Everybody loves a warm gooey stroopwafel, so much so that the famous Dutch snack has recently been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). 

Dutch snack added to Oxford English Dictionary

People in the Netherlands aren’t the only ones who enjoy the syrupy goodness of a stroopwafel. In recent years, the beloved Dutch snack has slowly been growing in popularity, with many savouring a stroopwafel after placing it atop a warm drink.

In its December 2024 update, you’ll find that the stroopwafel has become popular enough to be one of the newest additions to the OED, along with other terms such as “player character” and “interrailing”. The definition of the delicious treat included in the dictionary is a “sweet snack consisting of two small, very thin, circular waffles sandwiched together with a syrup or caramel filling”.

Stroopwafel mentioned in English as early as 1974

According to the dictionary, stroopwafels were mentioned in English as early as 1974, when they were advertised in the Ohio Beacon Journal: “Original Dutch Stroopwafels... Just arrived from Holland, these syrup waffles go particularly well with good coffees or teas.”

The beginning of the global hype for the Dutch treat can also be seen further along the timeline with American media. A New York Times article in 1995 detailed the use of stroopwafels at cafes, stating “Coffee bars are stocking up on a delicious Dutch confection to nibble with coffee: the Stroopwafel, a layer of caramel sandwiched between thin round waffled wafers... Stroopwafels are placed on top of a cup of coffee or tea so the heat softens the caramel.”