A Dictionary of Dutchness

Pepernoten

Pepernoten are small round ginger nut biscuits traditionally handed (or thrown) around in the run up to the Sinterklaas celebrations on December 5, usually by St Nicholas’ Zwarte Piet helpers. Some say the biscuits are an ancient fertility symbol, others say they refer to the money that St Nicholas gave to three girls too poor for a dowry. Cinnamon, ginger and cloves are essential ingredients, other recipes also include nutmeg, aniseed and cardamom.