Anzac biscuits are a beloved Australian and New Zealand snack with a rich history. They date back to World War 1 when they were baked by families and sent to soldiers overseas. The ingredients were carefully chosen because they had to last a long time without refrigeration, making them ideal for long sea voyages. The name “Anzac” comes from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who fought in the World War 1.
Today, these biscuits are more than just a sweet treat. They are a symbol of remembrance, especially on Anzac Day. The combination of rolled oats, golden syrup and coconut gives them a chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge. They are simple to make and perfect for an afternoon tea break or a quick snack.
Perfect Anzac Biscuit Tips
- Use golden syrup, not corn syrup – it gives the authentic taste and texture as an alternative use honey.
- Don’t overmix the dough – stirring too much can make the biscuits tough.
- Space the biscuits out well on the tray – they spread as they bake so do not over crowd them.
- Let them cool on the tray – moving them too soon can cause them to break.
- Adjust baking time for texture – bake for less time if you like them chewy, longer for a crispier bite.
- Store them properly – keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (150g) plain flour
- ¾ cup (150g) caster sugar
- 1 cup (80g) desiccated coconut
- 125g unsalted butter, chopped into small cubes
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tbsp boiling water
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan forced) or 180°C (conventional). Line two baking trays with baking paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain flour, sugar and desiccated coconut.
- Melt the butter and syrup. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and golden syrup together, stirring occasionally.
- Activate the bicarbonate of soda. In a small cup, mix the bicarbonate of soda with boiling water. Add this mixture to the melted butter and syrup. It will bubble up slightly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined.
- Shape the biscuits. Take spoonful’s of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking trays, leaving space between each. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. For softer biscuits, bake for 12 minutes. For crunchier biscuits, leave them in for up to 15 minutes.
- Cool before moving. Let the biscuits rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Golden Anzac Biscuits are easy to make and great for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea while remembering the history behind them. If you’re looking for another simple homemade treat, check out our Sweet Baklava Bites Recipe.
For more information on buying the right cake trays for you, we recommend you review the following; Best Cake Trays.
