Taai Taai is a traditional Dutch cookie that holds a special place in the celebrations of Sinterklaas, one of the most cherished holidays in the Netherlands. These cookies, made from a spiced dough with ingredients like honey and anise, have a uniquely chewy and dense texture, hence their name, which literally means “tough tough.” While they may not be the easiest treat to bite into, they are packed with nostalgic flavors and festive charm. Just be warned: if your children have loose teeth, these cookies might just speed up a visit from the tooth fairy!
Nerissa, Reservations Manager
Ingredients
250g flour
100g honey
1 tablespoon syrup
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground aniseed
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Steps
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees.
- Warm the honey in a pan and stir in the syrup. Remove from heat.
- Put the dry ingredients into the mix.
- Knead until it is quite stiff and roll out.
- Use a gingerbread man cutter to make dolls from the dough and place on a greaseproof paper lined baking tray.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until light golden brown.
[…] we celebrate Sinterklaas, which is the Dutch celebration of St Nicholas. I cook Pepernoten and Taai Taai, traditional Dutch treats that our little ones love. On the night of 5 December the children […]