The Christmas season in the Netherlands is a time of rich traditions and delectable foods. Dutch Christmas cuisine combines festive flavors with cultural heritage, creating a unique culinary experience that is both heartwarming and delightful. This article explores twelve popular Dutch Christmas foods and desserts, offering a comprehensive guide to the flavors that define the Dutch holiday season.
12 Popular Dutch Christmas Foods & Desserts
1. Stroopwafels
Overview
Stroopwafels, a beloved Dutch treat, are traditional syrup waffles that are especially popular around Christmas time. Originating from the city of Gouda, these thin waffles are filled with a sweet caramel syrup that oozes out when warmed.
Preparation
To make stroopwafels, a dough made from flour, butter, and sugar is pressed into thin discs using a waffle iron. A sticky syrup made from brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon is then sandwiched between the waffle layers. The result is a crispy exterior with a gooey, sweet center.
Serving
Stroopwafels are often enjoyed with coffee or tea. They are best served warm, allowing the syrup to melt slightly and enhance the flavor.
2. Oliebollen
Overview
Oliebollen, or “oil balls,” are a quintessential Dutch Christmas treat, often likened to doughnuts. These deep-fried pastries are typically enjoyed on New Year’s Eve but are also a popular choice during the Christmas season.
Preparation
The dough for oliebollen is made from flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, with raisins or currants added for sweetness. The dough is dropped by spoonfuls into hot oil and fried until golden brown. Once cooled, they are dusted with powdered sugar.
Serving
Oliebollen are best served warm and can be accompanied by a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of syrup for extra sweetness.
3. Kerststol
Overview
Kerststol, or Christmas bread, is a traditional Dutch holiday bread filled with dried fruits and nuts. This festive loaf is often enjoyed with a layer of butter and is a staple on Dutch Christmas tables.
Preparation
The dough for kerststol is enriched with butter, eggs, and sugar, and includes a filling of raisins, currants, and almonds. The bread is shaped into a loaf and baked until golden. After baking, it is often dusted with powdered sugar.
Serving
Kerststol is typically sliced and served with butter. It is a popular choice for breakfast or as a snack during the holiday season.
4. Speculaas
Overview
Speculaas are spiced cookies traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. These Dutch cookies are characterized by their crisp texture and aromatic blend of spices.
Preparation
Speculaas dough is flavored with a mix of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The dough is rolled out and cut into various shapes using cookie molds or cutters. The cookies are then baked until crispy.
Serving
Speculaas cookies are often enjoyed on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be used as a base for other holiday desserts.
5. Pepernoten
Overview
Pepernoten, or “pepper nuts,” are small, round cookies that are a traditional treat during the Sinterklaas celebration on December 5th. They are also enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Preparation
Pepernoten are made from a dough flavored with spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The dough is shaped into small balls and baked until firm. The cookies have a crunchy texture and a spicy, sweet flavor.
Serving
Pepernoten are typically served as a snack or added to holiday gift bags. They are enjoyed throughout the festive season and are a favorite among children.
6. Advocaat
Overview
Advocaat is a rich and creamy Dutch liqueur made from egg yolks, sugar, and brandy. It is often enjoyed as a dessert or used as a topping for other holiday treats.
Preparation
The process of making advocaat involves heating egg yolks, sugar, and brandy together until the mixture thickens. The result is a smooth, custard-like liqueur with a strong, sweet flavor.
Serving
Advocaat is often served chilled in small glasses or used as a topping for desserts such as ice cream or pastries.
7. Boterkoek
Overview
Boterkoek, or “butter cake,” is a dense and buttery Dutch cake that is a popular choice for holiday gatherings. It is characterized by its rich flavor and crumbly texture.
Preparation
Boterkoek is made from a simple dough consisting of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. The dough is pressed into a baking pan and baked until golden brown. It is often topped with sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
Serving
Boterkoek is typically cut into squares or wedges and served as a dessert or snack during the holiday season. It pairs well with coffee or tea.
8. Kruidnoten
Overview
Kruidnoten, also known as “spiced nuts,” are small, spiced cookies that are similar to pepernoten but have a distinct texture and flavor. They are a traditional Dutch treat enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Preparation
Kruidnoten dough is flavored with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. The dough is shaped into small, round cookies and baked until crispy. The cookies have a slightly chewy center and a spicy, sweet flavor.
Serving
Kruidnoten are often served as a snack or added to holiday gift baskets. They are a popular choice for holiday parties and gatherings.
9. Bokkepootjes
Overview
Bokkepootjes, or “goat’s feet,” are traditional Dutch almond cookies that are a popular choice during the Christmas season. They are known for their unique shape and rich flavor.
Preparation
The dough for bokkepootjes is made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. The dough is piped into elongated shapes and baked until crisp. The cookies are often dipped in chocolate for added flavor.
Serving
Bokkepootjes are typically served as a dessert or snack and are often enjoyed with coffee or tea. They make an elegant addition to holiday cookie trays.
10. Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
Overview
Dutch apple pie, or appeltaart, is a beloved dessert that is enjoyed throughout the year but holds special significance during the Christmas season. It is characterized by its thick apple filling and crumbly crust.
Preparation
Appeltaart is made with a buttery pastry crust filled with a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, and spices. The pie is baked until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. It is often topped with a lattice crust for a traditional look.
Serving
Appeltaart is typically served warm or at room temperature, often with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
11. Rijstevlaai
Overview
Rijstevlaai is a traditional Dutch rice pie that is popular during the Christmas season. It features a creamy rice filling encased in a buttery pastry crust.
Preparation
The filling for rijstevlaai is made from cooked rice mixed with milk, sugar, and vanilla. The mixture is poured into a pastry crust and baked until set. The pie is often garnished with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving
Rijstevlaai is typically served as a dessert and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. It is a comforting and indulgent treat for the holiday season.
12. Kerstkransjes
Overview
Kerstkransjes, or “Christmas wreath cookies,” are festive cookies that are shaped like wreaths and decorated with colorful sprinkles. They are a popular treat during the Christmas season in the Netherlands.
Preparation
The dough for kerstkransjes is made from butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. The dough is shaped into small wreaths and baked until golden brown. The cookies are then decorated with sprinkles or icing.
Serving
Kerstkransjes are typically served as a holiday treat and are enjoyed by both children and adults. They are a festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
See Also: 10 Traditional Canadian Christmas Foods
Conclusion
Dutch Christmas foods and desserts are a delightful blend of tradition, flavor, and festivity. From the rich and buttery kerststol to the sweet and spiced pepernoten, these treats are an integral part of the Dutch holiday season. Each dish reflects the warmth and joy of the Christmas season, making them a cherished part of Dutch celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying stroopwafels with a cup of tea or indulging in a slice of appeltaart, these festive foods are sure to bring holiday cheer to any celebration.