Traditional Dutch Spice Cookies
These traditional Dutch Spice Cookies, also known as Pepernoten, are a delightful treat especially popular during the festive celebration of Sinterklaas on December 5th. Originating from the Netherlands and rooted in family traditions, these cookies are made by crafting small marble-sized dough balls, baked until golden, and mixed with sweet candies. This particular recipe is derived from the cherished community cookbook "Cooking on Clogs." The blend of warm spices gives these cookies their characteristic flavor, reminiscent of the beloved Dutch holiday treats.
50
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
50 g (softened)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup
White sugar
1/2 cup
Milk
1 tablespoon
Self-raising flour
1 cup
Ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon
Ground cloves
1 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Ground aniseed
1/2 teaspoon
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add your chosen spice mix (or the specified blend of individual spices) to the creamed mixture and mix well until the spices are fully incorporated.
4
Gradually add the self-raising flour and milk, mixing until a smooth, slightly firm dough forms.
5
Pinch off small marble-sized pieces of dough and roll them into balls between your palms.
6
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving a small amount of space between each one.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cookies are a light golden brown.
8
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before pairing them with hard, sugary candy if desired, or serving them as they are.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Traditional Dutch Spice Cookies?
Also known as Pepernoten, these are a festive Dutch treat made of small, marble-sized spiced dough balls.
When are Pepernoten traditionally served?
They are a staple of the Sinterklaas celebration in the Netherlands, held on December 5th.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe is derived from the community cookbook titled "Cooking on Clogs."
How many cookies does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 50 servings/cookies.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 160°C (320°F).
What type of flour should I use?
You should use 1 cup of self-raising flour.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
You will need 50g of softened butter.
What sugars are used in Dutch Spice Cookies?
The recipe calls for a combination of 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup white sugar.
What spices give Pepernoten their characteristic flavor?
The spice blend includes nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, aniseed, and ginger.
How much cinnamon is included in the mix?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What amount of ground nutmeg is needed?
Use 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much ground cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
What is the measurement for ground aniseed?
You should add 1/2 teaspoon of ground aniseed.
How much ginger is added to the dough?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much milk is needed?
Use 1 tablespoon of milk to help form the dough.
How do I prepare the baking tray?
Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
When should the spices be added?
Add the spice mix to the creamed butter and sugar mixture before adding the flour and milk.
What should the consistency of the dough be?
The dough should be smooth and slightly firm.
How do I shape the Pepernoten?
Pinch off small marble-sized pieces and roll them into balls between your palms.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake them for 10-15 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
They should be a light golden brown color.
Where should I cool the cookies?
Allow them to cool on a wire rack after removing them from the oven.
What is a common way to serve these cookies?
They are often paired with hard, sugary candies or served on their own.
Is this a vegan recipe?
As written, it contains butter and milk, so it is not vegan.
Can I use a pre-made spice mix?
Yes, you can use a pre-made Dutch speculaas spice mix or the individual spices listed.
What size should the dough balls be on the tray?
They should be the size of small marbles.
Should there be space between the cookies on the tray?
Yes, leave a small amount of space between each dough ball for even baking.
What category of food are these cookies?
They fall under the dessert and snack categories.
Is the butter melted or softened?
The butter should be softened for the creaming process, not melted.