“Lust je een kopje koffie?”

When visiting someone in the Netherlands, you are likely to be offered a “kopje koffie” as a warm gesture of hospitality. If you are lucky, “het koekjesblik” - a big tin filled with a delightful assortment of biscuits - may be opened, and you may be offered a delicious Dutch biscuits to enjoy alongside your coffee.

Even if you may not have heard about how heavenly Dutch biscuits can be, it's fascinating to discover that the Netherlands boasts a variety of delectable biscuits that may be unfamiliar to you. Listed below are the most exquisite Dutch biscuits for your exploration. Keep on reading to find out our number one pick!

10

TAAITAAI

Taaitaai is a traditional Dutch sweet bread, typically enjoyed during the Sinterklaas celebrations. This chewy treat is flavored with anise and covered in a hard layer of icing. Taaitaai is often shaped into various figures and animals, making it a fun and festive snack for both children and adults. Whether enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or given as a gift, taaitaai is a beloved part of Dutch culinary traditions.

9.

JODEKOEKEN

Jodekoeken, also known as Jewish biscuits, have a distinctive combination of crispiness on the outside and a soft texture inside. Each bite releases a delightful aroma that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, transporting you back to the charming Dutch baking traditions of yesteryears. The origin of the name "Jewish biscuits" remains a mystery, with theories ranging from attribution to a Jewish baker to that a lot of cheap products had the prefix Jewish in the past (A lot of Jews were poor, making it likely that they bought cheaper things because it was necessary) The thin nature of the Jodekoeken make them cheaper to produce and therefore may have resulted in the name Jodekoek. Indulge in the nostalgic allure of this traditional treat and savor its timeless essence in a cozy setting!

8.

ROZE KOEKEN

Roze Koeken, translating to "pink cakes," are a beloved Dutch cakey biscuits that are often eaten at schools. It consists of a soft sponge cake base topped with a smooth pink icing. These iconic pastries are a favorite snack for many in the Netherlands. The combination of the tender cake and sweet pink glaze creates a delightful and satisfying treat that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or as a special indulgence, Roze Koeken are the perfect way to experience a taste of Dutch culinary tradition.

7.

SPECULAAS

These delicious spiced shortcrust biscuits, known as speculaas, are a favorite treat not only during St Nicolas and Christmas in December, but all year round. The delightful mixture of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves grants speculaas biscuits their remarkable taste. Enjoy them as a standalone treat or dunk them in a warm cup of coffee, but beware of letting them soak for too long, or they find themselves lost at the bottom of your mug!

6.

GEVULDE KOEKEN

Gevulde koeken are a classic Dutch pastry and loved by many Dutch people for their delicious combination of butter dough, almond paste filling and crispy sugar coating. Whether homemade or freshly bought from a bakery, Gevulde koeken are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth with their rich flavour and satisfying texture. The delicious aromas that are released during baking, together with the crunchy bite with every bite, make this delicacy a real treat for the senses, that will delight both young and old.

5.

KRAKELING

A Dutch sweet pretzel. You may know the pretzel as a savoury snack, however in the Netherlands these pretzel-shaped super-light biscuits are covered in brown sugar. The Krakeling is a crispy and slightly sweet pastry treat is shaped like a pretzel and sprinkled with sugar, giving it a delightful crunch with every bite. Krakeling is a popular snack in the Netherlands and can be found in bakeries across the country. Whether as a quick snack or a delicious accompaniment to your hot beverage, krakeling is a beloved pastry that captures the essence of Dutch baking traditions.

4.

GEVULDE SPECULAAS

This cherished traditional Dutch delicious biscuits holds a special place during the colder months and festive celebrations. This spiced almond pastry, with its aromatic almond paste filling infused with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crunch of almonds adds a wonderful contrast, making gevulde speculaas a beloved treat among the Dutch, especially in winter when served with coffee or hot chocolate. This pastry promises to fulfill your yearning for a comforting and classic Dutch dessert experience.

3.

MERGPIJPJES

Mergpijpjes consist of two fluffy biscuits with a flavourful filling, coated in decadent chocolate. With their crispy exterior, soft filling and rich chocolate coating, mergpijpjes are a delicious treat for those with a truly sweet tooth. The combination of textures and flavours makes this delicacy a favourite with many, and their classic appearance adds a touch of nostalgia to any indulgent experience. The subtle hints of vanilla and creamy texture make mergpijpjes an irresistible treat that tantalises the taste buds and provides a moment of pure pleasure. It’s no surprise that this delicious Dutch treat made it to the top 3

2.

CHOCOLADEPEPERNOTEN

Pepernoten, also known as kruidnoten, are a delicious Dutch treat only available during the Sinterklaas period, from the moment Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands until the height of the celebration on the 5th of December. These small, crispy cookies can also be found in a coated version, with a layer of rich, creamy chocolate, creating a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please many palates. Chocolate pepernoten are sure to be a party on your tongue with every bite. Try not to eat the whole bag in one go!

1.

STROOPWAFELS

This iconic Dutch treat consists of two thin wafers sandwiching a caramel syrup filling. This sweet treat is best enjoyed warm by placing it on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea, allowing the syrup to soften. The soft and warm sensation of this delicious Dutch cookie is heavenly and therefore truly deserving of the top spot on the list of the most delicious Dutch biscuits.