Share your favorite cookie recipes this holiday season.
The holidays are a wonderful time for baking treats. One of our favorites to share is this easy and delicious recipe for holiday treasure cookies that each come with a secret hidden delight.
My mother used to make these every holiday and store them in coffee cans in the cool cabinet in our kitchen. Being the organized German that she was, she took weeks to make dozens of Christmas cookies to share with family and friends. I have to admit that I would sneak into the cabinet and steal a few. I’m sure the tell-tale sign of the powder sugar trail gave me away every time. She never scolded me because she knew they were my favorites and still are to this day.
These wonderful treats have a crumbly, buttery outside hiding a delicious and surprising chocolatey burst inside. You can use any flavor of chocolate kisses you like or mix and match to enhance the surprise. I grew up with the standard milk chocolate Hershey kisses but now I prefer the dark chocolate kisses. Holiday and specialty flavor kisses would work well too.
We hope you try this recipe and it becomes one of your family’s favorites too.
1BagHershey's Kisses(Any flavor, although we prefer Special Dark)
1 1/2cupsConfectioner's Sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cream sugar, butter, and vanilla together until creamy, light, and fluffy.
Slowly add flour and blend well until flour becomes completely incorporated into the mixture forming a soft dough.
Refrigerate the dough for 2 hours or more until quite firm.
While the dough is chilling, unwrap the kisses.
When the dough is thoroughly chilled, take a spoonful and work gently with fingers to create a ball then flatten the ball into a small patty. Place a kiss in the center of the patty then pull up sides to wrap around a kiss. When the kiss is completely covered, roll dough in your palms (like a meatball) to shape it back into the ball. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Repeat until all dough/kisses are in balls.
Bake for 10-12 minutes (depending on your oven)or until dough is no longer gummy and bottoms are slightly golden.
Cool for a few minutes on a cookie sheet, then place on a rack to coolentirely. Meanwhile, put confectioner's sugar in a large bowl.
When cookies are cooled, roll in confectioner's sugar to coat. When you have finished all the cookies with one coating, repeat so that each cookie has 2 coats of confectioner's sugar and is covered all around.
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Cookies, Holiday
Holiday Treasure Cookies the surprise is a chocolate kiss inside!
We hope you enjoy these little treasures. Watch out for the powdered sugar – it’s a bit messy but worth it!
If you’re looking for another terrific holiday cookie check out these Easy Chocolate Crinkles.
Happy Holidays!
THE QUICK BITE: If you’re looking for a new holiday cookie recipe try the Holiday Treasure Cookie. There’s a chocolate surprise in every cookie. They’re sure to be a new family favorite.
When visiting Amsterdam we fell in love with many of the local dishes, and wanted to share the little Poffertjes Dutch mini-pancakes recipe. Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. These mini pancakes are light, fluffy, and delicious.
They’re typically served with powdered sugar and butter, but you can also add other toppings like fruit, Nutella, or whipped cream.
Poffertjes have a long and fascinating history in Dutch food culture. The exact origin of poffertjes is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it’s believed that they were first created in the Netherlands in the 17th century. At the time, Dutch bakers were experimenting with new types of pancakes, and poffertjes were born out of this culinary innovation.
Early versions of poffertjes were made by pouring batter onto the hot plates of a stove and flipping them with a fork. Over time, the recipe evolved to include yeast and other ingredients, and the distinctive poffertjes pan was developed to make them into the small, round distinctive shape we now recognize.
In Amsterdam, poffertjes are closely associated with the city’s rich culinary traditions. They’re a popular street food, sold by vendors at markets and festivals throughout the year.
One of the most famous places to enjoy poffertjes in Amsterdam is at the Poffertjeskraam in the Albert Cuyp Market. This iconic food stall has been serving up delicious poffertjes for more than 100 years and is a great spot for anyone looking to experience the true flavor of Amsterdam.
Despite their popularity in the Netherlands, poffertjes remained relatively unknown outside of the country until the mid-20th century. However, with the rise of international travel and the growth of global cuisine, poffertjes have since gained a following around the world.
In recent years, Dutch expats have been introducing the treat to new audiences. Today, you can find poffertjes in cities from London to New York, often served with creative twists on the traditional preparations and toppings.
Whether you’re enjoying poffertjes on the streets of Amsterdam or in your own kitchen, this beloved Dutch treat is a delicious reminder of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Poffertjes Recipe
To make poffertjes, you’ll need a special pan that has small, shallow cavities. You can find these pans online or at specialty kitchen stores. To make poffertjes without a poffertjes pan, see our expert recommendations for alternatives below the recipe.
Here’s our easy and delicious poffertjes recipe just for you.
These delightfully small pancakes are delicious and fun to eat.
Ingredients
1 CupAll-purpose flour
1tbspGranulated Sugar
1/2tspSalt
3/4cupWarm Milk
2tbspMelted Butter
1Egg
Powdered Sugar and butter.(For serving.)
Instructions
In alarge bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and let the batter rest in a warm, draft-freeplace for about 30 minutes. The batter should rise and become bubbly.
Heat the poffertjes pan over medium heat. Brush each cavity with melted butter.
Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill each cavity about 2/3 full with batter.
Cook the poffertjes for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they're goldenbrown and cooked through.
Remove the poffertjes from the pan and serve them hot with powdered sugar and butter.
Notes
Enjoy your delicious poffertjes! They’re best served fresh and hot, so be sure to eat them right away. You can also experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own unique twist on this classic Dutch treat.
If you’re craving poffertjes but don’t have a poffertjes pan, don’t worry! There are a few substitute options that you can try.
Mini Muffin Pan
One option is to use a mini muffin pan. While the shape won’t be exactly the same, you can still achieve a similar size and texture.
Grease the muffin cups with butter and fill them about 2/3 full with batter. Bake them in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Ebelskiver Pan
Another option is to use an ebelskiver pan, which is similar to a poffertjes pan but with deeper cavities. The ebelskiver pan will give you a similar shape and texture to poffertjes. Fill the cavities with batter and cook them according to the poffertjes recipe instructions.
Griddle or Frying Pan
If you don’t have either of the above pans, you can use a griddle or frying pan and go for it free-form. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and melt some butter in the pan. Use a small spoon or piping bag to drop the batter onto the pan in small rounds. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
No matter which substitute option you choose, be sure to watch the poffertjes carefully as they cook, since cooking times may vary based on the type of pan you use. And don’t forget to serve them hot with powdered sugar and butter for a delicious treat!
Poffertjes Dutch Mini-Pancakes Recipe Variations
Poffertjes are often made with all-purpose flour and served with butter and powdered sugar, but there are also many delicious variations on this classic recipe. Here are some of our favorite suggestions to mix things up a bit.
Different Flour
One variation is to use different types of flour in the batter. Buckwheat flour gives the poffertjes a slightly nutty flavor. Try whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. You can also combine flours to get a unique texture and taste.
Sweet Variations
If you’re a fan of poffertjes, you’ll be delighted to know that there are many variations of this delicious Dutch treat to explore. You can make additions to the batter itself or change up the toppings. For something really different, go for both! Here are a few of our favorite creative suggestions. Try some of these or come up with your own ways to enjoy poffertjes.
Chocolate
For a decadent twist on the classic recipe, add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter. Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup for an indulgent treat.
Apple Cinnamon
Add grated apple and a dash of cinnamon to the batter for a cozy fall-inspired version of poffertjes. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce.
Lemon Poppy Seed
For a tangy and refreshing twist, add lemon zest and poppy seeds to the batter. Serve with a dollop of lemon curd and fresh berries.
Matcha Poffertjes
Add matcha powder to the batter for a trendy and delicious variation. Top with a scoop of green tea ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Red Velvet Poffertjes
Add red food coloring and cocoa powder to the batter for a vibrant and decadent version of poffertjes. Top with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles for a fun and festive treat.
Coconut
Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Peanut Butter
Swirl creamy peanut butter into the batter for a nutty and satisfying version of poffertjes. Top with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of honey.
Blueberry Lemon
Add fresh blueberries and lemon zest to the batter for a bright and fruity variation. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Spice
Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the batter for a cozy fall-inspired version of poffertjes. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Honey Lavender
Infuse the batter with dried lavender and drizzle with honey for a fragrant and elegant twist on the classic recipe.
Savory Variations
While poffertjes are traditionally served sweet, they can also be made into a delicious and savory treat. Here are some ideas for savory poffertjes.
Cheese
Add grated cheese to the batter for a savory and satisfying twist. Top with a dollop of sour cream and chives for an appetizer that’s sure to please.
Bacon
Add chopped bacon to the batter for a smoky and savory version of poffertjes. Top with a fried egg and a drizzle of hot sauce for a breakfast-inspired treat.
Spinach and Feta
Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the batter for a Mediterranean-inspired version of poffertjes. Top with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing finish.
Mushroom and Thyme
Add sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme to the batter for a savory and earthy twist. Top with a dollop of crème fraîche for a luxurious finish.
Herb and Garlic
Add fresh herbs and garlic to the batter for a flavorful and aromatic variation. Serve with a dollop of herb butter for a rich and indulgent treat.
These are just a few ideas for savory poffertjes. You can even combine several ingredients like bacon and cheese together for fun. With their soft, fluffy texture and versatile flavor profile, poffertjes can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s a poffertjes recipe out there that’s sure to delight you.
Poffertjes For Special Diets
Even if you have food allergies, restrictions, or sensitivities, you can still make tasty poffertjes at home.
For vegan versions, substitute your favorite nondairy products for the milk, butter, and egg in the recipes. Almond and oat milk are popular choices.
If your diet is gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend to create a version of the dish that’s suitable for your dietary restrictions.
Where To Try Poffertjes In Amsterdam
If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want to try authentic Dutch poffertjes, there are many places where you can indulge in this delicious treat. Here are a few suggestions for where to try poffertjes in Amsterdam.
The Pancake Bakery
Located in the heart of Amsterdam, The Pancake Bakery is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. They serve a variety of sweet and savory pancakes, including traditional poffertjes. Their poffertjes are made fresh to order and served with butter and powdered sugar.
Albert Cuyp Market
This vibrant outdoor market is a great place to sample a variety of Dutch treats, including poffertjes. There are several vendors selling freshly made poffertjes, served hot off the griddle with your choice of toppings. Albert Cuyp Market is regularly open Monday through Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm, and is closed Sundays and holidays.
Lanskroon Bakery
The historic Lanskroon Bakery has been serving delicious Dutch pastries since 1902. In addition to their famous stroopwafels, they have wonderful pastries and serve poffertjes topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar.
The Pancake Club
What started as a seasonal food market stall in 1993 has blossomed into a full-time family business. The Pancake Club serves a variety of Dutch specialties including little puffy mini-pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. For extra indulgence you can order them with strawberries and cream. Or go for broke and order “the pancake club version” that adds ice cream as well.
Whether you’re enjoying poffertjes while traveling in Amsterdam or bringing the tastes of travel to your table at home, we hope you have fun with our easy-to-make and even easier-to-enjoy recipe. Try some of the variations and let us know what flavors you like the best!
Check Out More Dutch Recipes!
If you are looking for some other fun recipes to try at home, check out our recipes for other traditional Dutch dishes like stamppot (a hearty mashed potato and vegetable dish), pannenkoeken (large, thin pancakes served savory or sweet), and bitterballen (crispy little meatballs).
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One of our favorite fall ingredients is that noble orange squash, the versatile pumpkin. Here are some pumpkin facts and an easy soup recipe that will make you smile. Did you know that some countries, like Ireland, don’t actually eat pumpkins, they just use them for decorations or making Jack-o-Lanterns?
Pumpkins contain lots of potassium, Vitamin A, and fiber. The flesh can be used in a great variety of recipes, both savory and sweet. Even pumpkin flowers can be stuffed, baked, and served as a delicious, light dish. Recipes and uses are as varied as soufflés, pies, fritters, puddings, and, one of our favorites, pumpkin soup.
Pumpkin soup is often cream-based, but can also be made with chunks of pumpkin or in our favorite version, smooth but with a broth base. This tummy-warming pumpkin soup without cream is perfect for lunch on a cold day or as a starter that won’t weigh you down.
Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stick butter
3 cloves chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
1 sugar pumpkin, cleaned, peeled, and cubed (about 6 cups)
7-8 cups chicken stock (low sodium, low fat)
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
salt & pepper to taste
nutmeg & fresh Italian Parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Melt butter in a skillet on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until clear. Add the garlic and cook a minute or two until fragrant.
2. Pour butter, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker and add thyme and sage, and chicken stock.
4. Stir to be sure all ingredients are well-mixed.
5. Heat in a slow cooker on low for about 8 hours, high for about 4 hours until the pumpkin is totally soft.
6. Pour into blender small batches or use an immersion blender until all ingredients are blended smooth. Salt and pepper to taste
To serve, pour into soup bowls, sprinkle with nutmeg, and top with a sprig of fresh parsley.
NOTE: If you like a more creamy soup, you may add some heavy cream to the soup after blended or drizzle in the bowl.
If you’re looking for something to do with those pumpkin seeds…
While pumpkins are healthy and delicious, don’t forget the seeds! Pumpkin seeds contain iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin E, and fiber–all in one tasty, crunchy package. They’re a snack food you can actually feel good about eating!
Try this quick and easy recipe for toasted pumpkin seeds.
Spiced Oven-Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 1-2 cups of pumpkin seeds, depending on the size of your pumpkin
While pumpkins are healthy and delicious, don’t forget the seeds! Pumpkin seeds contain iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin E, and fiber–all in one tasty, crunchy package. They’re a snack food you can actually feel good about eating!
Roasted pumpkin seeds
Ingredients:
Pumpkin seeds from 1 fresh pumpkin
2 cups of water
2 Tablespoons Kosher salt
1-2 teaspoons olive oil or canola oil
1 teaspoon one of the following: cumin, chili powder, cayenne, or seasoned salt
OR
1 teaspoon each of the following: Basil, oregano, parmesan cheese, and granulated garlic
You can get creative and use the spice mix that’s your family’s favorite, too.
Directions:
1. Remove pumpkin seeds from pumpkin and place it in a mesh strainer. Rinse pumpkin seeds well, removing the pulp with your fingers. Discarding pulp or use in another recipe.
2. Mix water and Kosher salt. Add cleaned pumpkin seeds and soak 2 hours to overnight.
3. Drain pumpkin seeds in a mesh strainer and spread out on a work surface to dry. Blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a cookie sheet with pan spray.
5. Transfer pumpkin seeds to a bowl. Add oil and your choice of spices. Toss to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer on the prepared cookie sheet.
6. Bake 20-30 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes, and stirring every 5 minutes after. Bake until golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer pumpkin sheets to a work surface to cool.
Choux a la creme, also known as profiteroles, is one of the most impressive and delicious desserts among many memorable French pastries. Although some French desserts take lots of time, patience, and technique, some are surprisingly simple, once you know a few secrets. We’ll share with our choux pastry recipe as well as ideas for profiteroles filling. You will be happy to know that we’ve got aa few profiteroles recipe secrets too.
Choux A La Creme Is A French Favorite
A Simple But Impressive Dessert
When eating and entertaining friends, sometimes we just want to finish with something sweet without having to spend days making a homemade dessert. But we also don’t want to buy a dessert and leave the last part of our meal to someone else’s hands, no matter how skilled. After all, part of the joy of entertaining is sharing our love and skill with those we care about.
Make A Splash
A French Classic
The French, of course, have elevated the art of dining, whether at home or in a restaurant, café, or patisserie into a delight for all the senses. We love the idea of replicating that experience at home. One of the best ways we can think to do that is to finish off with an impressive dessert such as choux a la creme.
Serve With A Flourish
Chou A La Creme
Choux a la creme, sometimes in English spelled chou a la creme, is the perfect go-to dessert. You may also know them as profiteroles. Yep, profiteroles. Those delicious little pastry puffs filled with ice cream, custard, pastry cream, or whipped cream.
Choux Pastry Recipe Is Good For Plain Cream Puffs Too
Chocolate Profiteroles
They’re often made as chocolate profiteroles, topped with chocolate ganache or sauce.
Chocolate Ganache Makes A Good Topping Too
Choux a la creme is an absolute show-stopper. And besides being delicious it’s easier to make than you think.
How To Make Profiteroles
We’re going to teach you how to make profiteroles by giving you our choux pastry recipe and walking you through the process. Once you have the pastry down, the profiteroles recipe is a breeze.
A Classic French Dessert
Ice Cream Puffs
The neat thing about choux a la creme is that the choux pastry can be made in advance. You can freeze it and use it whenever you want. And it’s perfect if you want to make ice cream puffs. Just slice them and use ice cream as your profiteroles filling and keep them in the freezer until serving. What could be easier?
Choux A La Creme Also Known As Profiteroles
In reality, choux a la creme is a simple recipe. When learning how to make profiteroles, you look at the profiteroles recipe in two parts. The first part is the choux pastry recipe. The second part is the profiteroles filling and the toppings. For an easy classic chocolate profiteroles recipe, yoou can even top with your favorite chocolate syrup. Yes, it really is that easy. Here’s one variation (for a dozen of the little critters):
Choux Pastry Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Try Our Easy Choux Pastry Recipe
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C) and put a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Sift to combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and water and bring to a boil.
4. Remove from heat, add flour mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
5. Return saucepan to the heat and stir constantly until the dough comes away from sides of the pan and forms a thick smooth ball (about 2 mins.) 6. Transfer the dough to your stand or electric mixer and beat on low speed to release the steam from the dough for about a minute. When the dough is lukewarm, slowly add the lightly beaten eggs and continue to mix until you have a smooth thick paste.
7. Spoon 12 small mounds of dough onto the baking sheet about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and gently brush the tops of dough with a lightly beaten egg.
Baking (and while baking!)
8. Bake for 15 minutes and reduce the oven temperature to 350 F (180 C). Continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes or until the shells are golden and almost dry inside.
9. Turn off the oven, poke a few holes in each puff with a fork, and allow the shells to cool and dry out in the oven with the door open.
Profiteroles Filling
Profiteroles Filling Can Be Custard, Pastry Cream, Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
Have Them Your Way
When it comes to completing your choux a la creme, you have a lot of options. You can use your favorite custard, whipped cream, pastry cream, or ice cream for profiteroles filling. For the chocolate topping, you can create your own melted chocolate syrup or use your favorite ready-made chocolate syrup.
Perfect Sauce For Chocolate Profiteroles
Choux A La Creme Complete
When you’ve completed the choux pastry recipe and your puffs are ready, split the shells in half. Whether you want ice cream puffs, custard, or another cream for profiteroles filling, place a small scoop of the profiteroles filling of your choice on the bottom and top with the top half of the shell. For chocolate profiteroles, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top or dust with powdered sugar. Choux a la creme are often served in threes, but you can make and eat any number that you like. Fresh mint or small strips of orange peel make a lovely complimentary garnish.
Garnishes Like Mint And Orange Compliment Well
We’re sure that whatever you’re serving for dinner will be finished off brilliantly by this easy and tasty visit from the art of French pastry.
Three Is The Perfect Personal Serving Size
If you like our choux a la creme French dessert recipe, try our delicious and easy Portokalopita Greek Orange Cake recipe too.
