IJzerkoekje
An IJzerkoekje (Dutch pronunciation: [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 century. 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.
Origin
According to oral history, it was the grocer "Daatje de Koe" (1838-1915) who 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.[1]
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. There are also special waffle irons 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.:
- For about 35 cookies it takes
- 450g flour (if possible the Zealand type of flour, i.e. flour from wheat grown in an oceanic climate zone),
- 325 g white or brown sugar.
- 300 g of butter (or margarine),
- some teaspoons of cinnamon and
- one pinch of salt.
Some opt for relatively more flour and add milk or water, egg - or egg yolk - mixed spices and/or Vanilla.
- According to the original recipe after mixing the ingredients the dough should rest for half a day in the refrigerator, though not everybody does it.
- Next, roll out the dough, about 6-8mm thick, and extend with an iron cookie cutter.
- Then fry on both sides over medium heat in an iron cookies iron, a few minutes per side.
References
- ^ Frank Hazenberg (2013) Vlaardingse IJzerkoekjes, no 25 of the publication serie Van ’t Oft naar ’t Ooft, published by the Jan Anderson Streekmuseum, Vlaardingen.