Our Story

Behind every great stroopwafel is a great story. Ours begins in a small town outside of Alkmaar, in the heart of the Netherlands.

Meet Anna

Anna Ibrahim grew up in Heerhugowaard, a quiet town just outside of Alkmaar in North Holland. Like most Dutch children, she grew up with stroopwafels as a daily comfort — the kind of treat you place over a steaming cup of coffee and wait for the caramel to soften just right. It was simple, warm, and deeply familiar.

As she got older, Anna's world expanded. She moved to Amsterdam, built a career, and traveled across Europe — all while carrying that love of Dutch culture and food with her wherever she went. During her travels, she fell in love with the United States, and when her company offered her a position in Chicago in 2017, she didn't hesitate. It was the adventure she had always dreamed of.

From Chicago, Anna eventually found her way to Sarasota, Florida — sunshine, warm breezes, and a community she quickly called home. But no matter how far she traveled, she always missed the taste of the Netherlands.

A Dream Takes Shape

In 2025, Anna decided to do something about it. What if she could bring an authentic taste of the Netherlands to her new home in the United States? Not a watered-down version, not a mass-produced imitation — but the real thing, made with care, tradition, and the finest ingredients.

And so, Anna's Stroopwafels was born.

Mastering the Craft

Anna didn't just start baking — she went back to the source. While returning to the Netherlands for vacation, she enrolled at the Stroopwafel Academy at Vandemeester's, just outside of Amsterdam, one of the most respected institutions for the art of stroopwafel making. There, she immersed herself in age-old recipes and traditional techniques, earning her Master Certificate in Stroopwafels.

It was more than a course — it was a homecoming. And she brought every lesson back with her to share with you.

What Makes Ours Different

At Anna's Stroopwafels, we believe you deserve the best — and that means no shortcuts. Every stroopwafel we make uses only the finest all-natural ingredients. You won't find any corn syrup, artificial flavors, artificial coloring, or preservatives in our products. Just real, wholesome ingredients crafted the way they've always been made in the Netherlands.

Because that's the only way Anna knows how to do it.

Where to Find Us

Today, you can find Anna's Stroopwafels at local farmers markets and in the coffee shops we partner with across the area. We love meeting our customers face to face, sharing a sample, and watching that first-bite smile.

But this is just the beginning. Anna's dream is to one day open a dedicated stroopwafel shop — a warm, Dutch-inspired space filled with authentic flavors, Dutch-themed goods, and the kind of cozy atmosphere you'd find in the beloved stroopwafel stores all across the Netherlands.

We're just getting started, and we're so glad you're along for the journey.

— Anna Ibrahim & the Anna's Stroopwafels family