Sinterklaas Eve: A Beloved Dutch Tradition

Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas or Sint Nicolaas, is more than just a holiday; it’s a deeply cherished Dutch cultural event celebrated annually on December 5th. This is the magical time when children eagerly await Sinterklaas’s arrival from Spain, accompanied by his trusty white horse and helpful Zwarte Pieten. On Sinterklaas Eve, excitement fills the air as small gifts and delicious treats are traditionally distributed, often by being playfully “thrown around the room.” Baking your own batch of pepernoten is an integral part of this festive preparation, creating a wonderful aroma that signals the start of the holiday fun. These homemade treats offer an authentic taste that simply cannot be matched by store-bought versions, making them a true labor of love for Dutch families.

Dutch Pepernoten vs. Kruidnoten: Understanding the Difference

While often confused, Pepernoten and Kruidnoten are distinct Dutch delicacies, each with its unique characteristics. On Sinterklaas Eve, Sinterklaas is said to ride his white horse over the rooftops, delivering small gifts and scattering these delightful “spicy cookies” into homes. However, it’s crucial to understand which cookie he’s actually tossing!

• Kruidnoten: These are the small, hard, crunchy cookies with a distinct half-sphere shape that most people outside the Netherlands (and even some within) mistakenly call “peppernuts.” They are made with a blend of speculaas spices, resulting in a firm, biscuit-like snap.
• Pepernoten: In contrast, traditional pepernoten, which this recipe focuses on, are soft, airy, and wonderfully chewy, often compared to a Dutch ‘taai taai’ cookie. They typically have a more irregular, cube-like shape and derive their unique flavor from a combination of speculaas spices and a noticeable hint of aniseed. The name “pepernoten” literally translates to “pepper nuts,” a historical nod to the inclusion of pepper (among other spices) in early recipes, though modern versions primarily use a mild spice blend.

Homemade pepernoten, with their inviting aroma and tender chewiness, are undoubtedly superior to their commercially produced counterparts. This recipe guarantees that authentic, freshly baked taste that captures the essence of the Sinterklaas holiday. If you enjoy getting creative in the kitchen for your holiday traditions, be sure to also try other festive Dutch treats like Taai Taai, a soft and chewy spiced cake, or explore delicious desserts featuring kruidnoten, such as a Kruidnoten Cake and Kruidnoten Brownies.

The Essential Ingredients for Authentic Dutch Pepernoten

Crafting these traditional Dutch pepernoten requires a specific blend of ingredients that contribute to their unique flavor and texture. You’ll find the precise measurements in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this blog post. Let’s delve into what makes each component crucial for perfect pepernoten:

• Flour Combination (All-Purpose & Self-Raising Flour): The magic behind the pepernoten’s unique soft yet slightly airy texture lies in this specific flour blend. Self-raising flour, which already contains a leavening agent like baking powder, provides a lift, while all-purpose flour gives the cookie structure. This combination creates a delightful chewiness that’s not as light as a cake (which often uses only self-raising flour). If you only have all-purpose flour, you can substitute 4 cups (400 grams) of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder added.
• Honey and Dutch Syrup (Schenkstroop): These are the primary sweeteners, each contributing distinct notes to the pepernoten’s flavor profile. Honey imparts a delicate, mild sweetness, while traditional Dutch syrup (often called ‘schenkstroop’ or ‘beet sugar syrup’) is a key ingredient. This thick, dark syrup, made from boiled-down sugar beet juice, deepens the flavor, adding a richer, more complex molasses-like sweetness that is characteristic of authentic Dutch spice cookies. If Dutch syrup is unavailable, golden syrup makes an excellent alternative.
• Egg: Essential for binding all the ingredients together, the egg provides moisture and helps create a cohesive dough. Using a medium-sized egg is generally ideal for consistency in recipes.
• Speculaas Spice Mix and Ground Aniseed: This is where the pepernoten truly get their distinctive old Dutch taste. Speculaas spice mix is a warm, aromatic blend, often compared to gingerbread spice or pumpkin pie spice, but with its own unique Dutch character. It typically includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, white pepper, and sometimes ginger. The addition of ground aniseed is particularly important for pepernoten, giving them that classic, slightly licorice-like aroma and flavor that sets them apart. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make your own speculaas spice mix, you can find a suitable recipe by searching for kruidnoten spice mix.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing and intensifying the sweet and spicy notes in the cookies, making every bite more impactful.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Authentic Dutch Pepernoten

Baking these traditional Dutch pepernoten is a rewarding experience, filling your home with the delightful scent of Sinterklaas. Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of chewy, spiced peppernuts. A complete printable recipe card with all measurements and a concise step-by-step description is available at the very bottom of this blog.

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the egg, honey, Dutch syrup, speculaas spice mix, ground aniseed, and salt. Use a spatula or whisk to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: Position a fine-mesh sieve over the bowl containing your wet ingredients. Add both the self-raising flour and the all-purpose flour to the sieve. Sift these dry ingredients directly over the wet mixture. This crucial step ensures there are no lumps in your dough, resulting in a smooth, even texture for your pepernoten.
3. Knead the Dough: Attach dough hooks to your electric mixer. Begin kneading the mixture on medium speed. Continue kneading for approximately 3 minutes, or until all the ingredients come together to form a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Chill the Dough: Gently shape the prepared dough into a flat, round disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Transfer the wrapped dough to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This resting period is vital, as it allows the dough to firm up, making it less sticky and significantly easier to roll out and shape later. For best results, you can even chill it overnight.
5. Prepare for Baking and Preheat: While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) for a conventional oven. If you’re using a convection oven (with a fan), reduce the temperature to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
6. Roll and Cut the Dough: Once the dough is properly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough evenly to a thickness of approximately ½ inch (1 cm). Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, first cut horizontal bars from the dough, each about ½ inch (1 cm) wide. Then, turn the dough and cut vertical strips, also ½ inch (1 cm) apart. This precise cutting method will yield uniform, cube-shaped pepernoten.
7. Arrange and Bake: Carefully place the small dough cubes onto the prepared baking tray, ensuring there’s a sufficient distance between each one (about ½ inch or 1 cm) to allow for even heat circulation and slight expansion. Place the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The pepernoten are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown color and feel set. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the tray before transferring to a wire rack. They are most delicious when enjoyed fresh or still lukewarm!

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

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Dutch Pepernoten (Peppernuts)

Andréa