Pepernoten / Kruidnoten

• Prep time: 20 mins

• Cook time: 15 mins

• Total time: 35 mins

• Servings: 6

• Country of origin: Netherlands

• Description: Crunchy, miniature button-shaped spiced cookies baked with speculaas spices, traditionally served during Sinterklaas.

• Presentation: Piled into bowls or served in paper cones during December festive celebrations.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • 2 tbsp dark speculaas spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom)

  • 3-4 tbsp milk

  • 1 pinch salt

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Combine flour, brown sugar, speculaas spices, and salt in a bowl.

  • Rub butter into dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.

  • Add milk gradually, kneading into a smooth, firm dough.

  • Roll dough into marble-sized small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Flatten each ball slightly with your thumb.

  • Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15 minutes until set; let cool completely to crisp up.

• Optional variations: Coat baked cookies in white, milk, or dark chocolate (Chocolade Kruidnoten).

• Cooking tips: Cool completely on a wire rack to achieve signature crunchy texture.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 190 kcal

  • Fat: 8g

  • Carbohydrates: 27g

  • Protein: 3g