 IJzerkoekjes on display | |
| Place of origin | Netherlands |
|---|---|
Anijzerkoekje (Dutch pronunciation:[ˈɛizərˌkukjə], 'iron cookie') is a softcookie, traditionally eaten by Dutch fishermen, especially inVlaardingen, one of the main harbours of theNetherlands during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is an oval cookie around 0.6-0.7 cm thick with acinnamon 'creamy' taste. The cookies were invented in the city ofVlaardingen and are baked on a checkered iron plate, creating a characteristic waffle-like pattern, similar tostroopwafels.
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.[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 highfood energy (calories) value, and have been taken to the sea for that reason, too.
Today, most pastry shops in Vlaardingen sellijzerkoekjes. Also, specialwaffle irons are available as well asijzerkoekje flour for baking the cookies at home.
In Sri Lanka, biscuits are also known under the nameijzerkoekje. These are considered to be local cuisine. This variety originated within theBurgher community, an ethnically mixed population group, with partly European ancestors, including theDutch Burghers. The cookies are called 'ijzer' or 'ijzer koekje' and are made with wheat flour, sugar, egg,coconut milk, cinnamon,cloves and salt. Butter or oil is only used to grease the baking iron. The iron biscuits are rolled around a 1-1.5 cm diameter stick immediately after baking.[2][3] According to the bookSweet Treats around the World, they are related to Dutchstroopwafels, though stroopwafels are larger, contain syrup and relatively more flour and are baked in awaffle iron.[4]