A cookie full of history
Antwerp Hands are a beloved Antwerp regional product that symbolizes Antwerp's rich history. These butter cookies in the shape of a hand, sprinkled with almond flakes, are a real treat for every foodie.
At Philip's Biscuits we still make these biscuits according to the traditional recipe, preserving their authentic flavour. Each hand tells a story, rooted in the city's ancient legends while celebrating Antwerp's culinary riches.
The legend behind the Antwerp Hand
The origin of the Antwerp Hand go back to the 16th century, when the legend of the giant Druon Antigoon gave color to the city. According to the story, the brave soldier Silvius Brabo cut off the hand of the giant Druon Antigoon and threw it into the Scheldt, leading to the name "Antwerp" (throwing hand).
In 1934, pastry chef Jos Hakker was inspired by this legend and created the Antwerp Handje as a tribute. His Antwerp Handjes were declared the official biscuit of Antwerp and have since become a beloved icon. According to Jos Hakker's granddaughter, the Antwerp Handjes from Philip's Biscuits are the closest to her grandfather's original recipe, which is a heartwarming compliment and testifies to our dedication to traditional baking methods
Artisanal cookies
with fresh ingredients
Tradition and craftsmanship
since 1934
Innovation and renewal
always looking for new flavors
Philip's Biscuits and its authentic taste
At Philip's Biscuits, we are proud that we are still one of the few ateliers that make the Antwerp Handje in a traditional way. Our hands, both in traditional butter biscuit form and in a variant with chocolate, are widely praised.
Thanks to the use of high-quality fresh ingredients and our craftsmanship, you will not only taste the rich, buttery flavour, but you will also experience the pride and history of Antwerp in every cookie.
Antwerp Hand dipped in chocolate
For the 90th anniversary of the Antwerp Handje, we at Philip's Biscuits have given this iconic biscuit a festive twist. We have covered the familiar, buttery Handje in a delicious layer of rich Belgian chocolate, giving the classic taste an extra dimension.
This special edition brings together tradition and innovation in a delicious treat that will delight every lover of the Antwerp Handje.