A shop in Groningen dedicated exclusively to a beloved seasonal treat – pepernoten – will be open for business again this year starting on Thursday.
Translation by Traci White
On the Brugstraat in the heart of Groningen, Van Delft Pepernotenfabriek will open its doors once again. The biggest pepernoten producer in the Netherlands, Van Delft has 33 franchises across the country, including locations in Emmen and Leeuwarden which will start selling the seasonal sweets in the coming weeks.
Pepernoten or kruidnoten are a typical Dutch treat which is eaten in the days around Sinterklaas in December: they are often handed out during various parades celebrating Sinterklaas’ arrival across the country.
Cardamom and white pepper
The traditional flavour of the pepernoten is speculoos, which is usually a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom and white pepper. But the Groninger Internet Courant reports that the Pepernotenwinkel features a mind-boggling range of different flavours and coatings, including limoncello and caramel/sea salt and others reminiscent of Dutch treats like stroopwafel, taai taai, bitterkoekjes, tompouce and apple pie.
Seeing pepernoten for sale in shops often evokes mixed emotions in many Dutch consumers. Depending on who you ask, spotting the tiny cookies on the shelves is either cause for celebration, a dismaying sign of the commercialisation of the holiday season, or undeniable proof that summer is definitely over.