The oldest known recipe for stroopwafels dates to 1840. That date is the earliest surviving recipe associated with the Dutch syrup waffle, even though the snack’s origin stories reach back somewhat earlier.
Stroopwafels originated in Gouda, in South Holland. They consist of two thin, round waffle wafers joined by a filling traditionally made from syrup, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Bakers slice the waffle while it is still warm, spread in the filling, and press the halves together so the syrup binds as it cools.
Folklore credits baker Gerard Kamphuisen and sometimes places the invention between 1810, when he opened his bakery, and 1840, when the oldest known recipe was recorded. The earlier date is therefore an origin possibility, not the date of the oldest surviving written recipe.
After about 1870, stroopwafels spread beyond Gouda to other Dutch cities. Factory production expanded during the 20th century, and the cookie later became internationally familiar. The dates 1810 and 1870 describe origin or wider distribution milestones; 1840 is the answer for the oldest known recipe.