Anzac Biscuits a Memorable Cookie

If you are from Australia or New Zealand you are more than likely very familiar with an Australian favourite cookie called Anzac Biscuits ~ loved by all.  From memory the story I grew up with of this simple biscuit goes back to Gallipoli / World War One when families used to mail them to serviceman overseas. But the New Zealand National Army museum link below suggests the biscuits were mainly sold at bazaars to raise money for the war effort. The biscuit has a great taste combination of rolled oats and desiccated coconut and has been around since about 1921. I finally found a recipe to bake with my grandson and here is my version:

Anzac Biscuits – Ingredients

• 1 cup Rolled Oats (not quick oats)
• 1 cup Brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 cup Plain flour
• 1/2 cup desiccated Coconut
• 125 grams Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Golden Syrup (cane sugar syrup)
• 1 Tablespoon Water
• 1/2 Teaspoon Bicarbonate Soda

Instructions

1. Combine flour, oats, coconut and sugar in a large bowl
2. Melt butter (in a small bowl) in microwave and add syrup and water; then add soda
3. Add butter ingredients to dry ingredients and stir well (I use a wooden spoon)
4. Roll mixture into small balls (about one tablespoon) and flatten slightly
5. Bake in 350 degree F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes and let cool on trays

These biscuits / cookies are so very easy to bake with only eight ingredients and so sweetly delicious ~ any time of the year

When baking these cookies with your children and grandkids it is a good time to explain the “history” of the biscuit and serves as a reminder of the greatest price paid by many servicemen and women during the last century who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Anzac Biscuits Notes

• Anzac biscuits are also known as Soldier Cookies
• Golden Syrup made in Canada by Rogers
• Makes about 24 biscuits
• A special treat as these cookies have about 5 grams of fat, 0.7 of fiber
• I should note for Aussies who would like to try this recipe – 350 degrees fahrenheit converts to 176.667 celsius. Thanks David

Links & References

• The real ANZAC biscuit story 
• What is an ANZAC and the history of ANZAC day
• Based on recipe from Australian Women’s Weekly

“Lest we forget”