Make THICK Italian Hot Chocolate with me

Make THICK Italian Hot Chocolate with me is a easy Dutch recipe that serves 24. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Nicole Renard on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $2.52 total, $0.11 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (room temperature)
  • 1 large Egg (at room temperature)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (optional, for warm flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together the sifted flour, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cream Butter and Sugar

    Using a hand mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Add Egg and Vanilla

    Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter‑sugar mixture and beat for another 1 minute until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Chill the Dough

    Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 4°C

  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Roll and Cut Cookies

    On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4‑inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them 1‑inches apart on the prepared sheet.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Bake

    Bake the cookies for 10‑12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even coloring.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool

    Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Optional Decoration

    Once completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or dust with powdered sugar as desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
1.5 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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Make THICK Italian Hot Chocolate with me

Recipe by Nicole Renard

A classic Dutch Christmas butter cookie (kerstkoekjes) inspired by Nicole Renard's festive kitchen video. These crisp, buttery cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be decorated with icing or enjoyed plain.

EasyDutchServes 24

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
53m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.52
Total cost
$0.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes
  • Do not over‑mix when adding dry ingredients
  • Bake until edges are lightly golden, not dark

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Let the dough chill on a stable surface to prevent spills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Dutch Christmas butter cookies in Dutch holiday traditions?

A

Dutch Christmas butter cookies, known as "kerstkoekjes," have been a staple of Dutch holiday celebrations for centuries. Families traditionally bake them together, often using wooden cookie cutters that depict seasonal symbols like stars, bells, and windmills, symbolizing warmth and togetherness during the winter season.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Dutch Christmas butter cookies across the Netherlands?

A

In the northern provinces, cookies are often flavored with anise or almond extract, while in the south, a thin layer of almond paste is sandwiched between two cookies. Some regions add a hint of speculaas spice, giving the cookies a deeper, caramelized flavor.

cultural
Q

How are Dutch Christmas butter cookies traditionally served during the holiday season in the Netherlands?

A

They are typically arranged on a decorative platter alongside other treats like marzipan, speculaas, and chocolate letters. Often, a cup of warm mulled wine (glühwein) or hot chocolate is served alongside the cookies for dipping.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Dutch Christmas butter cookies associated with in Dutch culture?

A

Besides Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, these cookies are also popular during Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) celebrations in early December and are often given as homemade gifts to friends and neighbors.

cultural
Q

What makes Dutch Christmas butter cookies special compared to other European holiday cookies?

A

Their buttery, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture comes from a high butter‑to‑flour ratio and the chilling step, which is less common in many other European cookie recipes. The use of simple spice blends like cinnamon keeps the flavor classic yet distinctively Dutch.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dutch Christmas butter cookies at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which develops gluten and makes cookies tough, and skipping the chilling step, which leads to excessive spreading. Also, using melted butter instead of softened butter can cause the dough to become greasy.

technical
Q

Why does this Dutch Christmas butter cookie recipe use chilled dough instead of a quick‑mix method?

A

Chilling solidifies the butter, allowing the cookies to hold their shape and achieve a crisp edge while staying soft inside. A quick‑mix method often results in thin, flat cookies that lack the characteristic buttery bite.

technical
Q

Can I make Dutch Christmas butter cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can bake the cookies up to three days in advance and store them in an airtight tin at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies and reheat briefly before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when baking Dutch Christmas butter cookies?

A

The cookies should have a pale golden edge with a slightly glossy surface. They should be firm to the touch but give a little when pressed gently, indicating a tender interior.

technical
Q

How do I know when Dutch Christmas butter cookies are done baking?

A

When the edges turn a light golden brown and the tops are set without any wet sheen, the cookies are done. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nicole Renard specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nicole Renard focuses on home‑cooked, family‑friendly recipes with a strong emphasis on seasonal and holiday dishes, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials for cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nicole Renard's approach to Dutch holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Nicole Renard blends traditional Dutch techniques with modern convenience, often highlighting cultural stories behind each dish and providing practical tips like chilling dough and using simple pantry ingredients, which sets her apart from channels that focus solely on flashy presentation.

channel

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