A cookie with a cult following
Visitors who search for Van Stapele Amsterdam usually have one thing in mind: a chocolate cookie. The small shop, known as Van Stapele Koekmakerij, became famous for a single product, a dark chocolate cookie with a white chocolate centre, which is served warm and has a soft, gooey middle. The shop has built a loyal following, and the queue at the door has become part of the experience.
Where to find it
The shop stands in the centre of Amsterdam, in a quiet street near the Spui and the canal ring, on the Wolvenstraat. It is a short walk from Dam Square, the Spui and the Jordaan. The shop is tiny, with a counter and not much space inside, so most people buy their cookie and eat it outside. Check the official website for current opening hours, since they can change.
What do they sell?
The main attraction is the signature chocolate cookie. The shop also offers a small selection of other cookies and sweets, sometimes with seasonal changes. Many visitors buy a box of cookies to take home. Prices are modest for a bakery in the city centre, but the cookie is not a large one, so a few pieces make a better treat.
How the cookie tastes
It is rich, with a crisp outer layer and a soft, almost molten centre. The dark chocolate gives a deep flavour, while the white chocolate adds sweetness. It is best eaten warm, and the shop usually serves it fresh. If you take it home, you can reheat it for a few seconds in an oven to bring back the soft centre.
Dealing with the queue
The queue is the main thing to plan for. Because the shop is small, only a few people can enter at a time. At peak hours, such as weekend afternoons, the queue can be long.
Tips for a shorter wait
1. Go early in the morning, shortly after opening.
2. Visit on a weekday.
3. Avoid the lunch hours and late afternoon in summer.
4. Be patient and enjoy the street while you wait.
Combine with a walk
After you get your cookie, you can continue exploring. Nearby are:
- Begijnhof: a quiet medieval courtyard.
- The Spui square: with a book market on Fridays and an art market on Sundays.
- The Jordaan: a neighbourhood of small streets and cafes.
- The Nine Streets: known for boutiques.
A cookie in hand and a walk through these streets make a pleasant hour. For ideas about what else to do in the city, see the official Amsterdam tourism site.
Is it worth the hype?
Opinions vary. Fans say the cookie is the best they have ever had. Others find that the hype exceeds the product. A fair view is that it is a very good cookie from a charming shop, and that it is more fun to treat it as a small adventure than as a must-do. If you do not like long queues, there are many other good bakeries in the city.
Alternatives
Amsterdam has many places for sweet treats:
- Stroopwafels: fresh ones are sold at markets, such as the Albert Cuyp Market.
- Dutch apple pie: served in cafes across the city.
- Poffertjes: small fluffy pancakes.
- Bakeries: local bakeries sell cakes, pastries and cookies at lower prices.
Practical tips
- Bring a card, but also a little cash in case of payment issues.
- Do not expect seats, since there is little or no seating.
- Allergen information: cookies contain chocolate, gluten and dairy, and may contain nuts, so ask if you have allergies.
- Be considerate of residents, since the street is residential.
Taking cookies home
If you want to bring cookies home as gifts, ask for a box and eat them within a few days for the best texture. Check airline rules about food in luggage, which are usually fine for baked goods.
History of the shop
The shop has become an Amsterdam name in a short time, and it is often listed in food guides and travel lists. Because it focuses on one product, it manages to do it well, which is something many visitors enjoy. If the queue is long, ask yourself whether you prefer a famous cookie or a quiet cafe, and you will know what to do.
Final thoughts
Van Stapele Amsterdam is a small shop with a big reputation. Go early, be ready to queue briefly, and enjoy a warm chocolate cookie on a walk through the old centre. It is a small pleasure that suits the city well.
Related reading: This Is Holland: Flight Experience and Tips for Your Visit.
