Delicious Pepernoten Cupcakes: The Ultimate Sinterklaas Treat
As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, the Netherlands eagerly anticipates one of its most cherished traditions: Sinterklaas. Celebrated annually on December 5th, this festive occasion, often compared to an earlier, Dutch version of Santa Claus, brings with it a host of delightful customs, none more beloved than the enjoyment of a vast array of traditional sweets. Among these, pepernoten hold a special place in everyone’s heart.
Today, we’re taking this classic Dutch treat to a whole new level with an irresistible recipe: Pepernoten Cupcakes. Imagine fluffy, spiced cupcakes infused with tiny, crunchy pepernoten, generously topped with a rich, creamy buttercream, and then garnished with even more crushed pepernoten. These are not just any cupcakes; they are a beautiful, aromatic celebration in miniature, perfectly crafted for Sinterklaas Eve gatherings and beyond.
Sinterklaas and Dutch Holiday Traditions
For those unfamiliar with the Dutch Sinterklaas celebration, it’s a magical time, particularly for children. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands from Spain by steamboat, accompanied by his helpers, the Pieten. Weeks leading up to December 5th, children leave their shoes by the fireplace or door, hoping Sinterklaas will leave small gifts or treats, such as chocolate letters, marzipan, and, of course, pepernoten. The evening of December 5th, known as “Pakjesavond” (present evening), is the highlight, filled with poems, gifts, and an abundance of festive food.
Pepernoten are an integral part of this celebration. These small, round, spiced cookies are tossed around by Pieten during the Sinterklaas parade and at home, creating a playful atmosphere of abundance. Their distinctive taste evokes warmth, coziness, and cherished memories, making them the quintessential Sinterklaas snack. But what exactly are these intriguing “pepper nuts”?
The Fascinating History of Pepernoten
The name “pepernoten” literally translates to “pepper nuts,” which might sound peculiar for a sweet cookie. However, the origin story reveals a logical explanation: in the earliest recipes for these spiced treats, pepper was indeed one of the main ingredients. While modern palates might prefer a milder spice profile, the inclusion of pepper hints at a time when spices from exotic lands were precious and highly valued.
Over time, the recipe for pepernoten has evolved considerably. The strong, singular taste of pepper gave way to a much more complex and aromatic spice blend. Today’s pepernoten feature a rich mix of spices that tantalize the senses, though a touch of pepper often remains as a subtle nod to their heritage. This blend is similar to the spices used in Dutch speculaas or gingerbread, creating a familiar and comforting flavor profile that is deeply ingrained in Dutch culinary culture.
Crafting the Perfect Pepernoten Spice Mix
The distinctive aroma of pepernoten comes from their unique spice mix, often referred to as “speculaaskruiden” or gingerbread spices. While you can buy pre-mixed blends, many home bakers prefer to create their own, allowing for personal adjustments to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. The blend typically includes a delightful combination of warming spices that fill your kitchen with an inviting scent.
My preferred mix, which you’ll find detailed in the recipe card below, combines several ground spices. Cinnamon takes center stage, offering warmth and sweetness. Nutmeg adds a pungent, sweet, and slightly woody note, while cloves contribute a strong, aromatic, and slightly bitter kick. Ground cardamom brings a fragrant, almost citrusy sweetness, and white pepper, true to the pepernoten name, provides a subtle, earthy heat. Coriander seeds add a fresh, lemony, and slightly spicy flavor, complemented by the distinct warmth of fresh ginger and the sweet, liquorice-like taste of aniseed. Finally, a hint of mace, a delicate spice derived from the outer covering of nutmeg, rounds out the blend with a nuanced, slightly sweet, and peppery finish.
Creating your own spice blend is not only satisfying but also ensures the freshest and most vibrant flavors in your baking. Mix these spices well and store them in an airtight jar, and you’ll have this aromatic blend ready to use throughout the entire winter season, not just for Sinterklaas!
Why Pepernoten Cupcakes Are a Must-Try
While traditional pepernoten are delicious on their own, transforming them into cupcakes offers a wonderfully decadent and innovative way to enjoy these festive flavors. These cupcakes combine the best of both worlds: the soft, moist texture of a classic cupcake with the signature crunch and warmth of pepernoten. The pieces of pepernoten baked into the batter provide delightful pockets of spiced goodness, while the creamy buttercream frosting perfectly complements the rich flavors.
They are also incredibly versatile for entertaining. Cupcakes are inherently individual, making them easy to serve at parties and gatherings. They offer a more substantial and visually impressive treat than simple cookies, perfect for elevating your Sinterklaas table or any winter celebration. Plus, they’re a fun and engaging baking project for the whole family, filling your home with the irresistible scent of holiday spices.
Essential Baking Tips for Perfect Pepernoten Cupcakes
To ensure your pepernoten cupcakes turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few expert tips, building on the initial advice:
- Preparing Your Muffin Tin: If you choose not to use paper cupcake liners, generously butter and flour your muffin tin. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your beautifully baked cupcakes release easily from the pan, preserving their shape.
- Choosing the Right Butter for Buttercream: For a stable and pipeable buttercream frosting, the type of butter you use matters. Opt for a firm, high-quality butter. Butters that are too soft or easily spreadable at room temperature often contain higher water content or different fat compositions, which can lead to a less stable buttercream that struggles to hold its shape when piped. A firmer butter will result in a beautifully structured and smooth frosting. Ensure your butter is at proper room temperature (soft enough to indent with a finger, but not melted) for both the cupcake batter and the buttercream to emulsify correctly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the self-rising flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, dense cupcakes. A light hand with a spatula is best to keep them tender and fluffy.
- Crunching the Pepernoten: For the best texture in your cupcakes, don’t crush the pepernoten into a fine powder. Aim for small, irregular pieces. This provides a delightful crunch within the soft cake. You can achieve this by placing them in a Ziploc bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin.
- Cooling is Key: Before frosting, ensure your cupcakes are completely cooled to room temperature. Applying buttercream to warm cupcakes will cause it to melt and slide off, ruining your beautiful presentation.
These pepernoten cupcakes are a true taste of Dutch holiday cheer, offering a delicious blend of tradition and modern baking. They are simple enough for a beginner baker yet impressive enough for any festive occasion. Now, let’s get to the recipe!
📖 Recipe: Pepernoten Cupcakes
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
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Handmixer
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cupcake and muffin pan
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12 paper cupcake baking cups
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piping bag with a large nozzle
Ingredients
gingerbread – speculoos spices
- 8 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground aniseed
- 1 teaspoon mace
Cupcakes
- 125 grams butter, room temperature
- 125 grams sugar
- 125 grams self-rising flour
- 2 eggs, size L
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 handfull pepernoten
Butter cream
- 250 grams butter , room temperature
- 250 grams icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Garnish
- pepernoten, grounded
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Gingerbread – Speculoos spice
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Mix the spices very well and store in an airtight jar so you can use them all winter.
Cupcakes
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Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
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Put the butter in a bowl.
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Mix the butter with a mixer on high speed for 3 minutes.
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Add the sugar and whisk another 2 minutes.
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Break the eggs, one by one and add to the batter. Add the second egg when the first one is completely combined with the batter.
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Pour the vanilla-extract in the bowl and whisk another minute.
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Add the self-raising flour and mix the flour in the batter with a spatula.
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Crunch the pepernoten and add to the batter.
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Whisk very gently with a spatula until everything is mixed.
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Put the cupcake forms into the baking form and pour in the batter until the forms are ⅔ filled.
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Fill all the forms and put the baking form in the oven.
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Bake for 20 minutes.
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Let the cupcakes cool down for 5 minutes and release them from the baking form.
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Let them cool down on a rack to room temperature.
Butter cream
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To make the butter cream add the butter and icing sugar in a bowl.
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Mix on low speed.
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When they are combined add 2 tablespoons milk.
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Change the mixer to high speed and mix for another 3 minutes.
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Spoon the cream into a piping bag.
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When the cupcakes are cooled down to room temperature, pipe the butter cream on the cupcakes.
Garnish
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Sprinkle mashed pepernoten as garnish on top.
Nutrition
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Essential Kitchen Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here’s a detailed look at the kitchen utensils and equipment I used to prepare these delicious pepernoten cupcakes:
- A Conventional Oven: Most home bakers rely on conventional ovens. If you’re using a convection oven (which has a fan for circulating air), remember to decrease the temperature by approximately 30°F / 20°C as they tend to bake hotter and faster.
- Handmixer: An electric hand mixer is indispensable for thoroughly creaming butter and sugar, incorporating eggs, and whipping up a light and fluffy buttercream. It saves time and ensures a consistent batter and frosting texture.
- Cupcake and Muffin Pan: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for baking these cupcakes. Its sturdy construction helps maintain the shape of the cupcakes as they rise.
- 12 Paper Cupcake Baking Cups: These liners prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan, make cleanup a breeze, and add a decorative touch. Choose festive colors or patterns for Sinterklaas!
- Piping Bag with a Large Nozzle: For that beautifully swirled buttercream topping, a piping bag fitted with a large star or round nozzle is essential. It allows for precise and elegant application, making your cupcakes look professionally decorated.
- Good Pair of Knives: While not heavily used for cupcakes, a sharp kitchen knife is always handy for preparing ingredients, like mincing fresh ginger for your spice mix or gently scoring butter.
- Cutting Board: A stable cutting board is a must for safe and efficient preparation of any ingredients that need chopping or crushing.
- Baking Paper or Baking Mat: Useful for various baking tasks, though for cupcakes with liners, it’s not strictly necessary. If making your own pepernoten from scratch, it’s vital for preventing sticking.
- Brushes, Spatulas and Other Cooking Utensils: A good rubber spatula is invaluable for scraping down bowls and gently folding ingredients, ensuring no delicious batter goes to waste. A pastry brush can be used for buttering pans if not using liners.
Using the right tools not only simplifies the baking process but also contributes to the overall success and enjoyment of your culinary creations. Happy baking!
Share Your Pepernoten Cupcake Creations!
Did you make these delicious Pepernoten Cupcakes? I would absolutely love to see your festive creations! Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram or Twitter. It brings me so much joy when you try one of my recipes, and I always look forward to discovering your culinary interpretations. You can also share your baking triumphs on my Facebook channel or pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can easily find it for your next holiday baking session. Until next time, happy baking!