Celebrate Tradition with Our White Chocolate Almond Cookie!

Jaarsma's Dutch Letters

Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful treat that brings together rich tradition and modern baking—a cookie inspired by the famous Dutch Letters from a small town in Iowa! These cookies are not just a recipe; they’re a celebration of memories and flavors that I hold dear.

A Taste of Dutch Heritage

Raising a family in a close-knit Dutch community, I was surrounded by the sweet aroma of pastries from Jaarsma Bakery, which has been delighting locals since 1898. One of their signature items, the “banketletters,” is a puff pastry filled with sweet almond paste, traditionally shaped like an “S” to honor Sinterklaas. Each bite was a reminder of my roots and the warmth of our traditions.

Creating the Cookie

Inspired by these cherished memories, I set out to create a cookie version of the Dutch Letter! After many trials over six months, I finally crafted a recipe that balances the rich almond flavor with cream cheese for a moist and delectable cookie.

Ingredients I Used:

• Basic cookie dough

• Almond paste

• Cream cheese

• Coarse sugar

• Shaved almonds or festive candied cherries for decoration

Making Magic in Your Kitchen

I made these cookies by mixing the almond paste and cream cheese into my dough. I, rolled them in coarse sugar for that perfect crunch! For a holiday twist, I decorate with red and green candied cherries instead of almonds. It’s all about celebrating the season!

These cookies have quickly become a favorite for holidays and special occasions in my home. They not only taste amazing but also evoke fond memories of my children’s childhood. I invite you to bake these cookies and share them with your loved ones!

Let’s keep the spirit of tradition alive—join me in celebrating these beautiful cookies that remind us of our roots and create new memories in our kitchens! Happy baking!