ANZAC Biscuits

Name: ANZAC Biscuits
Yield: 2
Cuisine: New Zealand
Ingredients: Rolled oats — 90 g (3 oz); Desiccated coconut — 80 g (3 oz); Plain flour — 120 g (4 oz); Sugar — 150 g (5 oz); Butter — 125 g (4.5 oz); Golden syrup — 2 tbsp; Baking soda — 1/2 tsp; Boiling water — 2 tbsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Rolled oats — 90 g (3 oz)
Desiccated coconut — 80 g (3 oz)
Plain flour — 120 g (4 oz)
Sugar — 150 g (5 oz)
Butter — 125 g (4.5 oz)
Golden syrup — 2 tbsp
Baking soda — 1/2 tsp
Boiling water — 2 tbsp

Method

Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Combine the oats, coconut, flour and sugar in a bowl.
Melt the butter and golden syrup together gently in a saucepan.
Dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water, then stir this into the melted butter mixture — it will foam slightly.
Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
Roll spoonfuls of the mixture into balls and place on the prepared tray, flattening slightly.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Introduction: Chewy, golden oat and coconut biscuits, traditionally baked to commemorate ANZAC Day, honouring New Zealand and Australian soldiers.

Cultural Background: ANZAC biscuits are said to have been sent to soldiers overseas during the First World War by families back home, made without eggs so they would keep well during the long journey, and they remain closely tied to ANZAC Day remembrance each year.

Tips: Flatten the biscuits only slightly, as they spread further during baking. Bake until just golden — they firm up further as they cool, so slightly soft biscuits from the oven will still set to the classic chewy texture.

Variations: Bake for a shorter time for a softer, chewier biscuit, or longer for a crisper result. Add a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating: Not applicable — served at room temperature.

FAQs:

Q: Why don't ANZAC biscuits contain eggs?

A: They were traditionally made without eggs so they would keep well during long shipping journeys to soldiers serving overseas.

Q: What does ANZAC stand for?

A: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, commemorated annually on ANZAC Day (25 April).