Kids Love This Simple 3-Ingredient Dutch Breakfast!

Following my first year in college, I journeyed across Europe with my field hockey team, touring Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. This trip was only my second time on a plane—the first being a short hop from Connecticut to Florida. I was pretty inexperienced with the wider world at that point.

The culinary landscape in Europe was mesmerizing. From the picturesque candy stores brimming with licorice assortments to the crunchy Belgian fries and airy mini pancakes, I was in awe of the delicious foods I got to sample. Our trip was focused on the sport, meaning our lodgings were basic—we were there to practice and explore in our free time, so hotel stays were brief, mostly just for breakfast.

Initially, breakfast was a puzzling affair. The offerings were a far cry from the typical continental breakfast I knew, dominated instead by deli meats, pickles, and mustard. Given my penchant for simpler, more familiar breakfasts—think bagels—especially when gearing up for a day full of walking and playing, this was a bit of a shock.

It took a few missed breakfasts before I stumbled upon sprinkle toast, or “hagelslag” as it’s known in Dutch, which translates to “hailstorm.” I had seen these colorful sprinkle packets on the buffet but didn’t know their purpose until I observed someone ingeniously topping their buttered toast with them.

Once I verified with our local guide that this delightful treat was indeed a common Dutch breakfast item, it quickly became my main sustenance for the rest of our journey.

Add a Dash of Delight

It’s important to note that hagelslag sprinkles are quite distinct from the typical waxy, bland sprinkles found in the U.S. Despite my fondness for the American kind, the refined texture and richer flavor of hagelslag truly elevate this simple toast.

In the Netherlands, hagelslag comes in flavors like anise, fruit, and chocolate. The chocolate variety, known as chocoladehagelslag, must contain at least 32% cocoa, offering a taste closer to that of a chocolate chip than a regular sprinkle.

Hagelslag slipped from my mind until I had children of my own. Suddenly, during the era of elementary school birthday parties, I found myself with an excess of sprinkles. One particularly bare morning, I decided to make sprinkle toast for my two young sons, aged 6 and 2.

My eldest was astonished, asking if he was really allowed to have sprinkles for breakfast. I assured him, “Yes, my boy—do as the Dutch do!”

Crafting Simple 3-Ingredient Sprinkle Toast

To whip up one or two servings, you’ll need:

• 2 slices of brioche, lightly toasted
• 1 tablespoon of salted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite sprinkles (I recommend Dutch hagelslag, particularly brands like De Ruijter)

Evenly spread the butter across the toasted bread slices. Sprinkle the hagelslag evenly across the bread and gently press them down to stick. Slice each piece diagonally and serve immediately.

Additional Sweet Treats Your Kids Will Adore

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls
• Chocolate-Dipped Orange Segments
• Caramel Apple Nachos
• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels