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Oliebollen, Poffertjes, and More

A plate full of olibollen around the holidays

Wondering what the origin of all those sweet smells drifting from the bakeries and food stands in Holland could possibly be?

Traditional Dutch holiday treats like oliebollen and poffertjes might be the culprit.  These yummy desserts might be bad for your waistline, but are great for your taste buds (and your wallet!).  Never heard of them?  Here’s what you can expect when you take a bite:

Oliebollen (translated literally: balls of oil) are round Dutch donuts typically eaten around Christmas and New Year’s, but are also a funfair staple.  They’re usually smothered in powdered sugar or whipped cream, and come plain or with pieces of apple or raisins inside.  Despite being fried, they’re rather light and fluffy – and hard to resist, especially at only €1 to €2 per oliebol.

A Dutch staple, poffertjes are small, light and spongy pancakes usually drenched in butter and powdered sugar.  They are also fantastic with stroop (a Dutch syrup made out of molasses), whipped cream, or strawberries.  Those served with strawberries and cream are often called “Poffertjes a la Bill Clinton” in honor of his visit to Delft during his presidency.  You can make them at home if you have the right kind of pan, or buy them from street vendors all over the city by the dozen.  And though poffertjes are eaten all year round, like many other Dutch sweets they seem to be consumed most heartily mid holiday season and during the cold, dark winter months.  Try one (or ten…)!  They’ll set you back only about a euro for four or five little pancakes, and you’ll probably go back for more.

Can’t get enough of Dutch doughy treats?  Other Dutch snacks typically eaten around the holidays are waffles and stroopwafels.