Nonnettes Spiced and Special

We make these nonnettes whenever we want a cozy, spiced treat to enjoy with tea or coffee. Nonnettes are small French gingerbread cakes, whose name means little nuns in French, dating back to the Middle Ages when they were first baked by nuns in the abbeys. Each one is filled with a spoonful of jam and drizzled with a tangy lemon glaze. That is real food for real life, humble yet special, the kind of nonnettes that turn honey, warm spices, and a hint of orange into tender little cakes perfect for a holiday table, an afternoon snack, or a sweet homemade gift.

What makes these nonnettes so good is the wonderful balance of warmth and surprise. A blend of honey and gentle baking spices brings comfort to every bite, while the hidden pocket of jam in the center adds a pleasant, fruity surprise. These nonnettes are a culinary icon in France, most famously associated with the city of Dijon, and they come together with simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, making them a charming bake worth returning to again and again.

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Small French gingerbread cakes filled with jam and finished with a lemon glaze.

Why You Will Love These Nonnettes

• They are spiced. Warm, cozy gingerbread flavor.
• They are filled. A surprise pocket of jam inside.
• They are tender. Soft, moist little cakes.
• They pair well. Lovely with tea or coffee.
• They keep well. Even better after a day or two.
• They are charming. A sweet, gift-worthy treat.

What Makes These Nonnettes So Good

It starts with the honey. Honey and dark brown sugar give these nonnettes their deep, mellow sweetness and tender, moist crumb, the heart of a good gingerbread cake.

Then come the spices. A warm French gingerbread spice blend, along with cinnamon, fills these nonnettes with cozy, aromatic flavor that feels like the holidays.

Next is the jam. A spoonful of black currant jam or orange marmalade tucked into the center gives these nonnettes their signature, fruity surprise.

Finally, the glaze ties it together. A tangy lemon glaze drizzled over the warm cakes gives these nonnettes a sweet, glossy finish with a bright citrus note.

Optional Pro Tip: Tuck the Jam In and Choose a Good Honey

The jam filling is what makes these little cakes so special, so it helps to fill them thoughtfully. After spooning the batter into the molds, make a small indentation in each and add a teaspoon of jam. If you prefer the jam fully hidden inside, add a little less batter first, place the jam, then top with a bit more batter so it bakes up completely enclosed. Either way, the jam settles into the center as the cakes bake, giving you that lovely fruity surprise in every bite.

The honey you choose also makes a real difference. Since honey is one of the main flavors here, a good-quality honey will shine through in the finished cakes. Try experimenting with different varieties over time, since each one lends its own character, and you may find you never tire of these little cakes. A mini cheesecake pan gives the prettiest shape, but a muffin pan works wonderfully too.

Tips for the Best Nonnettes

• Warm the honey mixture gently. Just until melted and smooth.
• Use a good-quality honey. Its flavor really comes through.
• Combine while warm. Pour the honey mix into the flour warm.
• Do not overfill the molds. Fill about half to two-thirds full.
• Tuck in the jam. A teaspoon in the center of each.
• Watch the bake. They are done when they spring back.
• Glaze while warm. So it soaks in and sets nicely.
• Cool in the molds. Let the glaze set before removing.
• Store airtight. They taste even better the next day.

Variations and Add Ins

These little cakes are easy to make your own. Here are a few lovely ways to vary these nonnettes.

• Try orange marmalade. A traditional, classic filling.
• Use black currant jam. For a deep, berry-rich center.
• Fill with apricot jam. A milder, fruity option.
• Try blueberry or blackberry jam. For a different twist.
• Use an orange glaze. In place of the lemon glaze.
• Add more orange zest. For extra citrus aroma.
• Lighten the texture. Use a little less rye flour.
• Adjust the spice. Add more for a bolder gingerbread flavor.
• Bake as muffins. Use a standard muffin pan.

How to Store and Make Ahead

These nonnettes are wonderful for making ahead, since their flavor only improves with a little time. They are good served right away, but they are said to be even better after resting for a day or two, as the spices meld and the crumb stays moist.

To store them, keep the cooled nonnettes in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will keep nicely for up to a week. This makes them a great option to bake in advance for a gathering or to give as a homemade gift.

If you would like to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooled cakes in an airtight container and thaw them at room temperature. The honey in the batter helps them stay tender and moist over time.

Serving Suggestions for Nonnettes

These nonnettes are a cozy, comforting treat for so many moments, which makes them a lovely thing to have on hand. They are delicious on their own, whether for an afternoon snack, a holiday dessert table, or a relaxed weekend breakfast.

They also pair beautifully with a warm drink. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, and a little butter on the side is a nice touch too.

• With a cup of tea. The classic pairing.
• With coffee. Cozy and comforting.
• For the holidays. A festive, spiced treat.
• As a gift. Packaged in a pretty tin.
• With a little butter. Spread on a split cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nonnettes?

Nonnettes are small French gingerbread cakes made with honey and spices, filled with jam, and drizzled with a lemon glaze. Their name means little nuns, and they date back to the Middle Ages. They are especially associated with the city of Dijon.

What jam should I use for the filling?

Black currant jam and orange marmalade are both traditional choices. You can also use apricot, blueberry, or blackberry jam. Pick a flavor you love, since the jam center is a big part of what makes these cakes special.

What is the spice blend made of?

The warm French gingerbread spice blend typically includes spices like ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and anise. Combined with the cinnamon in the batter, it gives these cakes their signature cozy, aromatic flavor.

Why is there rye flour in the recipe?

Rye flour is traditional in these cakes and gives them a slightly denser, heartier texture and a deeper flavor. If you prefer a lighter crumb, you can use a little less rye flour and a bit more all-purpose flour.

How do I get the jam inside the cakes?

Make an indentation in the batter and add a teaspoon of jam. For a fully hidden center, add a little less batter first, place the jam, then cover with a bit more batter. The jam settles into the middle as the cakes bake.

How do I know when they are done?

The nonnettes are ready when they are golden brown and the tops spring back when gently pressed. They bake fairly quickly, so keep an eye on them toward the end so they stay soft and moist.

When should I add the glaze?

Glaze the nonnettes while they are still warm and in their molds. Spoon the lemon glaze over each one and let it drip down the sides. As they cool in the molds, the glaze soaks in and sets into a sweet, glossy finish.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, and they are even better for it. Their flavor deepens after a day or two, so they are perfect to bake in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to enjoy them.

How long do they keep?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, nonnettes keep nicely for up to a week. The honey helps them stay moist, and you can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw them when you want one.

What pan should I use?

A mini cheesecake pan gives the prettiest classic shape, but a standard muffin pan works just as well. Be sure to butter the molds well so the glazed cakes release cleanly once they have cooled.

A Little Taste of France

Warmly spiced, tender, and filled with a sweet surprise, these nonnettes bring a little taste of French tradition to your kitchen. They come together with honey, gentle spices, and a bright lemon glaze, making them a cozy treat for the holidays or any time you want something special with your tea.

If you love warm, spiced bakes, try another favorite like our gingerbread pudding cake next. However you serve them, we hope these nonnettes bring a little warmth to your table.