National Dish Netherlands: Pepernoten (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Pepernoten, the little spice cookies that fill Dutch homes with the scent of the festive season! These small, crunchy bites are baked above all for the Sinterklaas celebrations, when scattering them across the floor for children is a cherished tradition. Warm with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, they are wonderfully simple to make and impossible to stop eating. Bring a taste of a Dutch winter straight into your own kitchen.
About Pepernoten
Pepernoten are a traditional Dutch bake that comes into its own around the festive season. These small, spiced cookies are not only a much-loved snack but also a fixture of Dutch culture. Their distinctive blend of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg brings a festive flavour into every home, while their crisp, characterful bite makes them a real treat for the whole family. Few sweets capture the warmth of a Dutch December quite so well.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g plain flour
- 50 g honey or sugar-beet syrup
- 75 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
- 50 ml milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for pepernoten, it pays to pick up your ingredients at a well-stocked supermarket or a health-food shop. Choose good-quality spices, as they have an enormous influence on the flavour of the cookies. Ideally, buy whole spices and grind them yourself for the most intense aroma. Don’t forget to check the special alternatives for gluten-free or vegan baking too, if you have particular dietary needs.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making the pepernoten, it’s important to measure out and prepare all the ingredients carefully. Make sure the flour and spices are well sifted to avoid any lumps. Line your baking tray with greaseproof paper so the cookies don’t stick. Once everything is ready, you can move on to the next step and bring the dough together. A tidy worktop, much as with a batch of Speculaas, makes the whole process far smoother.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, spices and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the honey and brown sugar, then stir in the milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until you have a smooth, supple dough.
- Shape small balls from the dough and arrange them on the baking tray.
- Bake the pepernoten for about 10–15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Once baked, leave the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
A gluten-free and lactose-free version of pepernoten is easy to put together with a few simple swaps. Instead of wheat flour, use a gluten-free flour blend, now widely available in most supermarkets. For the lactose-free version, reach for a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, which works just as well. Check the other ingredients for hidden lactose too, so you can be sure the recipe suits everyone at the table.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of pepernoten, replace the honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener. Take care that your sugar is vegan and free from any animal products, and use plant-based milk to keep the cookies light and tasty. These small adjustments make the pepernoten fully vegan while preserving all the lovely spiced flavours that make them so special.
More tips and tricks
One key tip when baking pepernoten is not to overwork the dough, as this can spoil the texture of the finished cookies. Try to shape them all to a similar size so they bake evenly. Another nice trick is to dust the cookies with icing sugar after baking for an extra hit of sweetness. Ask friends or family about their preferences to tailor the cookies to everyone’s taste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
A great advantage of the pepernoten recipe is how easily it adapts to personal preference. Add nuts or chocolate chips, for instance, to give the cookies a special twist. Experiment with different spices and vary the blends to discover new flavours. This keeps the baking interesting and turns it into a fun project for everyone involved — much like a tray of Kruidnoten on a busy Sinterklaas morning.
Ingredient substitutions
The ingredients for pepernoten are versatile and can be swapped out with ease. Instead of brown sugar, you might use coconut sugar for a slightly different kind of sweetness. If you don’t have the individual spices to hand, a ready-made gingerbread spice mix makes a delicious base, just as it would for a loaf of Peperkoek. Try different combinations to find out what tastes best to you!
Drink pairing ideas
Pepernoten pair beautifully with warm drinks such as tea or mulled wine. A classic black tea makes a comforting companion and brings out the spices in the cookies. A cup of hot chocolate is another sweet match that goes down especially well with children. For something more traditionally Dutch, serve them with a mug of warming Anijsmelk to create a cosy, festive atmosphere.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present the pepernoten attractively, arrange them in a decorative tin or on a pretty plate. A nice ribbon around the tin or a handwritten copy of the recipe makes the gift feel even more personal. Display the cookies on a festively laid table to impress your guests. With a little creativity, you can show off your pepernoten brilliantly.
A bit of history
The origins of pepernoten run deep in Dutch culture. They are traditionally enjoyed during the Sinterklaas festival on the 5th of December. It is said they have roots in ancient times, when spices were a symbol of prosperity. Today pepernoten are not only part of the holiday traditions of the Netherlands but also enjoy great popularity abroad — one of the most beloved sweet treats in all of Dutch cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Pepernoten
Pepernoten are a delicious and traditional Dutch bake that suits the festive season perfectly. With a generous range of spices and a handful of simple ingredients, they are easy to make at home. Whether you prefer the classic version, a gluten-free option or a vegan one, these cookies have something for every taste. The recipe is not only straightforward but also endlessly adaptable, making it a wonderful way to bake together with family and friends and celebrate special occasions.
