As Saint Nicholas’ Eve and Day approach, Dutch homes fill with joyful traditions and delicious scents. Children leave shoes by the fireplace, hoping for candy from Sinterklaas, with perhaps a carrot for his loyal horse. December 5th, the eve of Saint Nicholas, is the main night for gifts, but it’s also a time to indulge in the season’s iconic treats. Curious about what Dutch Christmas treats are on the menu? Here are 5 you won’t want to miss!
Jan Hagel: A Dutch Christmas Cookie
Jan Hagel cookies, or koekjes, are a beloved holiday treat. The Dutch have enjoyed it for generations and generations. They top these delicate shortbread cookies with crunchy nuts and sprinkled with coarse sugar. They are an absolutely delicious mix of buttery flavor and festive cinnamon spice. With a history dating back to the 18th century, Jan Hagel remains a staple of Dutch Christmas traditions, cherished for its crisp texture and nostalgic charm.
Kerststol: Dutch Christmas Bread
Try Kerststol, a festive Dutch bread filled with dried fruits, zesty citrus, and a hint of spice. It is a yeast-based loaf, often enriched with nuts and crystallized ginger. Plus, it’s extra special with a log of almond paste tucked inside, creating a rich, sweet center. Once baked, you dust it with powdered sugar and slice it thick to enjoy with a spread of butter. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
St. Nicholas Speculaas Cookies
Speculaas cookies, traditionally enjoyed on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, are a spiced Dutch treat dating back to the 17th century. Made with a warm blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and even a touch of pepper, these biscuits capture the essence of the holiday season. Known internationally as “windmill cookies” due to their iconic shape, speculaas are also molded into festive designs, adding a touch of artistry to their rich, aromatic flavor—a true Dutch classic for the holidays.
Kruidnoten: Sinterklaas’ Spiced Treats
Kruidnoten are bite-sized, spiced treats that Sinterklaas is known to scatter to eager children during the holiday season. With a flavor similar to gingerbread, thanks to a blend of warm spices, these crunchy little morsels are endlessly snackable. Packed with festive flavor, kruidnoten are so addictive that it’s hard to enjoy just one—they’re one of our favorite Dutch Christmas treats for a reason!
Oliebollen: Dutch Doughnuts
Oliebollen, or “oil balls,” are a quintessential Dutch treat, especially popular during the winter months and holiday festivities. These golden, fluffy doughnuts are fried to perfection. Then, they’re dusted with a thick layer of powdered sugar, giving them a deliciously sweet finish. Often mixed with raisins or currants for added flavor, oliebollen are sold at food stalls across the Netherlands, where they offer a warm, comforting bite to enjoy on chilly December days—a true seasonal delight!