Pepernoten

Pepernoten are traditional Dutch cookies associated with the Sinterklaas holiday season. They are typically baked and eaten in the weeks leading up to December 5, and are commonly shared with family and friends as part of the festive gift giving. The name pepernoot (singular) or pepernoten (plural) derives from pepper and nut, reflecting the spiced dough used in many recipes. The exact origins are unclear, but pepernoten have long been a familiar treat in the Netherlands.

Typical ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs, with a spice blend that commonly features cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and anise; some recipes add cardamom or white pepper. The dough is formed into small, irregular pieces and baked until pale brown. The resulting texture is soft and crumbly, with a warm, aromatic flavor that deepens over a few days.

Pepernoten are often contrasted with kruidnoten, another Sinterklaas cookie. Kruidnoten are smaller, rounder, and crisper, while pepernoten tend to be looser in shape and softer in texture. In practice, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably in shops and households during the holiday season.

Culturally, pepernoten are distributed to children and appear in gift baskets and holiday assortments. They store well in airtight containers for several days to a couple of weeks, depending on humidity. Variants exist, including vegan and gluten-free versions, as well as home-baked adaptations with different spice blends.