Pepernoten

Pepernoten Recipe - Traditional Dutch Spiced Cookies

Region / culture: Netherlands | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15-20 minutes | Servings: 30-40

Introduction

Pepernoten are traditional Dutch spiced cookies that are typically enjoyed during the holiday season. These small, round cookies are packed with warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, giving them a deliciously festive flavor.

History

Pepernoten have been a popular treat in the Netherlands for centuries, especially during the Sinterklaas holiday season. Sinterklaas is a traditional Dutch holiday celebrated on December 5th, where children receive gifts and treats from Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus. Pepernoten are often included in the festivities and are enjoyed by both children and adults alike.

Ingredients

200 g of self raising flour
a pinch of salt
150 g of dutch syrup (stroop)
2 tsp of cinnamon powder
1 tsp of ground clove
1 tsp of ground coriander
1 tsp of ground nutmeg
0.5 tsp of ginger powder
a pinch of ground anise seed

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 160°C.
Sift the flour, salt, and spices into a bowl.
Create a hollow in the center of the mound and pour in the syrup.
Mix everything from the center and knead into a thick dough.
Place the dough in the fridge for an hour.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5 cm and shape it into small, marble-sized balls.
If you don't have an apple corer, you can use the top of a washed soda/water bottle instead.
Grease a cookie sheet or use a non-stick one, and place the 'marbles' on it.
Slightly press them down.
Put the cookie sheet in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 15 – 20 minutes, until they are done and golden brown.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Dip the baked pepernoten in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.

- Use a cookie cutter or the top of a washed soda/water bottle to shape the dough into small, marble-sized balls.

- Press the cookies down slightly before baking to help them spread out and bake evenly.

- Keep an eye on the cookies while they are baking, as they can easily burn due to their small size.

Serving Suggestions

Pepernoten are best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee during the holiday season. They can also be served as a sweet snack at holiday parties or gatherings.

Cooking Techniques

Sifting the flour and spices helps to evenly distribute them in the dough.

- Kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic will help create a tender cookie.

- Chilling the dough before rolling it out makes it easier to work with and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Dutch syrup, you can substitute with molasses or honey.

- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough for pepernoten ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply roll out the dough and bake the cookies when you're ready to enjoy them.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pepernoten on a festive platter or in a decorative tin for a charming holiday presentation. You can also package them in small bags or boxes to give as gifts to friends and family.

Pairing Recommendations

Pepernoten pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or mulled wine. They also make a delicious accompaniment to a cheese platter or charcuterie board.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store pepernoten in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If they start to lose their crispness, you can reheat them in a low oven for a few minutes to revive them.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pepernoten contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pepernoten contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pepernoten contains approximately 2 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of pepernoten contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pepernoten are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Pepernoten may contain allergens such as gluten and nuts. Be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens before consuming.

Summary

Pepernoten are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in calories and fats. However, they are high in carbohydrates due to the flour and syrup used in the recipe.

Summary

Pepernoten are a delightful Dutch holiday treat that is easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. These spiced cookies are sure to become a new favorite during the festive season. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered the recipe for Pepernoten. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the Netherlands. My mother had invited a family friend over for tea, and she brought along a tin filled with these delicious little spiced cookies. As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked.

I begged our family friend to share the recipe with me, and she kindly obliged. She explained that Pepernoten were traditionally made and enjoyed during the holiday season in the Netherlands, particularly around the time of Sinterklaas. The cookies were a symbol of warmth, togetherness, and celebration.

I carefully wrote down the recipe in my best handwriting, and I couldn't wait to try making them myself. I gathered all the ingredients - flour, butter, sugar, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of honey for sweetness. I mixed and kneaded the dough until it was smooth and fragrant with the warm spices.

Once the dough was ready, I rolled it into small balls and placed them on a baking sheet. I popped them in the oven and waited anxiously for them to bake. The sweet scent of cinnamon filled the kitchen, and I knew they were almost done.

When I pulled the Pepernoten out of the oven, they were golden brown and perfectly crisp. I couldn't resist tasting one right away, and it was just as delicious as I remembered. The warm spices danced on my tongue, and I felt a sense of nostalgia and comfort wash over me.

From that moment on, Pepernoten became a staple in our household, especially during the holiday season. I would make batch after batch, sometimes experimenting with different spices or adding a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch. Each time I made them, they brought back memories of that first taste and the joy of sharing them with loved ones.

Over the years, I learned to make Pepernoten from memory, no longer needing to consult the recipe I had written down so long ago. I would teach my own children how to make them, passing down the tradition and the recipe that had brought me so much joy.

As I grew older, I continued to make Pepernoten for family and friends, always bringing a taste of the Netherlands to wherever I went. The cookies became a symbol of my heritage and a way to connect with others through food and tradition.

Even now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, I can't help but smile at the memories that Pepernoten hold for me. They are more than just cookies - they are a reminder of the love and warmth that food can bring into our lives.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of something sweet and spiced, I encourage you to try making Pepernoten. Let the warmth of the spices and the memories they evoke fill your heart and your home. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass down the recipe to someone you love, just as I have done.