Add oil, sweetener, and spices, then blend until smooth.
- Slowly add milk (if needed) until you get a creamy texture.
- Store in a jar and enjoy on toast, in desserts, or straight from the spoon!