pepernoot

Pepernoot is a traditional Dutch spiced cookie closely associated with the Sinterklaas festive season. It is typically small and round, pale brown in color, and eaten during the weeks leading up to December 5, Pakjesavond, when gifts are exchanged.

The term pepernoot translates to “pepper nut” in Dutch, though the flavor is not defined by pepper alone. Pepernoten belong to the broader family of spiced cookies related to speculaas. The exact origins are not clear, but the cookies have long been part of Low Countries baking and are strongly linked to Sinterklaas celebrations.

Ingredients and texture vary by recipe, but standard dough often includes flour (frequently rye or a rye–wheat mix), brown sugar or syrup, butter, and eggs, along with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom (sometimes with anise or white pepper). The dough is formed into small balls and baked briefly. Pepernoten are typically soft and chewy when fresh, and they harden as they stale. By contrast, kruidnoten are crunchier, and both terms are sometimes used interchangeably in modern shops.

Variants and production: Commercial pepernoten are widely sold in supermarkets during the Sinterklaas season. Many people bake them at home, adapting spice blends and sweetness levels. Some modern versions are vegan or dairy-free, and in contemporary markets they may be coated with chocolate or sugar for variety.

Cultural context: Pepernoten are commonly offered to children during the Dutch and Belgian Sinterklaas celebrations, reflecting the tradition of gift-giving and seasonal treats that characterize the holiday.