DELICIOUSLY DUTCH! PEPERNOTEN

Pepernoten are an important part of the Sinterklaas celebration in the Netherlands and help make the winter season feel festive and cosy. Many people use the word pepernoten when talking about the small, round biscuits known as kruidnoten, but the original pepernoot actually looks very different.

Both treats have a long history and are enjoyed in large quantities during November and December. You can already find them in Dutch shops from September onwards, often in many different flavours and varieties. However, the traditional recipes and the connection to Sinterklaas remain the most important part of the tradition.

Dutch Pepernoten - Learn more about this Dutch biscuit

What are pepernoten & KRUIDNOTEN?

The original pepernoot has an irregular, block-like shape and a soft, chewy texture. It has a mildly sweet and spicy flavour thanks to ingredients such as rye flour, honey and aniseed. This gives the pepernoot a warm and traditional character that reflects old Dutch baking traditions.

What many people today call "pepernoten" are actually kruidnoten. These small, round and crunchy biscuits are made with traditional speculaas spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Their crispy texture and distinctive flavour have made them extremely popular throughout the Netherlands.

Alongside the traditional version, you can now find many different varieties, including chocolate-coated kruidnoten, caramel sea salt kruidnoten and even truffle-flavoured kruidnoten. Together, both pepernoten and kruidnoten remain a much-loved part of the Sinterklaas season and an important part of Dutch food culture.

Woordenschat

Become a Pepernoten expert by learning these Dutch words!

Dutch	English
De lekkernij	The delicacy / the candy
De smaak	The taste
De geschiedenis	The history
De sfeer	The atmosphere
Onregelmatig	Irregular
Taai	Tough / Chewy
De kruiden	The spices
Kruidig	Spicy / Spiced
Knapperig	Crispy / Crunchy
De kruiden	The spices
De oorsprong	The origin
De Middeleeuwen	The Middle Ages
De specerij	The spice
Het kaneel	The cinnamon
De kruidnagel	The clove
De noodmuskaat	The nutmeg
De specerij	The spice
Het geluk	The luck
De overvloed	The abundance
Strooien	To scatter

The history of pepernoten

The origins of pepernoten can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when expensive spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg gradually arrived in the Netherlands through international trade. Bakers began experimenting with these new ingredients and created a spiced dough made with honey. This is believed to be the earliest version of the pepernoot.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, pepernoten became closely connected to the Sinterklaas celebration. Helpers of Saint Nicholas would throw pepernoten to children, a tradition that symbolised generosity, good fortune and kindness.

The original pepernoot developed relatively early, while the round and crunchy kruidnoot appeared much later. Because many people refer to both as "pepernoten", the two are often confused. Despite this, they each have their own flavour, history and character, and both remain an essential part of the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition.

HOW ARE PEPERNOTEN MADE?

Pepernoten and kruidnoten are some of the most popular Dutch festive treats. Watch the video below to discover how these traditional Sinterklaas biscuits are made and learn more about an important Dutch winter tradition.

Ingredients

Want to make your own Pepernoten? You'll need these ingredients

Dutch	English
De fabriek	The factory
Het deeg	The dough
Het vet	The fat
Het meel	The flour
De witte suiker	The white sugar
De basterdsuiker	The brown sugar
De speculaaskruiden	The speculas spices
Het noodmuskaat	The nutmeg
Het kaneel	The cinnamon
Het bakpoeder	The baking powder
Het snufje zout	The pinch of salt

Dutch Speculaas spices

Make Your Own!
Pepernoten Phone Grip

Show your Love for Pepernoten
The Pepernoten Plan (Bi-lingual story book for learners)

Perfect for learning Dutch