Best 5 Dutch Letter Bars Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable goodness of Dutch letter bars, a traditional treat with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. These delightful bars, also known as "letterkoekjes," are a beloved part of Dutch culture and a staple in bakeries and homes across the Netherlands. Made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and spices, Dutch letter bars are characterized by their distinctive rectangular shape and the letters of the alphabet imprinted on their surface. Typically served with a cup of tea or coffee, these sweet and flavorful bars are a perfect accompaniment to any gathering or a delightful snack to enjoy anytime.

This article features a collection of carefully curated recipes that will guide you in creating these classic Dutch treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. From the traditional recipe that stays true to the original flavors to variations that incorporate unique ingredients and modern twists, this article has something for every baker and taste preference. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes provide clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure your Dutch letter bars turn out perfect every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create these iconic Dutch delights that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

DUTCH LETTER BARS



Dutch Letter Bars image

These easy almond paste bars taste just like dutch letters, but are a super easy recipe to make. These dutch letter bars are addicting and delicious!

Provided by Jenni

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup butter
2 eggs
8 oz almond paste
2 cups sugar + extra for sprinkling on top
2 cups flour

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350F.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients together.
  • Spread into a greased 9x13 pan.
  • Sprinkle the top with sugar.
  • Bake for 30-305 minutes, or until the top is just slightly golden brown.
  • Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439 calories, Carbohydrate 58 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 72 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 22 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 5 grams protein, SaturatedFat 11 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 136 grams sodium, Sugar 40 grams sugar, TransFat 1 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams unsaturated fat

DUTCH LETTERS



Dutch Letters image

These S-shaped super flaky butter pastries filled with almond paste and topped with crunchy sugar are popular in both Iowa and Holland during the Christmas season. Here's a recipe that will let you make and enjoy them all year round. -Shirley De Lange, Byron Center, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h20m

Yield 28 pastry pieces.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 can (8 ounces) almond paste
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
DOUGH:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups cold butter
1 cup ice water
1 large egg white
2 teaspoons water

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the almond paste, sugar, egg and extract until smooth. Divide into 4 portions. On lightly floured waxed paper, roll each portion into a 12x1/2-in. rope; set aside., In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into 4 portions. , On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a 14x6-in. rectangle. Place 1 almond paste rope in the center of each rectangle. Moisten long edges of dough; fold over filling. Press seam to seal; tuck in ends., Transfer seam side down to greased baking sheets; form each into an "S" shape. Whisk egg white and water; brush over dough. Using a fork, prick tops at 1-in. intervals to vent., Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. To serve, cut into 2-in. pieces.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Fat 16g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 182mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

DUTCH LETTER BARS



Dutch Letter Bars image

Growing up in Iowa, you become accustom to the seasonal trips to Pella and the delicious Dutch Letters from Jaarsma Bakery. This recipe lets you replicate the Dutch Letter with out the trip. This recipe appeared in the Des Moines Register a number of years ago.

Provided by Chef Chad

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 40m

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup butter, Melted
1 (8 ounce) can almond paste
2 eggs
1 egg yolk (reserve the egg white)
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
sliced almonds (reserve for topping)
coarse sugar (reserve for topping)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a mixer, combine ingredients and blend well. Spread in 9X13 in pan. Brush with egg whites, sprinkle with sliced almonds and coarse sugar.
  • Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown. Do not over bake.

DUTCH LETTER BARS



Dutch Letter Bars image

I recently enjoyed these at a 4th of July celebration. The recipe is from the wonderful magazine "Our Iowa" -- the June/July 2010 edition, and it was submitted by B. Weiser. Here's HER description as written in the magazine, "My family is Dutch, and my aunt passed down her traditional Dutch letter recipe to me. I used to make them all the time, but they take a lot of time. Then I found this recipe. It's so easy to make but tastes so much like my aunt's recipe. My family actually requests these bars now more often than the traditional Dutch letters!" Let me concur, they're so much easier to make than traditional Dutch Letters and they taste INCREDIBLE!

Provided by AngieME

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 45m

Yield 36 bars, 36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 (8 ounce) can almond paste
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
additional sugar
sliced almonds

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream margarine, butter and eggs.
  • Beat in almond paste.
  • Add sugar and flour; mix well.
  • Spread into a greased 13" x 9" x 2" baking pan.
  • Sprinkle the top with a small amount of sugar and the almonds.
  • Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until the top is browned. Cool before cutting. Makes 3 dozen.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 148, Fat 7.3, SaturatedFat 2.4, Cholesterol 17.1, Sodium 56.9, Carbohydrate 19.7, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 13.5, Protein 1.7

HOLIDAY ALMOND BARS



Holiday Almond Bars image

This fast, delicious dessert always makes an appearance during our Christmas celebrations.-Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 4-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup almond paste
2-1/4 cups sugar, divided
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter, almond paste and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extract. Gradually add flour just until moistened., Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining sugar; top with almonds. , Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 27mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss anything.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final product. Use high-quality butter, flour, sugar, and cocoa powder for the best results.
  • Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will make the bars tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking will help the bars hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Bake the Bars at the Right Temperature: The bars should be baked at a moderate temperature (350°F) to ensure that they bake evenly without burning.
  • Use a Variety of Toppings: You can use a variety of toppings to decorate the bars, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a glaze. Get creative and have fun!

Conclusion:

Dutch Letter Bars are a delicious and versatile treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little planning and effort, you can create a batch of Dutch Letter Bars that will impress your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give Dutch Letter Bars a try. Additional Tips:
  • If you don't have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut the butter into the flour.
  • You can use any type of jam or preserves for the filling. Apricot, raspberry, and strawberry are all popular choices.
  • If you want a more decadent bar, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache or frosting.
  • Dutch Letter Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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