Dutch Baked Goods

When you think of the Netherlands, delicious food might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, let me tell you, the Dutch have a way with cookies, snacks, sweets, and yes, cheese! Today, we’re diving into the world of Dutch treats and exploring one of my all-time favorites – apple-filled hand pies. These little pockets of joy, also known as “Appelkoeken,” have a special place in my heart.

Dutch Cookies: “Gevulde koeken” and “Appel koeken”.

Before we get into the apple goodness, let’s talk about some other Dutch delights. If you’re a fan of almond paste (or “amandel spijs” in Dutch), you’re in for a treat with “gevulde koeken.” These almond-paste-filled cookies are a beloved snack in the Netherlands, especially during the holidays. It seems the Dutch have a knack for incorporating almond paste into various baked goods. From “Dutch Letters” to “Gevulde Speculaas,” almond paste is the star of the show.

Now, imagine the cozy holiday vibes of the Netherlands, filled with the aroma of almond paste and the warm embrace of “gezelligheid” (a Dutch word for coziness and togetherness). Today, we’re putting a twist on tradition by pairing these Dutch gems with American favorites like Eggnog, Peppermint Mocha, Hot Cocoa, and gingerbread cookies. It’s a fusion of flavors that’ll transport you straight to the holiday season, no matter the time of year.

An Apple a Day Dutch Way

The Dutch like apples! They’ll use all kinds of varieties in all kinds dishes. From apple turn-overs to baked apples with one of our favorite winter dishes, Sauerkraut out of the oven.

Sometimes I mixed these “gevulde” and “appel” cookies up. It’s the same shape. Normally you can see the apple filling (there are holes in the top layer of the dough). The “gevulde koeken” are closed on top and decorated with almond halves.

Our favorite apple hand pie shaped into a heart is the perfect snack to serve at our Family Home Spa night as a snack. I think the kids are going to love them.

Are you ready to try them out? Here is the recipe for you! Enjoy!!!

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Apple filled hand pies (Appelkoeken)

One of my favorite Dutch cookies are these Appelkoeken. You can also make the dough and fill them with almond paste instead.

Course Snack

Cuisine Dutch

Keyword apple cookie, apple hand pie, Dutch snack, Dutch treat

Prep Time 1 hour

Cook Time 15 minutes

Servings 10 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 lemon (zest)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg beaten
• 14 tbsp butter in cubes

For the Apple Filling

• 2 apples in cubes
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Place the flour, sugar, baking powder and zest of 1 lemon in a bowl of a stand mixer.

2. Add 1/2 of the beaten egg into the flour mix. Use the other half for brushing the hand pies at the end before baking.

3. Mix in the butter. It takes some time to incorporate the butter and make the dough. I sometimes add a little milk if it doesn't come together.

4. Wrap the ball of dough into plastic cling wrap and let rest for an hour in the fridge.

5. Put the water, butter, vanilla and apples in a small pot. Boil over medium heat.

6. Mix the sugar and cornstarch in a separate bowl and add to the mixture until the apples soften and the juice thickens.

7. Blend the mixture and let cool completely.

8. Take the dough out of the fridge and knead it a little more before flattening the dough out with a rolling pin.

9. Preheat oven to 395 F.

10. Cut 20 shapes (heart or round). Ten for the bottom, ten for the top. I cut small circles (with a "spray bottle top", about 1/2 inch diameter) out of the top shapes.

11. Assemble the hand pies on a cookie sheet: first layer is a bottom shape (without holes), spread out the apple mixture in the middle, leaving the sides. Brush the sides with egg. Carefully put the top shape with the holes on top and brush again with the beaten egg.

12. Bake the hand pies for about 13-15 minutes, depends on your oven. Mine took the full 15 minutes.

Dutch folks have a thing for apples, using them in various dishes from apple turn-overs to baked apples served with winter classics like Sauerkraut. But what about those “gevulde” and “appel” cookies? Well, they do share a similar shape. Typically, you can spot the apple filling in “appelkoeken” because of the little holes in the top layer of the dough. Meanwhile, “gevulde koeken” are sealed on top and adorned with almond halves. Easy to mix up, but equally easy to enjoy!

The Perfect Heartfelt Snack

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – quite literally! Our favorite apple hand pies shaped like hearts are the ideal snack for a Family Home Spa night. I have a strong feeling the kids are going to adore them. So, are you ready to try your hand at making these delightful Dutch treats? Well, you’re in luck because here’s the recipe for you. Get ready to savor every bite!

Apple Filled Hand Pies (Appelkoeken)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 14 tbsp butter (in cubes)

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 apples (cubed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and lemon zest in a stand mixer bowl.
2. Add half of the beaten egg into the flour mixture and mix. Use the other half to brush the hand pies before baking.
3. Incorporate the butter into the mixture. You can add a bit of milk if needed to bring the dough together.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic cling wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour.
5. In a small pot, combine water, butter, vanilla, and cubed apples. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
6. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and cornstarch, then add to the apple mixture. Cook until the apples soften and the juice thickens. Blend the mixture and let it cool.
7. Remove the dough from the fridge, knead it slightly, and roll it out with a rolling pin.
8. Preheat your oven to 395°F (200°C).
9. Cut out 20 shapes (heart or round), 10 for the bottom and 10 for the top. Cut small circles out of the top shapes if desired.
10. Assemble the hand pies on a baking sheet: place a bottom shape, add apple mixture (avoiding the edges), brush the edges with beaten egg, then place the top shape with holes. Brush the top with more beaten egg.
11. Bake for about 13-15 minutes, depending on your oven. Mine took the full 15 minutes.

There you have it, a taste of Dutch tradition in the form of delicious apple hand pies. Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors that bridges the gap between two worlds of culinary delight – the Netherlands and beyond!

Danielle

Hello everyone,

Welcome to my Crafty Dutch Girl blog! Grab a cup of “koffie” and browse through fun blog posts about our Dutch family expat life in the USA, Dutch history, Dutch recipes, Dutch things to do in the USA and all kinds of crafts and activities. Don’t forget to connect with me for new ideas! “Groetjes en tot ziens”.