Oliebollen are Dutch New Year’s Eve deep-fried dough balls often served with powdered sugar.
The name literally means “oil ball,” referring to the hot oil used to fry the dough. Oliebollen may contain raisins, currants, or pieces of apple, and they are commonly dusted with icing sugar before serving. Bakeries, market stalls, and homes sell or prepare them during the winter holiday season.
They are especially associated with New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium. Their round shape and festive timing have helped make them a recognizable seasonal food rather than an everyday pastry.
Oliebollen are sometimes confused with Dutch pancakes called poffertjes or with savory bitterballen. Those foods have different shapes, ingredients, and culinary roles; oliebollen are the traditional fried New Year treat.