Dutch Bitter Cookies: A Delicious Taste of Europe
When it comes to cookies, no one can resist the temptation of their sweet aroma and mouth-watering flavors. But if you are looking for something less sweet and more savory, then Dutch Bitter Cookies or Bitterkoekjes are the perfect solution.
Also known as Almond Macaroons or just macaroons in some parts of the world, these delicious cookies have a unique taste that sets them apart from other traditional cookie recipes. They are made with ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, giving them a slightly bitter flavor with hints of sweet almond.
The Dutch Bitter Cookie is a favorite treat in the Netherlands and Belgium during festive occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. They are traditionally served alongside coffee or tea as a sweet treat after dinner.
In this blog post, we will explore the history of these delightful cookies and show you how to make traditional Dutch Bitter Cookies at home. From selecting high-quality ingredients to baking tips and tricks, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create these classic treats in your own kitchen.
The History Behind Dutch Bitter Cookies
The origins of the Dutch Bitter Cookie can be traced back to medieval Europe when sugar started becoming more accessible to common people. Recipes for macaroons started appearing in cookbooks across different European regions such as France and Italy.
The Belgian version of macaroons traditionally contains ground hazelnuts while almond-based versions became popular in different countries like Spain & Portugal. But it was in the Netherlands where they developed their unique recipe using ground almonds along with egg whites/sugar.
In many parts of Europe during 18th century bitter almonds were used for making bitter concoctions until one innovative person decided to use this ingredient for making Almond Macaroons where he added enough sugar quantity so that it doesn’t overpower its original bitterness while imparting rich natural flavour from nuts family.
The Key Ingredients that Make Dutch Bitter Cookies So Unique
So what exactly goes into making these delicious cookies? The recipe for bitter cookies varies somewhat depending on who you ask, but most versions include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder. However, the secret to their distinctive taste lies in two key ingredients: almond extract and bitter almonds.
Almond extract is made by steeping crushed almonds in alcohol until their flavor is extracted. It has a sweet yet nutty taste that adds richness and depth to baked goods. Bitter almonds, on the other hand, contain amygdalin; when ground up or chewed (as when eating whole nuts), it releases prussic acid which is known as cyanide poisoning if consumed in excess amounts making them unsuitable for consumption alone. However when used correctly in small amounts they can enhance the overall bitterness of the cookie while maintaining its safety.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Dutch Bitter Cookies
One of the key elements in making perfect Dutch Bitter Cookies is getting the consistency of the batter right. The batter should be firm enough to hold its shape when piped but not too stiff that it doesn’t spread out while baking.
To achieve this, use room temperature egg whites as it creates finer foam with more volume than cold eggs. Also make sure your almond flour mixture is fine and not too coarse which can cause clumps that will ruin smooth texture of baked cookies.
Another important thing to remember when making these cookies is to let them rest for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the egg whites to settle down evenly and prevents any cracks on top during baking.
While baking, check your cookies frequently, paying attention to their color changing from pale yellowish brown to golden brown depending on oven temperatures being used.
How to Enjoy Your Bitter Cookies
There’s no wrong way to eat a bitter cookie, but some serving suggestions include pairing them with a hot beverage like tea or coffee, or enjoying them as a snack on their own. For an extra-special treat, try dipping your cookies in chocolate or dusting them with powdered sugar. And of course, they make a great gift–why not share the taste of Dutch culinary tradition with your friends and family?
Try it out 🙂
Dutch Bitter Cookies are a unique treat that combines the flavors of sweet and savory into one delicious bite. Their history dates back centuries ago and has been enjoyed by people across different parts of Europe with small twists on recipe being added by different cultures over time period.
Making these cookies at home requires some patience and attention but it’s well-worth effort considering rich heritage behind these delicacies.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, Dutch bitter cookies are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves delicious treats. With their unique flavor profile and satisfyingly crunchy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give them a try today?
Dutch Bitter Cookies (Bitterkoekjes) FAQs
What are Dutch bitter cookies?
Dutch bitter cookies, or bitterkoekjes, are a traditional Dutch cookie made with ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. They are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside and have a distinctive almond flavor.
Do I need a special mold to make bitterkoekjes?
While traditional bitterkoekjes are made using a special mold, you can also shape them by hand into small, flat rounds. If you prefer to use a mold, you can find bitterkoekjes molds online or in specialty kitchen stores.
Can I store bitterkoekjes?
Yes, bitterkoekjes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Bitter Cookies (Dutch Bitterkoekjes)
25
Bitter Cookies15
minutes15
minutes300
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
300 g Almond Meal
300 g Sugar
4 tsp Almond Essence
4 Egg whites
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees / 185 degrees (fan-forced)
- Mix the sugar, meal and almond essence in a large bowl
- Pour in the egg whites into the mixture bit by bit and mix it all to a solid dough
- Put baking paper on a baking plate
- Create little bowls (size of a teaspoon) and push them slowly down on the baking plate
- Bake them in a preheated oven for approx. 15 minutes until they are lightly brown.
Notes
- Note when you take them out of the oven the bitter cookies will be soft. However, rest them on a rack and they will harden in a few minutes.
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