St. Nicolaas Koekjes(Santa Claus Cookies)
Santa Claus Cookies are festive, spiced treats with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings and to delight both kids and adults with their crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift flour with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with sour cream to the creamed mixture.
- Mix in chopped nuts.
- Knead the dough together well.
- Shape the dough into a loaf.
- Wrap in waxed paper and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch slices.
- Bake in a hot oven at 400°F until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If you prefer a different flavor profile, consider substituting some of the cinnamon with cardamom or using different nuts like pecans or walnuts. The dough can also be flavored with vanilla extract for added depth. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the cookies tough.
Serving Suggestions
These St. Nicolaas Koekjes are delightful enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a cheese platter or pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great gift when packaged in decorative boxes. For more holiday treats, browse more American recipes that capture the spirit of the season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced dough before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of St. Nicolaas Koekjes(Santa Claus Cookies) contains roughly 1740 calories, with 20g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (198% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Butter provides a rich taste and helps achieve the desired fluffiness. If you are looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based butter substitute instead.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk, which will provide similar moisture and acidity. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and milk can also work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven and the thickness of the slices.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).