Homemade Pepernoten (Easy Holiday Recipe)🎄

There’s something magical about baking in December. If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and kid-friendly holiday treat, these homemade pepernoten are perfect. With just a few basic ingredients and no complicated steps, you can whip up a batch in minutes — and fill your home with the warm scent of spices and winter coziness.

They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the cutest activity to make with your little helpers.

Download the recipe file here.

Ingredients

• 250 g self-rising flour

• 125 g dark brown sugar

• 8 g pepernoten/speculaas spices

• 1 g salt

• 100 g cold butter, diced

• 90 ml milk (oat milk works perfectly)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.

2. In a large bowl, mix the self-rising flour, brown sugar, spices, and salt.

3. Add the cold butter and rub it into the dry mixture with your fingertips until it becomes crumbly.

4. Pour in the milk and knead until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.

   → Mixer option: Use a stand mixer with the dough hook or your Thermomix on the knead function for 30–45 seconds until the dough comes together.

5. Roll tiny pepernoten balls with your hands and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until lightly golden and your home smells like pure December magic.

   
   

Let them cool slightly (if you can wait!) and enjoy. Perfect with a hot drink, or as a sweet moment with your little ones.

Pepernoten are one of those nostalgic winter treats that instantly make a home feel warm and festive. They’re incredibly forgiving, meaning toddlers love helping with rolling the dough, and they require almost no preparation.

Lots of love,

Marie

recipe inspired by Laura's Bakery.