Dutch Holiday Treats
Speculaas, Kruidnoten, Oliebollen and More
Dutch Holiday Treats
Every country has unique treats at the holidays and the Netherlands is no different. They do holiday sweets big and delicious! It’s been fun trying new things and introducing them to visiting guests. The list is much longer than we have covered here but here are some of the most popular:
Want the full Christmas in Europe mood?
Listen to our Christmas Markets episode while you try all of these sugary treats.
Speculaas
This is a crispy biscuit baked with many spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger and cardamon. They can vary in sweetness, size and shape but always a nice treat. For adults, there is a delicious speculaas dessert liquor that is worth a try.
Kruidnoten
A personal holiday favorite. They are tiny coin shaped biscuit cookies. You can buy them in virtually any flavor, from stroopwafel to cookies and cream. They have temporary stores that just sell the different flavors at holiday time. I have yet to meet a flavor I didn’t love.
Chocolate letters
Sinterklas is the Dutch version of Santa Claus. Back in the 19th century, when Sinterklas would leave gifts for the children marked with their initial. This then moved into edible letters and a seasonal treat. The letters run the gamut from simple chocolate letter to elaborate chocolate masterpiece.
Pepernoten
These are a tiny bit similar to kruidnoten in that they are a small biscuit but these are more peppery and full of anise. I feel like there is a touch of licorice as well. They are a bit chewy and more shaped like a cube of bread.
Advocaat
Liqueur made of egg yolks, sugar, vanilla and brandy. Rich and creamy almost custard like. I feel like it is a good twist on eggnog. Top it with a bit of whipped cream and call it dessert!
Oliebollen
The tradition is to eat them one of the pop up trucks that suddenly appear all over the Netherlands in November. Oliebollen is deep fried dough balls often with apples or raisins and dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy hot while standing in the cold at the side of the truck.
The name literally translates to OIL BALL. They are so good!
Planning More Food and Drink Fun?
Explore more seasonal recipes, cocktails and stories to keep the holiday spirit going.
Fall Drinks Guide → Cozy cocktails, spiced spritzes, and easy recipes for chilly nights.
Mulled Wine → Straight from the European markets to your kitchen.
Spritz Guide → From Aperol to apple cider, find your signature fall spritz (and how to serve it right).