Get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey to the Netherlands with these irresistible Kruidnoten – tiny, spice-packed cookies that are a beloved holiday tradition. Imagine biting into a small, perfectly crisp cookie bursting with warm, aromatic spices that dance on your tongue. These little Dutch delights are not just cookies; they're a celebration of flavor, culture, and centuries-old baking traditions that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy European bakery.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Dutch
Serves: 30 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add the molasses to the melted butter and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the butter and molasses mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll into small marble-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly darker and the cookies are firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, the Kruidnoten can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Consistent size matters: Use a small cookie scoop or roll the dough into uniform marble-sized balls to ensure even baking.
- Spice is key: Don't skimp on the spices! The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg is what gives Kruidnoten their signature flavor.
- Watch the baking time carefully: These small cookies can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt, so keep a close eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.
- Storage secret: Store in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture. They actually taste better after a day or two as the spices continue to develop their flavor.
- Serving suggestion: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an authentic Dutch experience, or package them as a delightful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
