Did you know that the English word “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word “koekje?” (hear the pronunciation). The history goes al the way back to 17th century, when the Dutch had a colony on the East Coast of North America called “New Netherland” (presently part of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut).
The Dutch zandkoekjes or “sand cookies” are very easy and quick to make. If you add a hand full of raisins you can turn the cookies into “krentenkoekjes.”
Ingredients (makes 13-15 cookies)
- 1 cup of flour (you can also mix equal amounts of white and whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 stick softened butter or margarine (or a mixture of both) (you may add 1 tbs if you think it is too dry)
- bit of salt
- optional: two handfuls of raisins and currents
Instructions
Knead and roll little balls of about 1.5 inch or 4 cm diameter, press them flat and put them on a cookie sheet. Put the sheet in the middle of the oven and bake at 330°F (165°C) for 16 minutes.