Anzac biscuits, with their signature golden crunch and chewy texture, are more than just a tasty treat. They’re a delicious reminder of the courage and camaraderie of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers during World War I. These simple biscuits, made with rolled oats, golden syrup, and a touch of coconut, were sent to the front lines because of their long shelf life and nourishing ingredients.
Today, baking Anzac biscuits is a cherished tradition in many homes, a way to honor history while savoring a taste of the past. Ready to experience the heartwarming story and delightful simplicity of Anzac biscuits? Let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this baking adventure together!
Ingredients for Anzac Biscuits
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup desiccated coconut
- 125g unsalted butter, chopped
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Optional ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds a warm, comforting flavor)
- A pinch of salt (enhances the other flavors)
Equipment You’ll Need
- 2 baking trays
- Baking paper
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowls
Baking Anzac Biscuits: Step by Step
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Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and line your baking trays with baking paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, sugar, and coconut. For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
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Melt and combine the wet ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the golden syrup, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
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Activate the baking soda: Remove the butter mixture from the heat. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water, then quickly add it to the butter and golden syrup mixture. Stir well. This step creates the light and airy texture of the biscuits.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
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Shape your Anzac biscuits: Roll tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls and place them onto your prepared baking trays, leaving some space between each biscuit to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
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Baking time: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cooling and storing: Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool on the trays for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store your cooled Anzac biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delicious crunch.
Anzac Biscuit Ingredients
Tips for Baking Perfect Anzac Biscuits
- Golden Syrup Substitute: If you don’t have golden syrup on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Don’t Overbake: Anzac biscuits are meant to be crisp and chewy, not hard. Overbaking can lead to dry biscuits. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking tray with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Freezing for Later: Anzac biscuits freeze beautifully! Once they are completely cool, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
FAQs about Anzac Biscuits
Q: Why are they called Anzac biscuits?
A: Anzac biscuits have a special connection to history. During World War I, families and loved ones would send these long-lasting biscuits to soldiers serving in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).
Q: Are Anzac biscuits healthy?
A: While Anzac biscuits aren’t exactly health food, they do offer some nutritional value. Oats are a good source of fiber, and coconut provides healthy fats.
Anzac Biscuit Close Up
Enjoy Your Taste of History!
Baking Anzac biscuits is more than just following a recipe; it’s about connecting with history and creating a delicious tribute to the past. These simple, hearty biscuits are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. As you savor each bite, remember the stories and sacrifices of the ANZAC soldiers.
Don’t forget to share your baking experiences and photos with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear your stories and see your culinary creations.
