How to Make Kruidnoten: The Ultimate Guide to Dutch Spice Cookies

Kruidnoten, those tiny, crunchy, spiced cookies, are practically synonymous with the festive Sinterklaas season in the Netherlands. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wafting through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy Dutch home celebrating this special time. And the best part? These little bites of joy are surprisingly easy to make at home!

Whether you’re looking to recreate childhood memories, add a touch of Dutch tradition to your holiday season, or simply crave a delicious and unique cookie, this guide will equip you with everything you need to bake a batch of perfect kruidnoten. Let’s get started!

Unveiling the Flavors: Ingredients You’ll Need

To embark on this delicious journey, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples:

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 125g (1/2 cup) packed light brown sugar
• 125g (1 stick + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons milk
• Optional: 1 tablespoon speculaas spice (for an extra flavor boost!)

Pro-tip from Oma Elsje: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to embrace the authentic Dutch flavor, seek out “speculaas spice” online or at specialty stores. This unique blend of spices adds a warm and fragrant depth to your kruidnoten.

Gathering Your Baking Arsenal: Tools of the Trade

Besides the ingredients, here’s what you’ll need to bring your kruidnoten to life:

• 2 large mixing bowls
• A wooden spoon or electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack (for cooling)

From Dough to Delight: The Kruidnoten Baking Process

Now comes the fun part – transforming these simple ingredients into irresistible cookies!

Step 1: Creating the Flavor Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Cream them together using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Once your butter-sugar mixture is airy, beat in the milk until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Infusing the Spice Magic

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – tough cookies are no fun!

Step 3: Shaping and Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut. You can also roll the dough into a log and slice it into rounds for more uniform cookies.

3. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen.