Today is Anzac day back home in New Zealand (they are a day ahead of us and it is already April 25th there). Anzac day is a day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in war. It is a national holiday that is celebrated on April 25th every year since 1920. April 25th is the anniversary of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) forces landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula during WWI. Anzac day is celebrated back home with dawn ceremonies and marches to honor our fallen soldiers. To celebrate this special day I am sharing my Anzac biscuits recipe.

What is Anzac biscuit?

Anzac biscuits are an oat based biscuit made from old fashioned oats, shredded coconut, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda and boiling water. There are claims that the wives, girlfriends and mothers of the ANZAC troops stationed abroad sent these cookies to their loved ones during the war. The ingredients in the cookies do not spoil easy which made them perfect for shipping.

There are very few variations from the traditional Anzac biscuit. This due to the word ANZAC being protected by both the Australian and New Zealand governments. There is a general exemption granted for the Anzac biscuits. However, in Australia there are specific rules that must be adhered to when selling Anzac biscuits commercially, including not substantially deviating from the accepted recipe and they must NEVER be called Anzac cookies, only Anzac biscuits or slice. Deviations from the recipes that are shared on social media or other pages are considered private use and exempt from these restrictions. The addition of the chocolate drizzle on my Anzac biscuits would not be accepted for commercial sale, but is accepted on my blog. And I love it!

Making Anzac Biscuits

This recipe is one of the easiest recipes to follow on my blog. It may even be the easiest! These cookies come together in less than 30 minutes including baking time! If you want to add the chocolate drizzle as I have on my cookies, it will take a little longer as you need to allow the cookies to cool. But it is still super easy!

Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl with the exception of the baking soda. Next melt together the butter and golden syrup in a small saucepan. Add the boiling water to the baking soda and stir to dissolve, then add to the butter mixture. Finally pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. That’s it, the batter is complete! EASY RIGHT!?

Scoop balls of dough onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and lightly press the tops with a fork. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 15 minutes. These cookies will spread a lot during the baking process so ensure the dough balls are well spaced. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheet. These cookies will be very soft when they first come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool. You do not want to move the cookies while they are too warm as they will easily become misshapen.

Finally, if you are planning to add the chocolate drizzle (which I highly recommend) heat the chocolate in the microwave until completely melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cooled cookies and leave to set. I like to put my melted chocolate in a ziplock bag the cut the corner off and use it like a piping bag. You can also use a spoon to drizzle over the chocolate. I used milk chocolate for my drizzle, but semi-sweet or bittersweet would also work well!

Want to try some other classic New Zealand Recipes?

Check out these great Kiwi classics for more inspiration!

Did you make these Anzac biscuits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram!

Print Recipe

Anzac Biscuits – Another Kiwi Classic

Author: Mandy

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 min Cook Time 15 min Rest Time 5 min Total Time 25 mins Servings: 10

Description

Anzac biscuits are a sweet oat based biscuit popular in New Zealand and Australia. Made with old fashioned oat, shredded coconut and golden syrup these biscuits have a delightful chewy bite with deep golden flavors.

Ingredients

Servings

• ¹⁄₂ cup old fashioned oats
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded coconut
• ¹⁄₂ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ¹⁄₂ cup all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• 63 grams salted butter
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon boiling water
• 125 grams chocolate (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside

3. In a large bowl mix oats, coconut, brown sugar and flour and set aside

4. Melt together golden syrup and butter in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat

5. Add boiling water to baking soda and stir till dissolved

6. Add baking soda to butter mixture and stir to combine

7. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined

8. Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoon sized balls of dough onto lined cookie sheet ensuring enough space between each ball for spread

9. Lightly press the tops of the dough balls flat with a fork or bottom of a glass

10. Bake for 15 minutes until golden

11. Let biscuits cool completely on cookie sheet

12. Optional: Melt chocolate and drizzle over cooled biscuits

Keywords: Biscuits, Oat, Coconut, Anzac Biscuits