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Similar Krumkake, Nonnevot, Bossche bol, Zeeuwse bolus, Roze koek | ||
Vlaardings ijzerkoekje blijkt veel ouder dan gedacht
An IJzerkoekje ( [ˈɛizərˌkukjə], iron cookie) is a very specific 'soft' cookie, traditionally eaten by Dutch fishermen, especially in Vlaardingen, one of the main harbours of the Netherlands during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is an oval cookie over half an inch thick with a cinnamon 'creamy' taste. The cookies were invented in the city of Vlaardingen and are baked on a checkered iron plate, creating a characteristic pattern.
Contents
Ijzerkoekjes bakken
Origin
According to oral history, the grocer "Daatje de Koe" (1838-1915) made the first Vlaardingse iron cookies. Afterwards, the product was introduced in the assortment of various city bakers.
Research of the Vlaardingen baker Hazenberg in regional archives showed that the cookie is probably older and dates from the 18th century.
Because of the composition of the dough, the cookies remain tasty for a long time. This made them popular amongst fishermen. These cookies also have a high food energy (calories) value, and have been taken to the sea for that reason, too.
Today, most pastry shops in Vlaardingen sell iron cookies. Also, special waffle irons are available as well as "iron-cookie flour" for baking the cookies at home.
Recipe
The recipe varies, but this is seen as the original of one of the bakeries in Vlaardingen.:
Some opt for relatively more flour and add milk or water, egg - or egg yolk - mixed spices and/or vanilla.