They’re rich, full of creamy deliciousness, and over-the-top incredible. Dutch chefs incorporate lots of syrup, sugar, and spices into their desserts for a robust, complex flavor that makes every bite something to savor. In appearance, Dutch desserts look a lot like the sweets you’d find in any American bakery – thick slices of fruity pies, cookies of all shapes and sizes, and multi-layered pastries. So, if you’re looking for an after-dinner treat that’s new and exotic but not too different from your family’s favorites, Dutch desserts are right for you.
1. Dutch Stroopwafel
This crunchy treat is one of the most well-loved Dutch desserts on the list. At first glance, most people think they’re waffles, but although the texture is the same, they’re much thinner than waffles. Stroopwafels feature two thin, crispy waffle-like wafers surrounding a creamy, caramel-flavored center made from molasses, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. They’re a little messy, and they’ll definitely leave your fingers sticking to things after you eat them, but they are unbelievably delectable.
2. Arnhemse Meisjes
You can make these thin, crackling cookies with only five ingredients – puff pastry squares, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and lime zest. You’ll love the delightful crunch when you bite into them, and the gorgeous cinnamon sugar coating on top makes each one look delicate, elegant, and a tiny bit sparkly! It takes less than an hour to make a batch of these incredible cookies, and if you’re a fan of dipping your sweets in coffee or tea, these are the treats for you.
3. Dutch Apple Pie
Apple pie may be as “American” as baseball and pickup trucks, but the Dutch have us beat when it comes to making it. I won’t lie; this pie takes some time to pull together. However, one look at its gorgeous appearance, one whiff of its mouth-watering aroma, and one taste of its apple goodness, and you’ll know it was worth it. The crust is warm and flaky, and the filling is chunky, sweet, and spicy. But you won’t stop there! This Dutch apple pie also has a rich, buttery, golden-brown streusel crumb topping. Americans may love apple pie, but they need to look to the Dutch if they want the most amazing one possible.
4. Dutch Speculaas Cookies
Most people call these speculaas, but to me, they’re just spice cookies. One bite of that sweet cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and white pepper flavor, and you’ll understand why. These thin, almond-topped cookies are lovely and taste great any time of year, but thanks to their distinct blend of spices, they’re the perfect Christmas cookie. Make them for yourself or to exchange with friends and family. Either way, no one will be disappointed in them.
5. Oliebollen (Dutch Doughnuts)
It’s hard to decide what to love more about these warm, deep-fried delicacies: their incredible taste or how fun it is to say their name. For me, it’s a toss-up. I love both. If you’re a fan of beignets, then you’ll love oliebollen, as well. The two are very similar in both taste and texture. With or without powdered sugar, these are certainly something that no one would turn down if given a chance.
6. Dutch Letters (S Cookies)
Dutch letters, or ‘S’ Cookies as people sometimes call them, are popular in many places worldwide and understandably so. They’re buttery, flaky, and nutty, and they have an excellent filling of almond paste that nearly melts in your mouth. The sugar topping adds an extra bit of crunch and sweetness, making them even better. (Note: Depending on where you live, these cookies may not be ‘S’-shaped. Some places make them into round ‘O’s instead.)
7. Sweet Dutch Pretzels
Dutch pretzels share the same shape as the Rold Gold Mini Twists you can pick up at any grocery store. However, that’s where the similarities end. These pretzels are soft, buttery, and covered in sugary goodness. They take a bit of time to prepare, but the process is just time-consuming, not difficult. Once they’re ready, you can cook them in just 15 minutes. If you’re looking for a nice, sugary snack to brighten up the day, these Dutch pretzels fit the bill.
8. Kruidnoten (Dutch Little Spiced Cookies)
Kruidnotens and speculaas cookies both share very similar flavors. They’re both traditional Dutch “spice cookies” and share several ingredients – nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, to name a few. However, kruidnotens are much thicker and rounder, and they don’t share the same nuttiness as the speculaas. They also won’t take nearly as long to make. So, if you’re looking for a batch of spice cookies that you can whip up in less than an hour, these are your better bet.
9. Dutch Butter Cake with Almonds
“Butter cake” may not sound like something that’s super appetizing, but it’s actually pretty incredible. It’s soft, moist, fluffy, and tastes primarily of almonds. The flavor is rich and wonderful, but it’s also understated and not overpoweringly sweet. Additionally, to be made with such simple ingredients, the cake is quite lovely. It’s simple, but there’s a beauty in that simplicity that’ll remind you of something your gramma would have made years ago. It’s warm, comforting, and feels a bit like coming home.
10. Tompouce
This flavorful orange dessert is insanely easy to make, and you’ll only need five ingredients to prepare it! You’ll start with a layer of puff pastry. Then, you’ll make a simple filling of pastry cream mix and whipping cream. All that is delicious enough, but then you’ll top the whole thing off with a mix of powdered sugar and exciting food colors for extra flair. The whole confection is pretty, fun, and a delightful mix of crunchy pastry and creamy filling. Plus, you can make the tompouce as said or as elaborate as you like. Want to make a rainbow tompouce? Cover it in rainbow sprinkles! Want to make a Halloween tompouce? Use orange food coloring with black sprinkles! Valentine’s Day? Pink and red! The options are pretty limitless. Click on a star to rate it!
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