The cookies here come shaped like windmills, and a real windmill stands right outside the front door. That’s what I call commitment to a theme.
The bakery behind them has been turning out Dutch recipes since 1954, and the third generation of the same family still runs it. Those recipes first traveled across the ocean from Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands.
I like how the shelves mix old-country treats with flaky cronuts in maple, glazed, and cinnamon sugar. Almond tarts, spiced cookies, and salty European licorice all share the same counter, too.
I can’t imagine an easier way to visit Holland from New Jersey without packing a single suitcase or boarding a long flight overseas. So which treat would you grab first, the windmill cookie or the cronut?
A Slice Of The Netherlands Sitting Right On Route 23
Holland American Bakery sits along Route 23 in Sussex, up in the far northwestern corner of New Jersey. It’s a family bakery with Dutch roots, and it wears those roots proudly.
The building is easy to spot thanks to a traditional windmill standing outside. Few roadside landmarks announce a menu quite so clearly.
Inside, the bakery blends two worlds under one roof. One side leans into old-country Dutch baking, with spiced cookies, almond pastries, and hearty breads.
The other side covers American favorites like donuts, cupcakes, pies, and custom cakes. That mix means nobody in your car has to compromise on a snack.
There’s also a small shop area stocked with imported Dutch goods and gifts. You can leave with a pastry, a tin of cookies, and maybe a pair of wooden shoes.
The setting matters here, too. Sussex County feels rural and roomy, a long way from the Turnpike traffic many of us know too well.
So the trip itself becomes part of the treat. A scenic drive, a windmill, and a bag of fresh pastries make a pretty solid Saturday plan.
Not bad for a stop that started as one family’s dream back in the 1950s.
How A Family From Friesland Built A Bakery That Lasted Seven Decades
Back in 1954, Walter and Hilda Valkema opened a bakery in Sussex County. They had come from Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands, and they brought their baking traditions along.
That kind of move takes real courage. Starting a business in a new country, with recipes from home, is no small leap.
Fast forward about seven decades, and the Valkema family is still behind the counter. The third generation now runs Holland American Bakery.
Even better, the family continues to use recipes the founding grandfather carried over from the Netherlands. Every batch of cookies is a small link back to that original kitchen.
Longevity like this is rare in the bakery world. Plenty of shops come and go, but this one keeps rolling out dough year after year.
The family also describes the bakery as a place built on faith and freshness. Those two ideas show up again and again in how they talk about their work.
I believe that’s part of why the place feels so personal. You’re buying from a family business with a long memory, not a chain with a corporate playbook.
Grandpa’s recipes, still going strong. That’s a legacy worth a detour.
That Windmill Out Front Is Your First Clue
Windmills and the Netherlands go together like butter and pastry. So it makes perfect sense that a traditional windmill greets you before you even reach the door.
It’s the bakery’s most recognizable feature. Kids will likely point at it from the back seat, and honestly, adults might too.
The Dutch theme carries indoors with decorations gathered over many years. Delft-style touches and Dutch collectibles help set the mood before you pick a single pastry.
There’s a charming, homey quality to it all. Nothing feels flashy or overdesigned, just a family proud of where they came from.
The windmill also shows up in edible form. The bakery’s speculaas cookies are often shaped like little windmills, which feels like a wink to anyone paying attention.
Outside, there’s a seating area where you can enjoy your treats in the fresh air. On a nice day, that beats eating a donut over your steering wheel.
For photo lovers, the windmill makes an easy backdrop. A quick family picture with a pastry bag in hand is practically required.
It’s a small detail that sets the whole tone. One look, and you know this isn’t a typical strip-mall bakery.
Good Luck Stopping At Just One Cronut
Cronuts are the surprise headliner at Holland American Bakery. These flaky, layered treats sit somewhere between a croissant and a donut, and they draw a serious following.
You’ll often find them in glazed, cinnamon sugar, and maple. Chocolate has shown up in the lineup as well, depending on the day.
Maple seems to be a crowd favorite, with glazed right behind it. Picking a winner is tough, so a mixed box feels like the diplomatic choice.
Some fans skip the single cronut and go straight for a dozen. That might sound excessive until you’re halfway home and the box is suddenly lighter.
The cronuts pair nicely with a cup of coffee for a quick morning stop. Grab a seat outside, and you’ve got yourself a tiny café moment.
Old-fashioned donuts are another solid pick if you’re feeling classic. Danishes, eclairs, and cream horns round out the pastry case nicely.
Here’s a friendly warning, though. Popular items can sell out, so earlier visits may give you the best selection.
A Dutch bakery famous for cronuts? It sounds unexpected, but one flaky bite tends to settle the argument pretty quickly.
Windmill Cookies, Butter Cake, And Other Dutch Delights
Speculaas might be the most famous Dutch cookie on the shelves. These spiced cookies carry warm cinnamon notes and often come pressed into adorable windmill shapes.
They’re the kind of treat that disappears from the cookie jar mysteriously fast. Nobody ever admits to eating the last one.
Krakelingen are another fun find, sugared cookies twisted into a neat little loop. They look almost too pretty to dunk in coffee, almost.
Gevulde koeken bring an almond filling tucked inside a tender cookie. If you love almond anything, this one deserves a spot in your bag.
Boterkoek, the classic Dutch butter cake, is rich in the best possible way. Schuimpjes, light meringue-style cookies, offer a crisp and airy contrast.
Jan Hagel cookies, including a chocolate version, also make an appearance. They’re a nice pick for anyone curious about traditional flavors beyond cinnamon.
Many of these recipes trace straight back to the old country. That means some flavors may be brand new to your taste buds.
Half the fun is trying something you can’t pronounce yet. By the second visit, you’ll be ordering like a pro from Friesland.
Almond Lovers And Bread Fans Get Their Own Reward
Almond plays a starring role in Dutch baking, and this bakery leans right into it. The banket almond ring is a showstopper, perfect for a holiday table or a Tuesday that needs help.
Almond stollen and almond tarts keep the theme going. You may also spot honeycake, a sweet and spiced option with old-world appeal.
Bread fans have plenty to explore, too. Cinnamon bread, raisin bread, and Dutch rye bread all share shelf space.
There are also hearty breads packed with nuts and seeds. They’re great for building a simple Dutch-style sandwich at home.
One useful tip comes straight from the bakery. They don’t use preservatives, so fresh bread won’t sit on your counter for weeks.
The family recommends freezing loaves you won’t eat right away. Pull one out when needed, and it’s ready to go.
Cookies can also soften in humid weather for the same reason. A quick stay in the freezer helps them crisp back up.
Honestly, that’s a fair trade for baked goods made the old-fashioned way. Fewer additives, more flavor, and a freezer full of Dutch goodies sounds like a win.
Breakfast Sandwiches Worth Setting An Alarm For
Pastries get most of the attention, but breakfast sandwiches quietly hold their own here. The doors open at 6 a.m., which makes this an easy early stop.
A simple egg and cheese on a fresh poppy seed roll is one tasty option. When the bread is baked on-site, a basic sandwich suddenly feels like an upgrade.
Commuters heading along Route 23 could easily make this a regular habit. It sure beats a sad granola bar eaten at a red light.
Coffee is available too, so you can build a full morning routine. Add a cronut on the side, and you’ve got breakfast with a bonus round.
The outdoor seating area gives you a place to sit and eat. Indoor seating appears limited, so plan on enjoying the fresh air or taking food to go.
Takeout works well for road-trippers anyway. Grab your sandwich, pack a pastry box for later, and keep exploring Sussex County.
It’s a smart move for weekend outings, too. Fuel up early, then head off to nearby trails or farms with full bellies.
Breakfast and a little Dutch magic, all before most people finish snoozing their alarms.
Delft Blue, Wooden Shoes, And Some Seriously Salty Licorice
Wooden shoes in a New Jersey bakery? Absolutely, and they’re just the start of the gift shop fun at Holland American Bakery.
The small shop area carries Delft wares, decorative tiles, tea sets, and ceramic collectibles. It’s a great spot to find a gift for anyone with Dutch heritage.
Imported Dutch chocolates and cookies sit nearby. They make easy souvenirs, assuming they survive the drive home.
Then there’s the licorice selection, which deserves its own spotlight. You’ll find a large variety of black licorice, including the sour and salty European styles.
Salty licorice is a big deal in the Netherlands, though it surprises many American taste buds. Trying a piece is a fun dare for brave family members.
Hard candies and other specialty treats round out the shelves. Kids will likely treat this corner like a candy museum with take-home exhibits.
The shop gives the visit an extra layer beyond pastries. You’re not only eating Dutch food, you’re browsing a little piece of Dutch culture.
I like that the bakery turns a snack run into a mini shopping trip. Somebody’s birthday gift problem might get solved right next to the cookies.
Birthday Cakes And Party Platters With Hometown Heart
Celebrations get the hometown treatment at Holland American Bakery. Custom cakes are part of the American side of the bakery, alongside cookies, cupcakes, and pies.
Sheet cakes, birthday cakes, and baby shower cakes are all part of the mix. Different fillings, like raspberry, can add an extra layer of flavor.
Smash cakes for a baby’s first birthday have been on the order list, too. Few things are cuter than a toddler meeting frosting for the first time.
Cupcakes make a great option for school parties or office treats. They’re easy to share and much less messy than slicing a big cake.
Pies and crumb cake also deserve a mention. A box of crumb cake on a family table rarely lasts long.
For custom orders, it’s smart to call ahead and talk through your flavors and design. Clear details help any bakery get your vision just right.
Choosing a family bakery for a milestone adds a nice personal touch. Your celebration gets a cake made by people with seven decades of baking behind them.
That beats grabbing a plastic-domed cake from the grocery store aisle, wouldn’t you say?
Faith, Friday Fish, And A Truck Worth Waiting For
Faith sits at the heart of this family business. The bakery openly shares its Christian values, and the family has said they enjoy showing their faith through their work.
That spirit shows up in a fun seasonal tradition. During Lent, a food truck serves fish every Friday until Easter.
Each order has come with a Bible verse, which adds a thoughtful touch. The fish has earned a loyal following among couples who look forward to it every year.
The owners have also mentioned a fish and chips truck on Friday nights. If you’re planning around it, checking the bakery’s social pages first is a good idea.
Fish and chips with a Dutch bakery for dessert sounds like a pretty great Friday. Grab dinner, then pick up something sweet before heading home.
It also gives families another reason to swing by. A casual Friday outing can feel special without costing a fortune.
I like how this tradition reflects the bakery’s community roots. It’s less about flash and more about feeding neighbors well.
Seasonal traditions like this keep a small business woven into local life. Lent in Sussex County just got a lot tastier.
What To Know Before You Point The Car Toward Sussex
Timing is everything with this trip. Holland American Bakery opens Tuesday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays. So a lazy Sunday drive won’t work here, but a Saturday morning outing fits perfectly.
You’ll find the bakery at 246 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461. It sits in the northwestern corner of New Jersey, surrounded by rural scenery.
For many folks, the drive feels like part of the adventure. Rolling hills and open roads make a welcome change from crowded highways.
The location is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance and parking lot. That makes visits easier for grandparents, strollers, and anyone using mobility aids.
Credit cards are accepted, so you won’t need to hunt for an ATM. Prices tend to be friendly, which is good news for families buying treats for everyone.
Can’t make the trip? The bakery runs an online store with some popular items, including speculaas cookies.
Shipping is handy for gifts or cravings that strike mid-week. Still, the in-person visit offers the full windmill experience.
Arrive earlier if you want the widest pastry selection before favorites sell out.
The Sweetest Little Passport Stamp In New Jersey
Some trips need plane tickets and passports. This one just needs a free Saturday and a little room in the back seat for pastry boxes.
Holland American Bakery delivers a taste of the Netherlands without the jet lag. Between the windmill, the Delft gifts, and the speculaas, the Dutch spirit feels genuine.
The family story makes it even sweeter. Three generations have kept Walter and Hilda Valkema’s recipes alive since 1954.
Then there’s the delightful curveball of cronuts. A Dutch bakery winning hearts with maple cronuts is the kind of twist I can’t resist.
Families will find something for every age here. Kids can chase candy and windmill cookies, while adults stock up on almond pastries and hearty bread.
It also fits the classic New Jersey day trip beautifully. Pair it with a scenic drive through Sussex County, and you’ve got an easy, budget-friendly outing.
Is it worth the drive? For anyone who loves family history, good baking, and small-town charm, I believe it is.
Just bring a cooler for the extras. You’ll probably want a stash of those windmill cookies waiting at home.
