It's Kruidnoten Season!

Our Favorite Recipe For Homemade Dutch Spiced Cookies

We've just about finished putting our Halloween costumes back in the closet, and the next holiday is already around the corner. We're one step closer to Sinterklaas, which means it's kruidnoten season!

Every night until December 5th, children place their shoes near the chimney, sing songs, and leave food for Amerigo, Sinterklaas' horse. If they're lucky, Sinterklaas will pay them a visit and leave gifts in their shoes. 

The traditional Sinterklaas celebration night, December 5th, is known as pakjesavond (gift evening). On this evening, children will rush to the sound of a knock at the door, just in time to see a sack of (more!) presents and a trail of kruidnoten left by Sinterklaas and his pieten!

Often confused with their bigger brother, the pepernoot, kruidnoten can be found in shops, supermarkets, and bakeries throughout the Netherlands. They come in many different flavours , just visit a Van Delft store and you’ll be amazed! You can even find them coated in chocolate, caramel and even limoncello — lekker! While these are delicious, the home-baked version is always the best! 

They are a great activity to do with kids as they are quite easy and delicious! 

Ingredients

• 240g of self-rising flour
• 140g cold butter
• 120g dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon speculaas spices 
• A pinch op salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar, salt and spice mix together.
2. Add the butter and knead the dough until you can form a ball.
3. Cover the dough with clingfilm and let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 
4. Preheat your oven to 175˚C (350˚F).
5. Roll the dough into small balls (about the size of a Brussel sprout) , and place them on a lined baking tray. 
6. Place your baking tray in the middle of the oven and bake your pepernoten for 15-20 minutes.
7. Store them in an air tight container ( or eat them right away 😉) and enjoy!