Dish

Pepernoot

Pepernoten are made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and a variety of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The dough is rolled into small balls and baked until crispy. These cookies are often served with hot chocolate or coffee and are a favorite treat during the Sinterklaas holiday in the Netherlands.

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› Dutch cuisine

Dessert› Cookie

Origins and history

Pepernoten have been a popular treat in the Netherlands for centuries and are often associated with the Sinterklaas holiday. The cookies are said to have originated in the 16th century and were originally made with rye flour and honey. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of spices and ingredients, and the cookies became a beloved holiday tradition.

Dietary considerations

Pepernoten contain gluten and dairy and are not suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies.

Variations

There are many variations of pepernoten, including chocolate-covered pepernoten and pepernoten with different spice blends. Some recipes also call for the addition of nuts or dried fruit.

Presentation and garnishing

Pepernoten are traditionally served in a small bowl or on a plate. They can be garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

Tips & Tricks

To make the perfect pepernoten, be sure to use high-quality spices and ingredients. The dough should be chilled before baking to ensure that the cookies hold their shape. If you want to add nuts or dried fruit to your pepernoten, be sure to chop them finely so that they mix well with the dough.