What is a Dutch Stroopwafel?

A stroopwafel is a traditional Dutch treat made from two thin, crispy waffle-like cookies sandwiched together with a caramel syrup filling. The name "stroopwafel" translates to "syrup waffle" in English, which perfectly describes its key components.

Stroopwafels are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, either on their own or accompanied by a hot beverage like coffee or tea. They are a beloved treat in the Netherlands and have gained popularity worldwide for their unique taste and texture.

But the stroopwafel is much more than just a sweet snack. Its history is as rich as its flavor, and its versatility makes it a beloved treat for people of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned stroopwafel enthusiast or new to its delights, this guide is your one-stop shop for all things stroopwafel!

Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let's learn more about the delicious world of stroopwafels!

The taste of stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are a delightful treat from the Netherlands. These waffles have a crispy outer shell that gives way to a delicious caramel center. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by the savory flavor of the waffle, with a hint of cinnamon adding a touch of spice. It's a delicious combination of textures and flavors that's hard to resist.

It's not overly sweet, though. There's a nice balance between the sweetness of the syrup and the buttery, slightly savory waffle. The first bite is a delightful mix of textures: crispy, chewy, and then that burst of gooey goodness.

Stroopwafels are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee or tea, because the warmth of the drink helps soften the caramel a bit. We'll explore some creative ways to enjoy them later, like crumbling them over ice cream for a delightful textural contrast. But no matter how you enjoy them, one thing's for sure: they're addictive!

How to pronounce stroopwafel

The word stroopwafel may look a bit intimidating to pronounce, but fear not! In this section, we will give you a simple pronunciation guide to help you confidently say stroopwafel like a pro.

The correct pronunciation is "stroop-waa-fuhl." Break it down into two parts: "stroop" and "wafel." The "stroop" part sounds like "st-roop," with the "oo" pronounced as in "food." The "wafel" part is pronounced as "wa-fuhl," with the "a" sounding like "ah" and the "e" similar to the "e" in "pet."

Remember, the emphasis is on the first syllable, "stroop." Listen to the Dutch pronunciation below and practice saying it a few times until you feel comfortable. Soon enough, you'll be confidently ordering your favorite stroopwafel treats like a true Dutch connoisseur. 

How to eat a stroopwafel

Now that you know how to pronounce "stroopwafel" correctly, let's dive into the delightful experience of eating these Dutch treats.

Stroopwafels are best enjoyed warm, so they can be a bit gooey and soft. The traditional way to eat them is by placing the stroopwafel on top of a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea. As the steam rises, it warms up the stroopwafel, making the caramel filling even more decadent. In fact, some might say a cup of coffee just isn't complete without one!

Stroopwafels are not only delicious when warm and gooey but also make for a delightful snack straight out of the package. Whether you're on a road trip, at work, or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, stroopwafels are the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings. Their crispy texture and sweet caramel filling offer a satisfying treat that's perfect for munching on the go. Stroopwafels always add a touch of that warm, cozy feeling, to any moment. Did you know that we have a unique word for that feeling in Dutch? 

Stroopwafels are typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea

Get creative with your stroopwafel pairings by incorporating them into delicious treats. Try using them as a delicious twist on s'mores by replacing the traditional boring crackers with stroopwafels for a gooey, caramel-filled delight. Another option is to sandwich your stroopwafel with your favorite ice cream flavor. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the warm stroopwafel creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. And get this, people have been crumbling stroopwafels and adding them to their breakfast yogurt! It just shows, anything goes with these delicious treats.

They could even be used as a creative pie crust option for a unique twist on traditional desserts. Simply crush stroopwafels into fine crumbs and mix them with melted butter to create a flavorful base for pies, cheesecakes, or tarts. If you want to skip the kitchen mess you can find these stroopwafel pie crusts online to enjoy the convenience of having them delivered straight to your doorstep.

However you choose to eat your stroopwafel, make sure to savor every bite. Just be warned, these treats are so good, they disappear faster than you can say 'stroopwafel.'

The ingredients in a Dutch stroopwafel

The ingredients in a traditional Dutch stroopwafel are what make it so unique and delicious. The primary components include flour, butter, sugar, eggs and spices such as cinnamon. These simple ingredients are combined to create a sweet dough that is then baked in a waffle iron. Once the waffle is crispy and golden brown, it is sliced in half to create two thin round wafers. The filling, known as stroop, is made from a mixture of caramelized syrup, brown sugar, and butter. This gooey syrup is spread generously between the wafers, giving the stroopwafel its distinct flavor and texture. The combination of the crispy wafer and the sticky caramel filling is truly a match made in heaven.

I always recommend stroopwafels as a work snack for a quick and sustained energy boost. Stroopwafels offer a blend of carbohydrates and a small amount of fat, delivering both a quick and sustained energy boost. This makes them ideal for overcoming mid-morning or afternoon energy slumps. 

If you're gluten-free or vegan, you don't have to miss out on the joy of stroopwafels. There are now delicious options available that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions. Modern production methods allow for delicious gluten-free and vegan stroopwafel options that give the authentic taste and texture of traditional stroopwafels, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this delightful Dutch treat without compromising on flavor or quality.

The ingredient list of a gluten-free stroopwafel from Dutch Waffle Company

The history of stroopwafels

The stroopwafel traces its origins to the charming city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is believed to have been first created in 1810 by a resourceful baker named Gerard Kamphuisen. Using leftovers from the bakery, such as breadcrumbs, Kamphuisen sweetened them with syrup to craft the first iterations of this famous treat. These early versions were cheap, yet tasty treats enjoyed particularly among the lower social classes who could not afford expensive baked goods. Initially, they were even referred to as "armenkoeken," which translates to "poor man’s cookies."

By the 1870s, stroopwafels began appearing in other cities across the Netherlands. Their irresistible taste soon earned them popularity across social classes, becoming a staple in Dutch households. The 19th century also saw the invention of waffle irons, which revolutionized the stroopwafel. These irons allowed bakers to create the signature thin wafers that perfectly cradle the syrup, giving the stroopwafel its delightful texture we know today.

The 20th century witnessed a significant shift in stroopwafel production. The introduction of mass production techniques made these treats more accessible to everyone. By 1960, the city of Gouda boasted a staggering 17 factories dedicated to their production! Four of these factories continue to operate today in Gouda. One of the remaining factories traces its roots back to the original baker himself, Gerard Kamphuisen. This historic establishment welcomes visitors, offering a glimpse into the stroopwafel origins.

Source: Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle factory, Gouda

As the popularity of stroopwafels grew, so did the variations in recipes. Different regions in the Netherlands developed their own unique twists, adding spices like cinnamon or incorporating different types of fillings. Today, stroopwafels can be found in various sizes, flavors, and even as a unique pie crust or stroopwafel flavored coffee.

From humble beginnings, stroopwafels have become a global sensation. Today, Stroopwafels are sold internationally by street vendors, online retailors or in supermarkets in over 85 countries. The popularity has grown so much that since 2016, United Airlines began serving stroopwafels as a breakfast treat on its domestic flights. They've transcended borders and cultures, a testament to the power of a simple yet delicious treat.

How do you make stroopwafels

Ever wondered how stroopwafels are made? Stroopwafel baking is a time-honored tradition, often practiced by specialized bakeries with impressive industrial waffle irons. These irons create the signature grid pattern and wafer-thin profile that allows the warm filling to work its magic, softening the cookie from the inside out.

The baking process, while seemingly straightforward, needs a careful approach. First, a ball of dough is placed on a special (hot) stroopwafel press. The press quickly cooks the dough into a golden-brown wafer. With practiced skill, the baker trims the edges for a perfect circle.

Now comes the exciting part! With caution, the baker makes a precise slice down the center of the piping hot waffle. After slicing the waffle open, a delicious amount of caramel is added. The two halves are reunited with a strong press, creating the Dutch stroopwafel.

Unfortunately, today this process is often automated in huge factories. While efficient, these factories often use a multitude of artificial ingredients to create a longer shelf life for mass distribution overseas. This focus on efficiency often sacrifices the quality and freshness of the stroopwafel.

If you ask us, the focus should always be on freshness and quality, using only real ingredients and skipping artificial flavors and preservatives. In the video below, you'll get an insider's look from Dutch Waffle Company at the meticulous process of creating these beloved Dutch treats the traditional way. The real way.

Stroopwafel or Stroopwaffle?

A question we hear all the time: stroopwafel or stroopwaffle? Does one hold the key to authenticity, or are we facing a sticky situation?

Let's travel back to the Netherlands, the birthplace of this delightful treat. Here, "stroopwafel" is the correct form. It's a straightforward translation, literally meaning "syrup waffle" (stroop = syrup, wafel = waffle).

As you might have noticed from our pronciation guide, for English speakers "stroopwafel" can be a bit of a mouthful. Enter "stroopwaffle," a common spelling that emerged for a very practical reason. It is simply easier for non-Dutch speakers to pronounce. Think of it as a friendly adaptation, a way to bridge the gap between languages and deliciousness.

The good news? Both spellings are perfectly acceptable! Use whichever feels most comfortable for you. Here's a helpful tip: if you're aiming for a more formal setting or want to impress your Dutch friends, "stroopwafel" might be the more fitting choice. But for casual conversations or social media posts, "stroopwaffle" is perfectly fine.

Where do you buy Dutch stroopwafels?

If reading about the deliciousness of Dutch stroopwafels has left you craving for a taste, you may be wondering where you can find these authentic treats. Luckily, there are several options available to satisfy your stroopwafel cravings.

Online Retailers

With the rise in popularity of international foods, you can easily find authentic Dutch stroopwafels for purchase online. It is important to look for Stroopwafels that are produced locally. While it may seem convenient, overseas imported stroopwafels lose their freshness and quality during transit, affecting their flavor and texture. Online retailers like Dutch Waffle Company offer handcrafted stroopwafels that are made locally, ensuring maximum freshness and quality.

Local Stores

The popularity of Dutch stroopwafels has been steadily growing in the US, and many stores are now starting to offer this delicious treat. If you're eager to try some, we've created a "find a stroopwafel near you" map to locate the nearest store stocking these delightful treats.

Local Dutch Bakeries

If you are lucky enough to live in an area with a sizable Dutch community, you may be able to find authentic stroopwafels at local Dutch bakeries or shops. These establishments often use traditional recipes and methods to create their stroopwafels, ensuring an authentic taste.

Remember, when purchasing stroopwafels, look for those that use high-quality ingredients and avoid overseas shipped stroopwafels. This will guarantee a fresh and delicious stroopwafel experience.

Fun facts about stroopwafels

While we all know and love stroopwafels for their amazing taste and gooey caramel filling, there are a few fun facts about these Dutch treats that you may not be aware of. Here are some interesting tidbits to enhance your stroopwafel knowledge:

1. September 30th is world stroopwafel day. It's a day dedicated to honoring this beloved Dutch delicacy.
   
   
2. In 2017, a team of bakers in the Netherlands created the world's largest stroopwafel, measuring over 2 meters in diameter.
   
   
3. Stroopwafels have become a popular souvenir for tourists visiting the Netherlands. Certain places in Amsterdam are charging tourists up to 15 (!) dollars per 1 Stroopwafel. The astronomical costs have left local residents shaking their heads in disbelief.
   
   
4. In 2018, Dutch astronaut André Kuipers took stroopwafels with him to the International Space Station as part of his personal food stash.
   
   
5. Stroopwafels are not always round; some bakers create heart-shaped stroopwafels as a romantic twist on the classic treat, perfect for Valentine's Day, weddings and anniversaries.

Now that you know some interesting facts about stroopwafels, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge while enjoying these delectable treats.

A sweet treat worth trying

Now that you know a lot more about stroopwafels, it's clear that they are a treat worth indulging in. From their humble beginnings in Gouda to their international popularity, the traditional Dutch stroopwafels have captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world.

And when it comes to stroopwafels, Dutch Waffle Company is the place where tradition meets taste. As a Dutch family business based in the United States, we proudly bake our freshly made stroopwafels using only the finest flour and butter, always without artificial flavors or preservatives. And don't hesitate to treat yourself to a bite – you won't be disappointed! Visit our stroopwafel collection to order your batch today and indulge in the true taste of this beloved Dutch treat!