Afghan biscuits – these chewy, nutty, chocolate-topped treats are practically a national treasure in New Zealand! They evoke childhood memories of school bake sales and family gatherings. Are you ready to bring a taste of Kiwi culture to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow afghan biscuit recipe.
A Bite of New Zealand History
No one knows for sure how the afghan biscuit got its name, but that’s part of its charm. Some say the cracked, chocolate-topped surface resembles the rugged Afghan landscape. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for certain: these cookies are absolutely delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Biscuits:
- 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (75g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (40g) desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup (corn syrup works as a substitute)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon hot water
For the Icing:
- 1 cup (110g) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons boiling water
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for topping)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Afghan Biscuit Dough
Let’s Get Baking!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, coconut, sugar, and salt.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and golden syrup until light and fluffy. You can do this by hand or use an electric mixer.
Step 4: The Secret Ingredient
- In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. This step is crucial for creating that signature afghan biscuit texture!
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the baking soda mixture until just combined.
Step 6: Shaping the Biscuits
- Roll heaping tablespoons of the dough into balls.
- Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
Step 7: Baking Time!
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cooling Down
- Let the biscuits cool completely on a wire rack before icing. This step is important to prevent the icing from melting.
Time for the Chocolate Icing!
Step 1: Prepare the Icing
- While the biscuits cool, sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl.
- Add the softened butter and one tablespoon of boiling water.
- Beat until smooth and glossy, adding more boiling water if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Afghan Biscuits Icing
Step 2: Ice Those Biscuits!
- Once the biscuits are completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top.
- If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze afghan biscuits?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze both the un-iced biscuits and the iced biscuits. For un-iced biscuits, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To freeze iced biscuits, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Q: I don’t have golden syrup, what can I use instead?
A: Corn syrup is a good substitute for golden syrup.
Q: My biscuits turned out quite hard, what did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking is usually the culprit for hard afghan biscuits. Be sure to check them at the 12-minute mark and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Afghan Biscuits: A Taste of Home
There you have it! A classic afghan biscuit recipe that will transport you straight to a Kiwi kitchen. These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, and they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!
