Pepernoten (Little Dutch Spice Cookies)

 

With both our parents having been born in Holland, we have a fairly strong Dutch heritage.  Not that we necessarily speak much Dutch, but we definitely enjoy the food!  Dutch Christmas happens on December 5, when Sinter Klaas and Swaarte Piet come to the houses.  Children leave their shoes out with a carrot or apple for his horse, and in the morning, will find a small gift, and possibly some candies and cookies, like these Pepernoten.

We would make these every year growing up.  They make the house smell delicious while baking, and can be quite addictive to eat!

 Ingredients:
1 c. corn syrup
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. shortening (you may want to increase this slightly if you don't want the cookies to be too hard)
3 c. flour
2 tsp.each of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice
1/2 tsp. baking powder

1. In a saucepan, melt syrup, shortening and sugar.

2. In a bowl, combine flour and remaining ingredients.  Add the syrup mixture and mix well.  Let cool for at least an hour. Mixture will become fairly solid.

3. Take a chunk of dough (I had to use my ice cream scoop, since it was pretty solid), mould it in your hand, roll it long and thin (about a half an inch across).    

Cut small slices (1/8 inch?) and place on cookie sheet - you will get a LOT.

 

 

Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes until light golden colour. Let cool a few minutes on tray before taking off.



 

They can be somewhat hard and crunchy sometimes, but delicious nonetheless! 

 

 

Here's a fun little song that children would sing!

Sinterklaas Kapoentje,

Gooi wat in mijn schoentje,

Gooi wat in mijn laarsje,

Dank je Sinterklaasje!

 (translation)

"Saint Nicolas Little Rascal,

Put something in my little shoe,

Put something in my little boot,

Thank you little Saint Nicolas!"