Warming up to the stroopwafel

They’ve been known for more than two centuries in the Netherlands, where consumers eat 30 per year on average. Now, U.S. consumers can indulge in the popular Dutch treat.

The stroopwafel is a flat, round toasted waffle filled with caramel, cinnamon and vanilla. There’s a ritual to eating one: Perch it atop your cup of coffee or tea for a couple of minutes to warm it up, soften the filling and release the aroma. Then eat.

Since February, travelers on United Airlines flights before 9:45 a.m. have been given a Daelmans stroopwafel with their complimentary coffee.

No travel plans? Stroopwafels are sold at major retailers, including Trader Joe’s, 7-Eleven, Target, Meijer, Barnes & Noble Cafes and Cost Plus World Market, and at multiple sites online. They come in regular and miniature sizes in three flavors: caramel, honey and maple and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives or trans fats.

Suggested retail prices range from 99 cents for one to about $4 for a box of 8 or $3.49 for a bag of about 24 mini stroopwafels.

Stroopwafels were invented in Gouda in the late 18th century. Daelmans dates back to 1909.