How to Make Bossche Bollen: A Taste of Dutch Delight

The Bossche Bol. It’s not just a mouthful to say, it’s a mouthful of pure Dutch deliciousness! Imagine a delicate, crispy pastry shell filled to the brim with rich, creamy chocolate. Sounds good, right? Now, imagine making these delightful treats in your own kitchen. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as you might think! This guide will show you How To Make Bossche Bollen, step-by-step, and soon you’ll be impressing your friends and family with your baking prowess.

A Bite of History

Before we get our hands messy with dough and chocolate, let’s take a quick trip to the Netherlands. Bossche Bollen hail from the charming city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, affectionately known as Den Bosch. Legend has it that these delightful treats have been around since the 19th century, satisfying sweet cravings for generations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get your aprons ready and let’s gather the ingredients. Don’t worry, there are no hard-to-find items on this list.

For the Pastry:

• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (200 grams) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup (150 grams) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream

Tools of the Trade

Baking is a science, and having the right tools makes all the difference! You’ll need:

• Two mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Deep fryer or large pot
• Slotted spoon
• Wire rack
• Parchment paper

Let’s Get Baking!

Step 1: Creating the Pastry Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the softened butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Frying the Bossche Bollen Shells

1. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. While the oil is heating, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
3. Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the fried dough balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with parchment paper to drain excess oil.

Frying Bossche Bollen

Step 3: Whipping Up the Chocolate Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, chopped chocolate, and butter over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Let the chocolate filling cool slightly, then transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

Step 4: Assembling the Bossche Bollen

1. Once the fried dough balls have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to carefully make a small hole in the bottom of each one.
2. Pipe the chocolate filling into each dough ball until it is full.

Filling Bossche Bollen with Chocolate

Step 5: The Grand Chocolate Coating

1. In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, combine the chopped chocolate and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
2. Dip the top of each filled bossche bol into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
3. Place the coated bollen back on the wire rack to allow the chocolate to set.

Tips and Tricks from Our Expert Bakers:

• “For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%.” – Chef Emily
• “Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the dough balls. This will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy bollen.” – Chef Pierre
• “If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to fill the bollen.” – Grandma’s Kitchen Wisdom

Indulge in Your Dutch Delights!

And there you have it! Your very own homemade Bossche Bollen. Arrange these beautiful creations on a platter and get ready to impress. These treats are best enjoyed fresh, so grab one (or two!) and savor the delightful combination of crispy pastry and rich, creamy chocolate.

We’d love to hear about your Bossche Bollen adventure! Share your baking experience and photos in the comments below. Happy Baking!