Sinterklaas - A Tasty Dutch Tradition You Can Make Yourself

We love this Dutch tradition of gifting chocolate letters to family and friends in the lead-up to Christmas. 

The custom marks the Dutch holiday known as Sinterklaas on 6 December. 

Who is Sinterklaas

Sinterklass is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.

The feast of Sinterklaas is celebrated with the giving of gifts on St. Nicholas' Eve (5 December) in the Netherlands and on the morning of 6 December, Saint Nicholas Day, in Belgium, Luxembourg, and northern France.

Before going to bed, children each leave a single shoe next to the fireplace or a door, with a carrot for Sinterklaas' horse. 

The next day they find little gifts left by Sinteklauss. Traditional treats include mandarins and oranges, baked pastry letters and more recently chocolate letters. 

The letters correspond to the first letter of each child’s name. They’re made from dark, milk or white chocolate, sometimes with hazelnuts or fruit & nut. They can be decorated or plain. The letters are also given as gifts to friends, colleagues and family members.

Make your own chocolate letters 

It’s easy to make your own chocolate letters using DrinksPlinks ice cube letter trays. Our moulds are made from food-grade silicone and are safe for baking, chocolate, desserts and confectionery.  

• Make chocolate letters and give them to family and friends to start your own Christmas tradition
• Use the letters as place cards for each guest on the Christmas table
• Chocolate letters make the perfect hostess gift when you’re visiting friends and family (all year round) 

You’ll need 

White, milk or dark chocolate (or chocolate melts)

The quantity will depend on how many letters you’re making (and how thick you make each letter)

DrinksPlinks moulds in the letters of choice 

To Make

1. Break up or chop the chocolate it into small pieces
2. Place the chocolate into a dry jug or microwave-safe bowl. (Ensure your bowl or cup is perfectly dry because if chocolate comes into contact with any moisture it will seize, and you'll need to start again)
3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir
4. Continue to microwave the chocolate in short bursts, stirring each time until the chocolate is melted
5. Pour the melted chocolate into DrinksPlinks ice tray moulds 
6. Add nuts, sprinkles, or freeze-dried raspberries to decorate, or leave plain
7. Leave the chocolate to set for a couple of hours (pop the moulds in the fridge if it’s warm where you live)
8. Unmould the letters and wrap for gifting