The chocolate letter is one of the most iconic treats of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands. But did you know that this delicious treat has centuries-old origins? In this blog post, we delve into the history of the chocolate letter and show how Bonbonbook transforms this tradition into a luxurious experience.
From bread and dough letters to chocolate
The tradition of edible letters goes back a surprisingly long way. In the Middle Ages, monastic schools used bread dough letters to teach children the alphabet. Students were allowed to eat the letters as soon as they could write them correctly. Later, in the 16th and 17th centuries, letters made of pastry (dough filled with almond paste) appeared in still lifes by Dutch masters.
In the 19th century, the custom of hiding gifts from Sinterklaas under sheets arose. To show who each gift was for, a letter made of bread dough, bearing the first letter of the child's name, was placed on top of the sheet. This quickly gave the letter a personal meaning.
The rise of the chocolate letter
Thanks to technological advances in cocoa processing, artisans were able to begin making chocolate letters around 1900. However, chocolate letters didn't truly become popular until the 1950s, when chocolate became more mass-produced and the Sinterklaas tradition became more firmly established among the general public.
Although all letters are available, some chocolatiers sometimes do not make the less popular letters such as Q, U, X, Y and Z because they are in low demand.
Design and symbolism
The font often used for chocolate letters is Egyptienne , a slab serif font. Thanks to its thick edges, the letter's shape remains intact. To ensure that all letters contain the same amount of chocolate, the letter's weight is adjusted depending on the shape. For example, wide letters like M and W are thinner than narrower letters, so the weight of the chocolate remains consistent.
In addition, the ridges on the letters have a practical function: they make it easier to remove the chocolate from the mold and conceal any small imperfections.
Luxury chocolate letters with craftsmanship
At Bonbonbook, we give the classic chocolate letter a modern and luxurious twist. Our handmade chocolate letters are made from the finest chocolate and are available in surprising fillings like creamy fudge, hazelnut cream, and fruity combinations. Each letter is carefully crafted, making it a unique gift that's both traditional and surprising.
Discover the magic of the chocolate letter
The chocolate letter symbolizes tradition, love, and craftsmanship. With a handmade chocolate letter from Bonbonbook, you give a gift that not only tastes delicious but also tells a story.
Make Sinterklaas an unforgettable moment and discover our range of chocolate letters.
