The art of Dutch cookie baking: best practices

The Netherlands is known for its rich traditions and culinary delicacies. One of the most beloved parts of Dutch culture is undoubtedly the variety of cookies. Whether you’re an expat craving a taste of home or just a lover of dutch delicacies, baking authentic cookies from holland is an experience in itself. Here are the best practices to help you masterfully bake these sweet treats.

Choose the right ingredients

The basis of every good cookie starts with the selection of the right ingredients. Dutch cookies have a number of characteristic ingredients such as butter, brown sugar, and speculaas spices. Make sure your ingredients are fresh and of high quality. This makes a world of difference in the taste and texture of your cookies.

The perfect dough consistency

Dough is the heart of every cookie. For the perfect consistency, it is important that you cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients gradually to prevent the dough from becoming too heavy. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little bit of milk to soften it.

Respect the rest time

Don’t rush. Good things come with time, and that includes cookie dough. Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop and the dough to firm up, which helps shape the cookies later. A rest period of at least one hour is recommended, but overnight is even better.

Baking at the correct temperature

The oven is your best friend, but also your biggest challenge. Every oven is different, so it’s important to know how your oven works. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature and place the cookies in the center of the oven for even cooking. Keep an eye on the baking time, because Dutch cookies are often thin and can quickly become too dark.

Decoration and variation

Dutch cookies are known for their variety and decoration. Add a personal touch with icing, chocolate, nuts or fruits. Experiment with different shapes and sizes. It’s your canvas, so be creative!

Storage and shelf life

After you bake cookies, you naturally want them to stay fresh for as long as possible. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy. Cookies also freeze well, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and keep some on hand for when cravings strike.

Discovering the world of Dutch cookies

Are you unable to bake yourself or do you just want to quickly enjoy authentic Dutch cookies? No problem! There are online stores such as Dutch Expat Shop that supply a wide range of Dutch and Belgian products worldwide to expats and lovers of these delicious snacks. This way you can always enjoy a piece of Holland, wherever you are.

Bake it till you make it

Baking Dutch cookies is an art form that must be practiced with love and patience. Follow these best practices and you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect Dutch treats that will remind you of fun afternoons with family and friends. Whether it is a stroopwafel, speculaas or butter cookie, every cookie tells a story and brings a piece of Dutch culture into your home.