McDonald’s surprises with oliebollen by master pastry chef Robèrt van Beckhoven
McDonald’s is surprising everyone this month with a first: fresh oliebollen by Robèrt van Beckhoven. Yes, you read that right. The chain of Big Macs and McKroketten is now also diving into the fryer for a quintessentially Dutch tradition: the oliebol. And not just any oliebol. Robèrt himself – yes, the one from Heel Holland Bakt – developed a recipe especially for McDonald’s that could even make the biggest oliebol snob melt.
An oliebol from McDonald’s? Believe it
As a McDonald’s fan, you’ve probably wondered at some point: what if you could combine that lukewarm milkshake with a warm oliebol? Well, from now on, you can. McDonald’s has launched a mobile oliebol stand and is baking fresh oliebollen there — entirely in keeping with the brand — which you receive in a recognisable yellow-and-red takeaway bag. Handy for the road, perfect with your McFlurry.
Robèrt van Beckhoven makes an oliebol
The collaboration with master pastry chef Robèrt van Beckhoven gives this stunt a serious foodie boost. Robèrt: “I wanted to make an oliebol that everyone would enjoy. Light, not too sweet and above all with a good texture.” It almost sounds as though he’s describing a top prosecco, except this one can be topped with powdered sugar.
And let’s be honest: if anyone knows how to give a classic treat that little bit extra without ruining the whole thing, it’s him.
December = oliebol tour
The oliebol stand kicks off in Leiderdorp, but of course it won’t stay there. McDonald’s is sending the thing all over the country as if it were a 1990s boy band. And you can experience it live. The stand will visit Amersfoort, Harderwijk, Schagen, Duiven, Veendam and Landgraaf, among other places. We hope you can score an oliebol before they sell out — because yes, that’s going to happen.
Here’s where you’ll find the oliebol stand:
12 December – Amersfoort (De Wieken)
13 December – Harderwijk
14 December – Hoogeveen
19 December – Schagen
20 & 21 December – Duiven
26 December – Veendam
27 & 28 December – Landgraaf
Pro tip: pair that oliebol with a hot chocolate or caramel latte from the regular menu. Trust us, Santa himself would drive back to 1997 for it.
No fuss, just an oliebol – but at McDonald’s
It’s a smart move. While other fast-food chains are presenting Christmas menus with cranberry sauce in strange places, McDonald’s is opting for a classic that doesn’t require an instruction manual. No glitter, no gastronomic waffle – just a good oliebol in a bag. And it works. Because sometimes you don’t feel like foie gras or a fancy gingerbread burger. Sometimes you just want an oliebol. Period.
The big question: does it taste good?
We don’t know for sure yet, but if Robèrt has put his stamp on it and the frying temperature is right, we’re willing to take a guess: yes. A delicious crust, light and airy inside, not too greasy and hopefully just enough raisins to keep things festive without your teeth getting stuck in a raisin mountain range.
And if not: it’s McDonald’s. You can always throw a McNugget next to it.
Eat a (free!) oliebol this month like you’ve never eaten one before
Whether you live in Schagen or are on your way to Landgraaf — McDonald’s is giving you a reason to take a detour this December. An oliebol from McDonald’s, made with a master pastry chef’s recipe. That sounds like something you simply have to try. And the cherry on top of this collaboration: the oliebol is free! Yes, you read that right.
An oliebol gift from McDonald’s
You get a free oliebol when you show your McDonald’s receipt. McDonald’s isn’t selling the oliebollen, but is giving away an oliebol this festive month.
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