Kruidnootjes: The Tiny Biscuits with a Big Tradition

When Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands, one treat steals the show—Kruidnootjes! These small, spiced biscuits are a festive favorite enjoyed throughout the Sinterklaas season.

Kruidnootjes are tiny, crunchy bites with a delicious blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, giving them a warm, comforting flavor. They’re often enjoyed while awaiting Sinterklaas’ arrival or shared during the festivities on December 5th. Their rich taste and crispy texture make them the perfect snack for cozy winter nights.

Originating from speculaas cookies, these little biscuits have become a staple during Sinterklaas, and they’re loved by both kids and adults. Whether enjoyed with a hot drink or as part of a fun tradition—like finding them in shoes—Kruidnootjes bring joy to all.

So, grab a handful and join the celebration. Kruidnootjes are more than just biscuits—they’re a taste of tradition and festive fun! Happy Sinterklaas!

But first – If you are not lucky enough to have ready mixed speculaaskruiden on the supermarket shelves you can easily mix your own. To make the signature spice mix for Kruidnootjes, you’ll need a blend of warm, aromatic spices. This homemade spice mix can also be used in other Dutch treats like speculaas. Here’s the recipe for the traditional spice blend:

Kruidnootjes Spice Mix (Speculaaskruiden)

Ingredients

30 ml ground cinnamon (approx. 2 tablespoons)
15 ml ground nutmeg (approx. 1 tablespoon)
15 ml ground cloves (approx. 1 tablespoon)
15 ml ground ginger (approx. 1 tablespoon)
5 ml ground cardamom (approx. 1 teaspoon)
5 ml ground white pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

Directions:

Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine all the spices and stir well.
Store: Keep the spice mix in an airtight container, away from light and heat. It will stay fresh for several months.

Notes:

This blend is the key to that warm, cozy flavor that makes Kruidnootjes irresistible.
Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste if you want more of a particular spice.
You can use this spice mix in other baking recipes, such as speculaas, gingerbread cookies, or cakes.

Now you’re ready to bake your own Kruidnootjes with this perfect blend of spices!

Kruidnootjes

Makes around +/-130 tiny biscuits

Ingredients

250g Cake flour
5ml Baking powder
125g Butter, Unsalted and room temperature
1 pinch of salt
30 ml Speculaaskruiden
45ml Milk

Directions

Making the Dough
Start by mixing together all the ingredients, except for the milk. You can use a stand mixer for convenience, or simply mix everything by hand if you prefer. Next, gradually add the milk, a little at a time, and knead it into the dough. You may not need to use all the milk—just keep adding until the dough comes together. Once it’s ready, wrap the dough in cling wrap and place it in the fridge to rest for about 1 hour.

Forming the Kruidnootjes
While the dough rests, line a baking sheet with wax paper and set it aside. Once the dough has rested, pinch off small portions—about 1/4 teaspoon in size. Roll each piece into a small ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each ball, as they will spread slightly while baking. Gently flatten each cookie with your fingers, but don’t press too hard.

Now, place the baking sheet with the cookies into the fridge again while you preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Baking the Kruidnootjes
Once the oven is preheated, bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes, or until they are light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Finally, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!