Cookies
Cookies are so Dutch that even their very name comes from the Dutch word 'koekje'. In this section, I will be looking at all kinds of Dutch cookies, both sweet and savory, from 'boterkoek', 'jan hagel' and 'speculaas' to Gouda cheese cookies and 'kaasstengels'.
Zandkoekjes (Dutch 'Sand' Cookies)
Don't worry, the name 'sand cookies' refers to the crumbly texture and sandy color of these crisp Dutch cookies, not the taste.
Don't worry, the name 'sand cookies' refers to the crumbly texture and sandy color of these crisp Dutch cookies, not the taste.
Butter Biscuits (Boterkoek)
Often mistakenly called Dutch shortbread, these biscuits are, in fact, unique to the Netherlands. They have a slightly different taste and texture to shortbread, but if you are a fan of the Scottish treat you are likely to love these too.
Often mistakenly called Dutch shortbread, these biscuits are, in fact, unique to the Netherlands. They have a slightly different taste and texture to shortbread, but if you are a fan of the Scottish treat you are likely to love these too.
Christmas Wreath Cookies
These Dutch Christmas cookies, called 'kerstkransjes' in Dutch, are used to decorate the Christmas tree. However, if you think they are just pretty to look at, you are in for a treat. They taste fantastic too.
These Dutch Christmas cookies, called 'kerstkransjes' in Dutch, are used to decorate the Christmas tree. However, if you think they are just pretty to look at, you are in for a treat. They taste fantastic too.
Dutch Cheese Stems (Kaasstengels)
These crispy cheesy twists of puff pastry are traditionally served as a savory accompaniment to soup, but they are just as good as a snack.
These crispy cheesy twists of puff pastry are traditionally served as a savory accompaniment to soup, but they are just as good as a snack.
Gevulde Speculaas (Dutch Spiced Cookies Filled With Almond Paste)
'Gevulde Speculaas' is a traditional Dutch cookie served at Christmas time, or these days, anytime. Crispy layers of ginger-cinnamon cookie, decorated with almonds, encase a soft, flavorful almond paste center.
'Gevulde Speculaas' is a traditional Dutch cookie served at Christmas time, or these days, anytime. Crispy layers of ginger-cinnamon cookie, decorated with almonds, encase a soft, flavorful almond paste center.
Gouda Cookies
These Gouda Cookies are a fantastic party snack. I've been told they taste a bit like Cheez-Its, only more wholesome (I think it was a compliment). At any rate, these savory cheese cookies are nothing if not simple: good aged Gouda, flour, butter, pepper and a touch of nutmeg.
These Gouda Cookies are a fantastic party snack. I've been told they taste a bit like Cheez-Its, only more wholesome (I think it was a compliment). At any rate, these savory cheese cookies are nothing if not simple: good aged Gouda, flour, butter, pepper and a touch of nutmeg.
Jan Hagel Cookies
These Dutch Christmas cookies with their hint of cinnamon, almond slivers and sugary crunch are just great for the holidays -- or, in fact, any time.
These Dutch Christmas cookies with their hint of cinnamon, almond slivers and sugary crunch are just great for the holidays -- or, in fact, any time.
Kruidnoten (Ginger Nuts)
The little sister of speculaas, kruidnoten are tiny rounded cookies eaten at Sinterklaas. They're spiced with ginger, cinnamon, white pepper, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg.
The little sister of speculaas, kruidnoten are tiny rounded cookies eaten at Sinterklaas. They're spiced with ginger, cinnamon, white pepper, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg.
Lime & White Chocolate Cookies
Fragrant lime and creamy white chocolate work surprisingly well together in this crispy cookie - one of my favorites.
Fragrant lime and creamy white chocolate work surprisingly well together in this crispy cookie - one of my favorites.
Spiced Cookies
An easy recipe for speculaas cookies. These delicious Dutch cinnamon-gingery cookies are traditionally eaten at Sinterklaas, a Dutch festival on Dec. 5.
An easy recipe for speculaas cookies. These delicious Dutch cinnamon-gingery cookies are traditionally eaten at Sinterklaas, a Dutch festival on Dec. 5.