A ''pepernoot'' (; plural: ''pepernoten'' ; literally, "pepper nuts") is a Dutch cookie-like confectionery, traditionally associated with the early December ''
Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas () or Sint-Nicolaas () is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. Other Dutch names for the figure include ''De Sint'' ("The Saint"), ''De Goede Sint'' ("The Good Saint") and ''De Goedheiligman'' ("The ...
'' holiday in the Netherlands and Belgium. The ingredients have some similarities with German
Pfeffernüsse
Pfeffernüsse are small spice cookies, popular as a holiday treat with Germans and ethnic Mennonites in North America. Similar cookies are made in Denmark, and The Netherlands, as well. They are called (plural, singular is ) in German, ' (s ...
.
They are light brown, square shaped, and made from the same ingredients as ''taai-taai'': rye flour, sugar and anise, and sometimes also cinnamon, and clove. They are fairly chewy, though they harden gradually when exposed to the air.
A particularly distinct custom associated with ''pepernoten'' is throwing them in handfuls through the room so children can look for them. Originally this is an ancient fertility symbol not unlike throwing rice at a marriage like a farmer sowing seeds. In ancient times, parents of newborns would place one or two carrots underneath the infant's pillow. They believed Sinterklaas would then come and bless the child by showering the infant with "pepernoten".
See also
*''
Kruidnoten
() are hard cookie-like confectioneries made of speculaas, roughly the size of a coin and shaped much like hamburger buns. They are traditionally associated with Sinterklaas and consequently commonly eaten in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Trad ...
'' are often confused with ''pepernoten''.
*
Pfeffernüsse
Pfeffernüsse are small spice cookies, popular as a holiday treat with Germans and ethnic Mennonites in North America. Similar cookies are made in Denmark, and The Netherlands, as well. They are called (plural, singular is ) in German, ' (s ...
References
External links
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Dutch confectionery
Dutch words and phrases
Sinterklaas food
{{Confection-stub