Jan Hagel is a traditional Dutch treat that has been around for centuries. This crunchy cookie is made with almonds and cinnamon and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. In this article, we will take a closer look at Jan Hagel, its history, ingredients, and how to make it at home.
History of Jan Hagel
Jan Hagel is a popular Dutch cookie that has been around for over 200 years. It was named after a character in a popular Dutch play called “Gijsbrecht van Aemstel.” The play was written by Joost van den Vondel and was first performed in 1637. In the play, Jan Hagel was a ruffian who terrorized the citizens of Amsterdam.
The cookie was first made in the town of Gouda in the early 19th century. It quickly became popular throughout the Netherlands and is still a beloved treat to this day.
Ingredients of Jan Hagel
Jan Hagel is made with simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. The ingredients include:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Jan Hagel
Making Jan Hagel is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.
- Spread the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds and cinnamon over the top of the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
Variations of Jan Hagel
There are many variations of Jan Hagel that you can try. Some people like to add a little vanilla extract or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor. You can also try using different types of nuts like pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
FAQs about Jan Hagel
Q. What is the origin of Jan Hagel?
A. Jan Hagel is a traditional Dutch treat that has been around for over 200 years.
Q. What are the ingredients of Jan Hagel?
A. The ingredients of Jan Hagel include butter, sugar, egg yolk, flour, salt, sliced almonds, and ground cinnamon.
Q. How do you make Jan Hagel?
A. To make Jan Hagel, you cream together butter and sugar, beat in an egg yolk, stir in flour and salt, spread the dough onto a baking sheet, and sprinkle sliced almonds and cinnamon on top before baking for 20-25 minutes.
Q. Can you add other ingredients to Jan Hagel?
A. Yes, you can add other ingredients to Jan Hagel like vanilla extract or orange zest for extra flavor, or different types of nuts like pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
Q. Is Jan Hagel a popular treat in the Netherlands?
A. Yes, Jan Hagel is still a beloved treat in the Netherlands and can be found in many bakeries and cafes.
Jan Hagel is a delicious Dutch treat that has been around for centuries. Its crunchy texture and cinnamon flavor make it the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or sharing it with friends !