Dutch letter

The Dutch letter is a delicious pastry that combines a base of flour, eggs, and butter or puff pastry, filled with sweet almond paste, dusted with sugar, and typically shaped into an "S" or other letters. Sometimes, marzipan is used as the filling, giving the pastry a delightful porous and flaky texture. Originally, these pastries were crafted into the initials of a family's surname, but in the United States, the "S" shape is the most popular.

Dutch letters are a special treat in December, especially during Sinterklaasavond, celebrated on December 5th in the Netherlands. They also appear at various festivals in the United States.

The name "Dutch letter" comes from the Dutch word "banketletter." In the Netherlands, these pastries are also known as "banketstaven" and "letterbanket."

In the Netherlands, Dutch letters are a traditional treat on Sinterklaasavond, often shaped like the initials of family members. When Dutch immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, it caught on, especially in towns like Pella, Iowa. Here, Dutch letters are a staple at the Tulip Festival. In Michigan, you can find Dutch letters with chocolate during the Holland Dutch Winterfest in Holland, Michigan.

Whether you're enjoying them in December or at a festival, Dutch letters are a delightful pastry that brings a touch of Dutch heritage to the table.