Coconutty, buttery, sweet and ever so simple to make, we’d be loving ANZAC bikkies even if they weren’t so close to our hearts and history. This is a favourite recipe as it’s a great one to prepare with the kids (or grandkids). Not just for ANZAC day, this easy ANZAC biscuits recipe is made from store cupboard ingredients so they can be whipped up at any time of the year.
How to make these quick and easy ANZAC biscuits: key tips
Should your ANZAC biscuits be crispy or chewy? Here at Australia’s Best Recipes we’re divided, and this is why we love this recipe. Cooked following the recipe, the biscuits are chewy, but if you’re after a crispy version, drop the brown sugar back by 1/4 cup and cook at 160°C. Either way, allow the mixture to cool before rolling into little balls.
Key ingredients in our quick and easy ANZAC biscuits recipe
Oats are at the centre of a classic ANZAC. Make sure you buy whole rolled oats - if you use instant oats, the mixture will spread too much and your biscuits will be flat. Also, don’t forget to add the water as this helps activate the bicarbonate of soda giving the biscuits a slight rise.
The flavours of ANZAC biscuits work so well together: they can be twisted and turned into other treats like our pudding, slice and muffins.
Additional recipe notes by the Australia’s Best Recipes team.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup Woolworths Rolled Traditional Oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut
- 125 g butter
- 2 tbs golden syrup
- 1 tbs water
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Method
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Step 1Sift the flour into a bowl. Add the sugar, rolled oats and coconut.
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Step 2Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add golden syrup and water.
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Step 3Stir the bicarbonate of soda into the liquid mixture.
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Step 4Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
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Step 5Place walnut-sized balls of mixture on a greased tray and bake at 175C for 15-20 minutes.
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Step 6Biscuits will harden when cool.
Equipment
- 2 baking tray
- 1 sieve
- 1 saucepan
Recipe Notes
Can I use instant oats?
We recommend using rolled oats. If you use instant oats, the mixture will spread too much and your biscuits will be flat.
Are these biscuits chewy?
Yes, these ANZAC biscuits are chewy. However, if you prefer a crunchier biscuit, just drop the brown sugar back by 1/4 cup and cook at 160°C. Either way, allow the mixture to cool before rolling into little balls.
Were ANZAC biscuits invented for soldiers in World War 1?
ANZAC biscuits existed prior to World War 1 but would have been known as oat biscuits or crispies. These biscuits, which contained no coconut, are thought to have been sent in care packages for soldiers during World War 1. Containing no egg and with both brown sugar and golden syrup acting as preservatives, these biscuits would have travelled well with no spoilage. The biscuits were also baked and sold here at home with money going towards wartime fund-raising efforts. Their name eventually changed to ANZAC biscuits, and we are still eating them to commemorate our soldiers over a hundred years later.
What does the bicarbonate of soda do?
When bicarb is added to an acid (in this case golden syrup) and liquid (water) it creates carbon dioxide. In this recipe it is added to the hot butter which quickens this reaction. Where some recipes combine the water and bicarb first and then add to the mixture, this recipe cuts out this unnecessary step. Oat biscuits are traditionally quite heavy, but the carbon dioxide gives these just enough lift to be light, chewy and crispy.
Why are my ANZAC biscuits crumbly?
When you’ve combined all your ingredients, give the mixture a bit of a squeeze. It should stick together. If not, add another tablespoon of water. Sometimes the temperature and humidity of your kitchen can affect a recipe, so go by touch and feel.
Can ANZAC biscuits be gluten free?
ANZAC biscuits are a pretty forgiving recipe so the flour can be easily swapped for a gluten free one. While oats, in essence, are gluten free, sometimes they are contaminated by exposure to wheat, so to be safe you can swap them for quinoa flakes or use half a cup of quinoa flakes and increase coconut by half a cup.
Is the recipe for ANZAC biscuits protected?
Yes, there are a few hard and fast rules surrounding ANZAC biscuits. Although they can be commercially manufactured, they must remain true to the original recipe. Slight variations can be made to allow for allergies (ie gluten free) but you can’t stray too far and don’t even think about calling them ANZAC cookies!
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