What Dutch birth tradition involves serving rusks topped with anise-flavored sprinkles to visitors of a newborn?

The Dutch birth tradition involving rusks topped with anise-flavored sprinkles is called beschuit met muisjes.

The phrase means “biscuits with little mice,” a reference to the shape of the anise seeds inside the sugar-coated sprinkles. Dutch families commonly serve the treat to visitors after a baby is born, including guests at a maternity ward or home visit.

The sprinkles are traditionally pink and white for a girl or blue and white for a boy, although orange is associated with royal births and modern families may choose other colors. The food is a birth custom rather than a prenatal baby shower ritual.

A related Dutch tradition is serving the treat after a child’s birth announcement. Its distinctive appearance makes it one of the Netherlands’ best-known foods associated with welcoming a newborn.