National Dish Netherlands: Kruidnoten (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Kruidnoten, the bite-sized spiced biscuits that fill Dutch kitchens with warmth every winter. Tied to the much-loved Sinterklaas season, these little morsels are crisp, sweet and wonderfully fragrant with cinnamon, ginger and cloves. They are easy to bake, a joy to share and make a charming homemade gift for the run-up to Christmas. Bring a taste of a Dutch December straight to your own oven.
About Kruidnoten
Kruidnoten are delicious spiced biscuits traditionally celebrated in the Netherlands around the Sinterklaas season. These small, aromatic bites are hugely popular and form a firm part of Dutch festive culture. They owe their distinctive character to a blend of warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger and cloves. With their crisp texture and gently sweet note, they are an ideal snack for the colder months and a treat that brings people together around the table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g plain flour
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp gingerbread spice mix
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp milk
- Optional: icing sugar, for dusting
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for kruidnoten are usually available in any supermarket. Take care to choose good-quality flour and fresh spices to bring out the best flavour. Local spice shops often stock more specialist blends that can make your kruidnoten even more aromatic. If you follow a particular diet, it is well worth checking the packaging information before you buy.
Preparing the dish
Preparing kruidnoten is surprisingly simple and takes very little time. Begin by measuring out and laying out all your ingredients, which makes the baking process easier and ensures nothing gets forgotten. Make sure your butter is at room temperature too, so the dough comes together with an even, workable consistency.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, gingerbread spice mix and salt.
- Add the butter and sugar and rub everything together into a crumbly dough.
- Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, until the dough comes together smoothly.
- Shape small balls from the dough and arrange them on the baking tray.
- Bake the kruidnoten for about 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Once baked, let the biscuits cool on a wire rack and dust with icing sugar if you like.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
You can easily make kruidnoten gluten-free or lactose-free by using gluten-free flour and lactose-free butter. There are special shop-bought blends that work well for baking. If you prefer natural ingredients, you might also try almond flour or chestnut flour. Keep an eye on the consistency of the dough, as gluten-free flour often behaves differently from the standard kind.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of kruidnoten, swap the butter for plant-based margarine and replace the milk with a plant alternative such as soya or oat milk. Make sure the gingerbread spice mix contains only natural, vegan ingredients too. Vegan kruidnoten deliver the same delicious flavour without any animal products, and these small adjustments make it easy to please every guest at the table.
More tips and tricks
To intensify the aroma of your kruidnoten, use freshly ground spices rather than ready-made blends. The biscuits also keep beautifully when stored in an airtight tin. Experiment with the size of the biscuits; smaller ones bake more quickly and are perfect for sharing. And always keep a close eye on the baking time to achieve perfectly crisp kruidnoten every time.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
If you have favourite spices, you can tweak the mix to suit yourself. Adding a little nutmeg or vanilla, for instance, lends a personal touch. The amount of sugar can also be raised or lowered slightly depending on your taste. Try different combinations until you have found your own perfect blend, much as you might when baking traditional Speculaas.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no butter to hand, you can use apple sauce or coconut oil, both delicious alternative sources of fat. Instead of ordinary sugar, cane sugar or coconut blossom sugar can be used for a different flavour note. Feel free to experiment with different flours to see which you like best. For a gluten-free option, as mentioned, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend works nicely.
Drink pairing ideas
Kruidnoten go wonderfully with a range of drinks. A flavourful tea, such as chai or rooibos, complements the spices in the biscuits perfectly. A hot apple cider or a homemade mulled wine pairs splendidly too. For children, a warm chocolate drink is a lovely choice that beautifully underlines the flavour of the kruidnoten.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present kruidnoten attractively, pile them into a decorative tin or arrange them on a pretty plate. Add a few cinnamon sticks or whole cloves as decoration to heighten the festive feeling. Serving them with a small bowl of icing sugar lets guests dust on a little extra to taste. An inviting presentation enhances the whole experience and makes sharing all the more enjoyable.
A bit of history
Kruidnoten have their origins in the Netherlands and are closely linked to the festival of Sinterklaas. These little spiced morsels were traditionally handed out as a sweet treat to delight children during the celebrations. Over the years they have grown into a popular snack and a festive tradition, enjoyed not only during the Sinterklaas festivities but throughout the winter. Their distinctive flavour and handy size have made them a much-loved bake, a proud part of Dutch cuisine alongside classics like Pepernoten.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Kruidnoten
Kruidnoten are a delicious and traditional bake from the Netherlands, especially beloved during the festive Sinterklaas season. Their distinctive flavour, shaped by a blend of spices such as cinnamon and cloves, makes them an ideal snack for the colder months. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these little biscuit treats come together quickly. Experiment with the individual ingredients and adapt the recipe to your own taste to achieve the perfect bite.
