Why Coffee and Stroopwafel is the Perfect Combination
Nothing is better than enjoying your coffee break with the perfect sweet snack. So what is a stroopwafel, and why is it the ideal combination with coffee? Let’s explore!
What is a Stroopwafel?
To start, if you have never heard of a stroopwafel, you may be wondering what it is exactly. As the name implies, it is a type of waffle. Specifically, it is a type of dessert cookie from the Netherlands. While they can vary in size depending on where you buy them, the typical size is around 10 cm or 4 inches in diameter.
The stroopwafel is made with two thin layers of crispy waffle with a caramel filling in the middle. It is made by baking a slim waffle with a small checkered pattern throughout. Once baked, the thin waffle is then sliced in half to make it even thinner. These two layers are then put back together with “Stroop” to form a sandwich. Stroop is the name of a particular type of Dutch caramel syrup. It consists of syrup, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
It is the perfect snack to have with coffee as its flavors are complementary. For example, the stroopwafel's crunchy, buttery, and sweetness balances out coffee's bitterness. Depending on where you live, you may be lucky enough to buy them fresh. If not, there are many shops and grocery stores that sell them packaged!
History of the Stroopwafel
So, where did the stroopwafel come from, and how did it become a popular snack in the United States?
The stroopwafel was invented during the late 18th century or early 19th century in Gouda, a Dutch city in the Netherlands. It was created by a baker who wanted to repurpose his bakery leftovers. He sweetened his leftover crumbs with syrup and eventually made the first stroopwafel.
The first bakery with stroopwafels opened in 1840 by likely inventor Gerard Kamphuisen. Since then. By the 1870s, the stroopwafel started to appear in cities outside of Gouda. However, it was not until the 1960s did the sweet snack started gaining popularity in the U.S. and other countries worldwide.
Types of Stroopwafel Variants
While traditional stroopwafel is the most popular in the United States, you can find similar snacks from other countries. For instance, in other parts of the Netherlands, you can find “honingwafels.” These are like stroopwafels in that they also use thin waffles. However, instead of syrup, honey is used for the middle.
Also, there is a similar waffle snack in France called the “guafre fourree lilloise.” It is made with two thin wafers and a sugar and vanilla filling. You can also find waffles with cheese fillings in France as well!
How to Eat Stroopwafel with Coffee
Now that you know what the delicious stroopwafel is, what is the best way to eat it? While you can eat it straight out of the package and by itself, there is actually a way it is meant to be enjoyed.
First, did you know the stroopwafel can be found in varying sizes ranging between 2cm to 25cm (or 2 inches to 10 inches) in diameter? The typical size, however, is about 10cm or 4 inches. This is because the snack is meant to fit perfectly on top of a mug. Specifically, it’s supposed to sit on top of the cup without coming in contact with the hot drink.
To get the best experience, you should start by pouring yourself a warm cup of coffee in your preferred mug. Next, place a stroopwafel on top to cover the mouth of the mug. Let it sit there for about one to two minutes. During this time, the stroopwafel will become warm and soften. Inside, the caramel syrup will also become soft and gooey. This process will create the perfect waffle texture as one side will be crispy, and the other will be soft.
Suppose you prefer drinking cold or iced coffee all year round. There’s no need to worry. To get the same experience as hot drinks, you can just microwave your stroopwafel for 5-10 seconds. Microwaving will recreate the soft caramel center so you can fully indulge in its flavor. Just be careful not to microwave it for too long, or the filling can become very hot and even leak out of the waffle.
Depending on your preferences, you can eat the stroopwafel in two ways. The first is to take bites of the sweet snack and then follow up with sips of your coffee. This method is a great way to consume it if you prefer keeping the snack on the crispy side. Another method for pairing the two together is to dunk the stroopwafel into the coffee and eat it. This method will combine the two flavors and soften the dessert as well.
Now that you know all about stroopwafels, what type of coffee will you try with it? If you have not had the chance to try a stroopwafel yet, it may be time for you to find out what all the rave is about!
