Amy's Global Kitchen

My First Holiday Season Abroad

This year marks my first holiday season abroad, and being in the Netherlands has given me a whole new appreciation for how other cultures celebrate this magical time of year. Back home, I grew up with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and the smell of gingerbread cookies. As the chill of December settles over the Netherlands, an excitement begins to buzz through the streets, homes, and bakeries. Sinterklaas, the country’s most beloved tradition, arrives on his white horse, with his helpers (pieten), and treats. More than just a holiday, Sinterklaas is a celebration of family, warmth, and nostalgia.

Sinterklaas traces back to Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop known for his generosity. One of the most magical parts of Sinterklaas season is the intocht, the grand arrival of Sinterklaas. This festive moment kicks off weeks of excitement, parades, treats, and anticipation. On the day of his arrival, typically mid November, crowds gather along rivers, canals, and harbors to welcome him. This is one of the most watched televised events in the Netherlands and a heartwarming tradition for families. His feast day, December 5, marks pakjesavond, the evening when families exchange presents, playful poems, and creative surprises. Children leave out their shoes stuffed with carrots for the saint’s horse, hoping to wake to chocolate letters and handfuls of pepernoten. As the festivities wind down and the lights dim, nothing completes a Sinterklaas celebration quite like the comforting aroma of homemade treats. Let’s finish off the evening with two classics: warme chocolademilk and pepernoten. Wishing you and yours a warm Sinterklaas evening. May your home to be filled with coziness and sweet moments.

Pepernoten

Amy’s Global Kitchen Recipes

Pepernoten are small, spiced Dutch treats traditionally enjoyed during Sinterklaas season. Soft and slightly chewy with warm notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, they’re the perfect bite-sized snack to share with family and friends or to enjoy by the handful on a cozy winter day.

Print Recipe

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Dutch

Servings 25 cookies

Equipment

• Oven Preheat to 350 ℉ or 175℃

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• ½ tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Speculaaskruiden homemade blend: ½ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp cloves, ⅛ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ginger
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter softened
• ¼ cup Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Milk

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, speculaaskruiden, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing well. Gradually add milk until a firm, slightly sticky dough forms.
• Roll small pieces of dough into pea-sized balls and place on the baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
• Bake12–15 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.

Notes

Pepernoten are small and crunchy, perfect for snacking alongside a warm drink like warme chocolademelk.

Keyword bite sized, cookies, Sinterklaas, winter treats

Warme Chocolademelk (Dutch Hot Chocolate)

Amy’s Global Kitchen Recipes

Warme chocolademelk is a cozy, comforting drink perfect for celebrating Sinterklaas or simply warming up on a cold day. Rich, creamy, and chocolatey, it brings instant comfort and festive joy with every sip, whether enjoyed after a winter walk, by the fireplace, or shared with family and friends during the holiday season.

Print Recipe

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, Dutch

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Milk or plant-based alternative
• ¼ cup Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 2 tbsp Sugar optional, depending on your chocolate
• ½ tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Speculaaskruiden homemade blend: ½ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp cloves, ⅛ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ginger
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping

Instructions

 

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it begins to steam (do not boil).
• Stir in chocolate and sugar, whisking until completely melted and smooth.
• Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
• Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Notes

Tip: For an extra cozy touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.

Keyword Holidays, hot chocolate, warm drink