ANZAC Biscuits
A cherished Australian and New Zealand military legacy, these ANZAC biscuits are golden, chewy, and deeply flavored with butterscotch notes, thanks to oats, coconut, and a touch of golden syrup. Traditionally made to last without spoiling, they are perfect for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled oats(Old-fashioned rolled oats are preferred for texture. Avoid instant oats.)
- 1 cup Plain flour(All-purpose flour works best.)
- 1 cup Desiccated coconut(Unsweetened desiccated coconut provides the best flavor.)
- 1 cup Brown sugar(Packed light brown sugar is ideal for moisture and flavor.)
- 125 g Unsalted butter(Cut into cubes for easier melting.)
- 2 tbsp Golden syrup(This is a key ingredient for authentic flavor and texture. Do not substitute.)
- 1 tsp Baking soda(Also known as bicarbonate of soda.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain flour, desiccated coconut, and brown sugar. Whisk gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the golden syrup. Continue to heat gently for about 1 minute, until just combined and warm.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Dissolve the baking soda in 1 tablespoon of boiling water (this helps it activate and creates a better texture). Carefully pour the dissolved baking soda mixture into the warm butter and golden syrup. The mixture will foam up significantly. Stir quickly to combine.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is well combined and a sticky dough forms. Ensure there are no dry pockets of flour.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Using lightly oiled hands or two spoons, roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) between each biscuit as they will spread. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to about 1.5 cm (0.5 inch) thickness.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. For chewier biscuits, bake for the shorter time. For crispier biscuits, bake for a few minutes longer. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
⏱️ 12-15 minutes - 8
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the biscuits cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Golden syrup is essential for the authentic ANZAC biscuit flavor and texture; it cannot be substituted.
- ✓For chewier biscuits, remove them from the oven when the centers are still soft and slightly pale. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- ✓For crispier biscuits, bake them until they are a deeper golden brown all over. They will become quite crisp once fully cooled.
- ✓The absence of eggs is traditional and contributes to the biscuit's shelf life and unique texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts to the dry ingredients for a nutty crunch.
- Once cooled, dip the bottoms of the biscuits in melted dark or milk chocolate for an indulgent twist.