Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (2024)

by Chef Mireille 20 Comments

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Last Updated on December 4, 2019 by Chef Mireille

Dutch Kerstkransjes Recipe wreath is a traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie recipe where wreath shaped cookies are hung on the Christmas Tree, so that they double as ornaments.

If you have young children, making these cookies will be a day of great fun as they cut out these cookies and thread the ribbons to hang on the Christmas Tree. And don’t forget to join my Kid’s Korner!

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Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, but it’s also a time to get together with your loved ones and enjoy delicious food! For centuries, Dutch families have been making their own special recipes for festive treats like these old-fashioned cookies called kerstkransjes and Jan Hagel Cookies. These cookies are absolutely essential for the Christmas Season in the Netherlands.

Check out how easy it is to make these delicious traditional Dutch Christmas Cookies we call Kerstkransjes – or little Christmas wreaths when translated.

Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (1)

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My mom’s family is from the Dutch Caribbean and I have a lot of family who have migrated to the Netherlands from Aruba, Curacao and Suriname. I now have 3 generations of Dutch relatives and much of my family is as Dutch as they are Antillean.Due to my Dutch background, I have several other Dutch Recipe here you might like to try!

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Cookies are a great gift to give to your kids’ teachers. Let your kids help you bake the cookies to teach them to show appreciation for everything their teachers do all year long for them. Here in America, teachers are some of the most overworked and underpaid people and I am sure they will love these hand made gifts from the heart.

Let’s try to avoid consumerism this holiday season which is polluting our planet more and more every year and instead give an edible gift that will happily go into somebody’s tummy instead of a landfill.

Christmas Season in the Netherlands

I have been visiting the Netherlands since I was a child. Although I usually visit during the summer, one year I was there during the Christmas time holiday season. It is such a festive time of year and one of the nicest seasons to visit the Netherlands.

Strolling through Amsterdam’s Christmas markets in freezing temperatures as we take hot chocolate breaks in cafés every ½ hour. Watching fireworks and eating lots of Oliebollen (Dutch Fruit Doughnuts) on New Year’s Eve. Ice skating on the canals that irrigate the farm land in rural areas and warming up afterwards with glasses of Gluhwein (warm spiced wine). These are just some of the reasons to visit the Netherlands during the holiday season.

I am always staying with family when I visit. They are spread throughout the entire country, allowing me to visit different areas and never have to pay for hotel. Aren’t I lucky!!!

We mostly eat Antillean or Surinamese food at home, so I rarely eat Dutch food. The exception is desserts. In the Netherlands, lunch is the heaviest meal of the day. Dinner is a lighter affair eaten in the early evening and usually about 1-2 hours after dinner, there is always an evening snack.

Tea or coffee with some kind of dessert like apple pie, carrot cake, sweet bread, cookies are the usual evening snacks. There is always an assortment to choose from that was purchased from the local bakery. If nothing else, then there is always bread with jam and cheese!

Kerstkransjes are traditionally cut into the shape of Christmas wreaths and then they are hung with ribbons on Christmas trees. Of course, we only hang the cookies on Christmas Day itself and people will eat the cookies right off the tree. You don’t want to put the cookies on the tree in advance for the cookies to become stale.

How to Make the Little Christmas Wreath Cookies

There are different tools you can use to cut out the wreath shapes if you don’t have a wreath cookie cutter.

  • You can use a glass for the wreath shape and use the cap of a water bottle for the middle.
  • You can also use the end of an apple corer for the middle.

Not only are these delicious cookies, but also edible ornaments!

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These cookies are not overly sweet and have just enough sweetness to compliment a cup of tea perfectly.

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Now I know you can’t wait to make these traditional Dutch Christmas Cookies, so it’s time to check the pantry and make sure you have everything you need.

Ingredients

  • all purpose flour
  • salt
  • sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • lemon extract (or lemon zest)
  • almond essence
  • egg
  • butter
  • milk
  • sliced almonds

How to Make Kerstkransjes

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
  • Using a pastry blender, cut the cold butter into the flour.
  • Add the egg and the flavorings.
  • Add the milk a little at a time.
  • As soon as the dough starts to come together, knead it by hand and add the additional milk, if necessary.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Now you cut out the cookies into wreath shapes, using a smaller cookie cutter for the middle of each biscuit to make the hole for the ribbon.
  • Brush the cookies with egg wash.
  • Sprinkle sugar and sliced almonds on top.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cookies are set.
  • Let them cool completely.
  • Now string them onto long pieces of ribbon and tie them on the Christmas tree.

This year, the candy canes won’t be the only edible ornaments on the tree.

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Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (6)

Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (7)

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Kerstkransjes – Dutch Christmas Cookies

Kerstkransjes – Dutch Christmas Cookies are traditionally hung on Christmas trees as edible ornaments. Make a fabulous edible holiday gift!

Prep Time45 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: Dutch

Servings: 32 cookies

Calories: 65kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon extract or 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon almond essence
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup cold butter
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • Topping Ingredients:
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons sliced almonds

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon extract and almond essence.

  • Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles small peas.

  • Add egg and mix well for 2-3 minutes.

  • Add milk a little at a time.

  • As soon as it starts to come together (after about 4 tablespoons of the milk), knead it by hand and add the additional milk, if necessary.

  • Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.

  • Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray with non stick spray.

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about ¼” thick.

  • Using a large and a small cookie cutter of the same shape, cut out cookies.

    Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (8)

  • Transfer cookies to cookie sheets.

  • Keep on re rolling the excess dough until all of the dough has been utilized.

  • In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water.

  • Brush the cookies with the egg wash.

  • Sprinkle sugar on top of the cookies.

  • Distribute sliced almonds on top of the cookie cutouts.

    Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (9)

  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until cookies feel set.

  • Let cool completely before removing from tray.

  • Tie with ribbons and hang on the Christmas tree.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below.Please follow me on Instagram @chefmireille or tag me #chefmireille with your pics! I’d love to share them!

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About Chef Mireille

CHEF MIREILLE - AUTHOR, RECIPE DEVELOPER AND PHOTOGRAPHER FOR Global Kitchen Travels
***
Chef Mireille is a NYC based freelance chef instructor and food photographer. Due to her very diverse family background, she was able to travel and learn about global cultures and flavors from a young age. Her passion for culture, cooking, history and education had made her an expert on developing traditional globally inspired recipes & delicious fusion cuisine.
Her extensive travel history provides a plethora of background information and Travel Tips!

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Comments

  1. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (11)Amara Annapaneni

    Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (12)
    Delicious cookies Mir, Dutch Cookies are so rich and flavourful.

    Reply

  2. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (14)Srivalli Jetti

    Wow you surely know how to write interesting stuff about the food you cook and the places you travel! having such a huge family really makes up for an interesting adventure..these cookies are looking so good Mir, thanks for sharing the history behind these cookies..

    Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (15)Chef Mireille

      yes I am very lucky to come from such a large international family

      Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (16)Preeti Shridhar

      Very interesting recipe. I am gonna try it for this Christmas. Loved reading the whole article.

      Reply

      • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (17)Chef Mireille

        So glad you enjoyed it. I am sure you will love these Christmas cookies!

        Reply

  3. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (18)Saraswathi Tharagaram

    Rich and cute cookies! definitely Kids love to help both in cutting out the cookies as well hanging them on the Christmas tree!

    Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (19)Chef Mireille

      yes its a fun activity for the kids

      Reply

  4. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (20)Sushma Pinjala

    Cookies look super delicious Mir, lovely shape you have given them. Amazing flavors you have added.

    Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (21)Chef Mireille

      thank you – they are definitely the perfect shaped Christmas cookies 🙂

      Reply

  5. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (22)Harini Rupanagudi

    Wow! Love the multi-cultural, multi-national heritage you are lucky to hail from. These cookies look stunning and would love to grab those cute ornaments 🙂

    Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (23)Chef Mireille

      yes I love being from so many different cultures!

      Reply

  6. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (24)Pavani

    Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (25)
    Beautiful Dutch cookies Mir. Loved reading the post and learning about the Dutch traditions. I would love to eat those cookies try off the tree 🙂

    Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (26)Chef Mireille

      yes it definitely is fun to do!

      Reply

  7. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (27)Vaishali Sabnani

    The cookies look so festive , loved their shape , it surely looks like a wreath ! Awesome – and as usual your write up is so informative .

    Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (28)Chef Mireille

      thanks I am happy you like the intros as much as the recipes

      Reply

  8. Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (29)Nan

    Yes, I’m back again! Your ingredient Almond essence ia not familiar to me. Can I use regular Almond Extract instead? Thanks! Making these this week. Unfortunately, because of Covid, I have no taste or smell, but everyone else will benefit! Thanks again for sharing!!Q

    Reply

    • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (30)Chef Mireille

      almond extract/almond essence is the same thing. Depending upon the brand, they label it differently.

      Reply

      • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (31)Nan Free

        Thanks for responding! Can’t wait to make these yummy cookies this week!
        Have a great holiday!

        Reply

        • Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (32)Chef Mireille

          Absolutely. Sure you are going to love them.

          Reply

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Dutch Kerstkransjes – How to make Traditional Dutch Christmas Cookie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular cookie in the Netherlands? ›

There is one thing that everyone must try. And those are the Dutch Stroopwafel. These cookies were made in Gouda for the first time and have since evolved to be a world-renowned cookie.

What do the Dutch eat for Christmas? ›

Dutch Christmas dinners usually consist of venison, goose, hare, or turkey with plenty of vegetables and Kerstbrood (Christmas bread). The Dutch also celebrate by eating gourmetten, a hot plate on which diners place a set of mini pans containing their choice of meat or vegetables.

What do Dutch people call cookies? ›

Across the world, cookies are now known by several names. The word originally came from the Dutch word keojke, which means "little cakes." The Scottish now know them as sweet buns, and the English call them biscuits. No matter what you call them, they're little bites of sweet heaven.

What was the first Christmas cookie? ›

History. Modern Christmas cookies can trace their history to recipes from Medieval Europe biscuits, when many modern ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, almonds and dried fruit were introduced into the west.

What is the oldest cookie in the world? ›

Pizzelles are the oldest known cookie and originated in the mid-section of Italy. They were made many years ago for the “Festival of the Snakes” also known as the “Feast Day of San Domenico”.

What is the number one cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

What are typical Dutch Christmas sweets? ›

Dutch Christmas foods
  • Speculaas, St. Nicholas cookies, Windmill cookies. ...
  • Oliebollen (Dutch Doughnuts) Oliebollen (Dutch Doughnuts) ...
  • Jan Hagel: A Dutch Christmas Cookie. Jan Hagel: A Dutch Christmas Cookie. ...
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  • Grandma's Banket.

What is Dutch Christmas called? ›

This is the celebration where children are transformed into Kings and Queens and honored as the bringers of the light at the darkest time of year. The tradition of Sinterklaas comes all the way from the Netherlands, brought by Dutch settlers who arrived in Rhinebeck over 300 years ago.

What do they call Santa in Netherlands? ›

Sinterklaas (Dutch: [ˌsɪntərˈklaːs]) or Sint-Nicolaas ( Dutch: [sɪnt ˈnikoːlaːs]) is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children.

What is a Dutch girl called? ›

[ duhch-woom-uhn ] show ipa. noun,plural Dutch·wom·en. a female native or inhabitant of the Netherlands; a woman of Dutch ancestry.

What are sprinkles called in Dutch? ›

In the Netherlands, hagelslag refers to small pieces of confectionery, similar to sprinkles, that are used as a topping for buttered bread.

What do the Dutch call chocolate sprinkles? ›

Hagelslag (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɦaːɣəlˌslɑx]) are small, oblong, sweet-tasting chocolate granules, which are sprinkled on slices of buttered bread or rusks.

How early to start Christmas cookies? ›

You'll find that most of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes can be made anywhere from a month to six months before the 25th of December. (Consult this handy how-to guide to the matter.) Generally, most recipes will be best if baked and then frozen.

What cookie was not invented until 1938? ›

It wasn't until very recently, around 1938, that chocolate chip cookies were first invented. Unlike a lot of other things, the chocolate chip cookie was not invented by accident. During the 1930s, a chef named Ruth Graves Wakefield decided to give something different to her customers.

What is one type of cookie Amsterdam? ›

At Van Stapele Koekmakerij we sell only one type of cookie. The famous Van Stapele cookie is made of a dark chocolate dough with a delicious white chocolate filling. The cookie is crisp around the edges, but soft and gooey on the inside.

What are the cookies in Amsterdam? ›

Do a simple Google search of “Amsterdam Cookies” and you'll be flooded with mouth-watering pictures of dark chocolate cookies filled with milk chocolate chips and a white chocolate center.

What is the most popular cookie? ›

Chocolate chip cookies

What is the most popular type of cookie? It might just be this one. Ever the crowd-pleaser, the chocolate chip cookie is renowned for its balance of richness and sweetness.

What is Europe's favorite cookie? ›

Europe's Favorite Cookie with CoffeeSince 1932, Biscoff® cookies have been Europe's coffee break favorite. Delectably crunchy, with a simple, yet refined flavor, Biscoff cookies are perfect for taking the timeout that you deserve.

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