Welcome to a world where the aroma of freshly baked cookies Amsterdam dance through the air, enticing passersby to embark on a journey of delight. Amsterdam, unveils its best-kept secret: a captivating realm of cookies Amsterdam that is as diverse as it is mouthwatering. In this unique piece, we invite you to accompany us on a sensory adventure through Amsterdam’s delectable cookie landscape.
Prepare to be enveloped in flavours as you encounter the timeless classics of Dutch confectionery. The legendary stroopwafel, with its delicate caramel filling sandwiched between two thin waffle layers, embodies the essence of tradition and craftsmanship.
Here are our top 6 favourite places to get your Amsterdam cookies.
The Best Cookie Shops in Amsterdam: A Guide to Indulgence
Van Stapele Amsterdam
Van Stapele Koekmakerij is a legendary cookies Amsterdam shop located in Amsterdam’s city center. This boutique bakery is best known for its iconic Van Stapele cookies, also known as “The Amsterdam Cookie”. This delectable treat features a soft and rich chocolate cookie with a gooey white chocolate center, creating a heavenly combination that has gained a cult following.
Priced at approximately €2.50 per cookie, it offers an affordable and unforgettable indulgence. Typically come here in the early afternoon (prior to lunch) or near their closing time to avoid waiting in line! With an exceptional Google rating of 4.8 stars, Van Stapele Koekmakerij is a must-visit destination for cookie enthusiasts. You can find this delightful shop at Heisteeg 4, 1012 WC Amsterdam.
Melly’s Cookie Bar
Melly’s Cookie Bar is a unique gem in the heart of the city, combining the love for cookies Amsterdam and quality coffee. Here, you can savor their signature Stroopwafels and Alfajores (a traditional confection typically made of flour, honey, and nuts). Priced at around €2 per cookie, it offers a flavourful and energizing treat. With a solid Google rating of 4.7 stars, Melly’s Espresso Cookie Bar is a popular spot for coffee and cookie lovers alike. Visit Melly’s Cookie Bar at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 137, 1012 RJ Amsterdam for your some of the best cookies Amsterdam can offer.
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
For an authentic Dutch cookie experience, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is a must-visit. Specializing in traditional stroopwafels, these delightful treats consist of two thin waffles sandwiched together with a layer of sweet caramel syrup. Van Wonderen Stroopwafels offers a variety of flavors and toppings, allowing you to customize your stroopwafel experience.
Starting at around €7 per stroopwafel, although on the pricier side, its taste and quality make it worth every penny. Due to extended waiting times reported by customers, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels has received a lower Google rating of 3.9 stars. Despite this feedback, many still find the stroopwafels offered by Van Wonderen to be worth the wait. To try to avoid the queue to the establishment, make sure to come here early! You can find their shop at Kalverstraat 190, 1012 XH Amsterdam.
De Drie Graefjes
Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Amsterdam at De Drie Graefjes, located on Eggertstraat 1, 1012 SJ Amsterdam. This charming bakery, adorned with vintage decor, beckons you with the aroma of freshly baked delights. With a stellar Google rating of 4.3/5 based on over 800 reviews, De Drie Graefjes is celebrated for its homemade cookies. Indulge in their heavenly white chocolate and macadamia cookies, where the rich sweetness of white chocolate melds with the buttery crunch of macadamia nuts. Each bite is an exquisite balance of flavors and textures, transporting you to a cookie paradise. The prices at De Drie Graefjes fall within the moderate range (€€), ensuring that you can savor these delectable treats without breaking the bank.
Coffee and Coconuts
Another hidden gem awaiting your exploration is Coffee and Coconuts, a transformed theater nestled on Ceintuurbaan 282 Amsterdam. The Google rating of 4.3/5 based on over 4,600 reviews, reflects its popularity among locals and visitors alike. Step into a tropical oasis, where the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of warm cookies. As you indulge in their array of cookies, allow yourself to be transported. The ambiance of Coffee and Coconuts, combined with the delightful cookies, creates a haven for cookie enthusiasts. The prices at Coffee and Coconuts vary depending on your order, but generally fall within the moderate range (€€), ensuring an affordable yet exceptional experience.
Stef’s Bakery
For an authentic taste of Dutch baking, Stef’s Bakery is a must-visit hidden gem. Nestled in a charming corner of Amsterdam on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 62b, Stef’s Bakery holds a remarkable Google rating of 4.6/5, a testament to its culinary excellence. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the bakery as you savor their famous stroopwafels. These thin waffle cookies, filled with luscious caramel, offer a symphony of flavors with each delicate bite. Let the enticing aroma of their speculaas cookies, fragrant with warm spices, transport you to a bygone era. Stef’s Bakery captures the essence of traditional Dutch baking, with affordable prices that reflect the quality and craftsmanship behind their beloved treats.
Three Tips to Find the Best Amsterdam Cookies
Food Markets
Amsterdam is renowned for its bustling food markets, and they can be a haven for cookie lovers. Visit the Albert Cuyp Market or the Noordermarkt on a Food Tour to find vendors selling a variety of freshly baked treats, including cookies. Explore the stalls, strike up conversations with the vendors, and sample their homemade creations. It’s a great way to support local artisans and indulge in an array of cookies with unique flavors and textures.
Seasonal Specialties
Keep an eye out for cookies that are specific to certain seasons or holidays. Amsterdam has a rich culinary tradition associated with various festive occasions. For example, during the Sinterklaas festivities in early December, look for bakeries that specialize in making spiced kruidnoten and speculaas cookies. Similarly, during the Christmas season, you may find festive-themed cookies adorned with icing and edible decorations.
Local Recommendations
Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with locals and ask for their favorite cookie spots. Amsterdam residents are often passionate about their city’s food scene and can provide valuable insider tips. Chat with locals at cafes, strike up conversations with shopkeepers, or join food-related social media groups to tap into the local knowledge and uncover hidden cookie treasures.
Dutch Delights: Traditional Cookies of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, a city renowned for its vibrant culinary heritage, offers an array of traditional cookies that have woven themselves into the fabric of the city’s gastronomic culture. These delightful Dutch treats, steeped in history and cherished by generations, invite both locals and visitors on a captivating journey through the flavors and traditions of Amsterdam’s traditional cookies.
Speculaas: A Spiced Delight
One of the most iconic and beloved Dutch cookies is speculaas. These thin, crunchy cookies are traditionally enjoyed during the festive season of Sinterklaas, a Dutch holiday celebrating Saint Nicholas. The key to their irresistible taste lies in a unique blend of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. Speculaas cookies Amsterdam are often stamped with intricate designs, depicting traditional symbols and scenes. The captivating aroma of freshly baked speculaas permeates Amsterdam’s streets during the holiday season, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Stroopwafels: Caramel-Filled Delicacy
No discussion of traditional Dutch cookies would be complete without mentioning stroopwafels. These delightful treats consist of two thin waffle-like layers that sandwich a luscious caramel syrup filling. Originating in the city of Gouda, stroopwafels have become an iconic Dutch delicacy, capturing the hearts of locals and tourists alike. The process of making stroopwafels involves carefully baking the dough until it becomes crispy, then slicing it horizontally to create the perfect pocket for the sweet and gooey caramel syrup. The combination of textures, with the crispy exterior and the chewy caramel center, makes stroopwafels an irresistible delight that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
Jan Hagel: The Classic Almond Cookie
Jan Hagel is a classic Dutch almond cookie that has stood the test of time. These thin and crisp cookies Amsterdam are made with a buttery dough, generously sprinkled with sliced almonds and a dusting of sugar. The name “Jan Hagel” translates to “John Hail” in English, paying homage to the small hail-like appearance of the sliced almonds on top of the cookies. Jan Hagel cookies are often enjoyed during festive occasions and are a delightful combination of sweet, nutty flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Bitterkoekjes: Almond Macaroons
Another traditional cookies Amsterdam that have become a favourite in the city is bitterkoekjes, or almond macaroons. These delicate treats are made primarily from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a soft and chewy texture with a slightly crisp exterior. Bitterkoekjes have a distinct almond flavor and are often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or as an accompaniment to a glass of Dutch liqueur. Their name, “bitterkoekjes,” meaning “bitter cookies,” refers to the slightly bitter taste of almonds.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Amsterdam’s sweet temptations extend far beyond its famous canals and historic landmarks. The city’s delectable world of cookies is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by food enthusiasts and travelers with a sweet tooth. From traditional Dutch stroopwafels to innovative and decadent creations, the city offers cookies Amsterdam experiences like no other.
Whether you choose to indulge in classic cookies Amsterdam from a traditional bakery or opt for an artisanal treat crafted with unique ingredients, you’ll find that Amsterdam’s cookies are a true reflection of the city’s vibrant and diverse culture. The blend of old and new, tradition and experimentation, creates a delightful journey of flavors that will leave you craving more.
So, grab a cookie, take a bite, and savor the taste of Amsterdam. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
