muisjes

Muisjes are small sugar-coated seeds of anise that are a traditional Dutch and Belgian confection. They are typically used as a decorative topping on buttered beschuit, a dry rusk-like biscuit, to celebrate the birth of a child. The common presentation is a slice of beschuit with muisjes sprinkled on top, often served to visitors who come to congratulate the new parents.

Traditionally, muisjes are colored pink for a girl and blue for a boy, though today a wider range of colors is available and the color choice can vary by family or region. The confection is usually made from anise seeds coated in coarse sugar, giving a sweet, lightly spicy flavor and a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft buttered biscuit.

The origin of the custom is not precisely documented, but the practice of welcoming a newborn with beschuit met muisjes became established in the Netherlands (and is also found in parts of Belgium) in the 20th century. The name muisjes (Dutch for “little mice”) refers to their small size and appearance, though the exact etymology is folkloric rather than literal.

In modern times muisjes are widely available in grocery stores and confectionery shops, sold in small tins or sachets. While they remain primarily associated with birth celebrations, variations in color and packaging reflect broader confectionery trends and changing tastes. They are typically enjoyed as part of a traditional social visit accompanying the newborn.