Classic ANZAC Biscuits Recipe - Iconic Australian Sweet Treat

ANZAC biscuits are a beloved Australian treat, carrying a deep connection to the country's wartime past. Originally baked by the wives and mothers of soldiers during World War I, these biscuits hold historical significance, with "ANZAC" representing the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Made from oats, desiccated coconut, flour, sugar, golden syrup, butter, baking soda, and boiling water, the ingredients create a crunchy texture and rich caramel flavor. While the biscuits are a delightful snack, they offer important nutrients, including fiber from oats, healthy fats from coconut, and vitamins like B-complex and iron from other key ingredients. However, they are also high in sugar and fats, so moderation is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Enjoyed as a nostalgic treat, ANZAC biscuits are a part of Australian heritage, offering both comfort and a taste of history.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1 cup of desiccated coconut
• 1 cup of plain flour
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 125g of butter
• 2 tablespoons of golden syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons of boiling water

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Combine the rolled oats, desiccated coconut, plain flour and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
3. Melt the butter and golden syrup together in a saucepan over low heat.
4. Dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water, then add it to the butter and golden syrup mixture.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
6. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into balls and place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving a gap between each one.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
8. Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
9. Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions:

• With beverages: Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack.
• In special occasions: Serve them during national holidays like ANZAC Day to honor the historical significance of the biscuits. They also make great gifts when packaged beautifully.
• With fresh fruits: For a healthier snack, pair ANZAC biscuits with fresh fruit, such as apples or berries, to increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants.

Note:

• These biscuits are rich in sugar and fats, which, if consumed in excess, could lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease.
• Impact on blood sugar: Due to their sugar content, ANZAC biscuits may cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which is a concern for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood glucose levels. Thus, it’s recommended to enjoy them occasionally as part of a balanced diet rather than as a daily treat.
• ANZAC biscuits are traditionally quite hard and crunchy. If you prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the cooking time slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Can ANZAC biscuits be eaten daily?

• Since ANZAC biscuits are high in fats and sugar, it’s best to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy them occasionally, not as a daily snack, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Can I use healthy substitutes in the recipe?

• Yes, you can substitute regular butter with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado, and replace sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, maple syrup, or honey to reduce the sugar and fat content.

Can the texture of the biscuits be modified to be softer?

• Yes, you can reduce the baking time slightly to achieve a softer texture if you prefer a less crunchy biscuit.

What health benefits do the ingredients in ANZAC biscuits offer?

• The oats provide fiber that aids digestion and heart health, while the coconut offers healthy fats that support energy levels and weight management. These ingredients also provide essential minerals like manganese and copper for overall health.

Nutrition Facts:

ANZAC biscuits are a high-energy food that is rich in carbohydrates, fibre and healthy fats. One biscuit (approximately 25g) contains around

• Calories: 125
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
• Fiber: 1g

1. 1 Cup of Rolled Oats:

• Calories: 307 kcal
• Fat: 5.3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 11g

Benefits:

• High in Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains avenanthramides that may help lower blood pressure.
• Low Glycemic Index: Provides slow-release energy, keeping blood sugar stable.
• Heart Health: Contains beta-glucan, which helps reduce cholesterol levels.
• Weight Management: Keeps you feeling full for longer, aiding in weight control.

2. 1 Cup of Desiccated Coconut:

• Calories: 684 kcal
• Fat: 64g
• Saturated Fat: 57g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 16g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 7g

Benefits:

• Rich in Healthy Fats: Provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for quick energy.
• High in Fiber: Supports digestive health.
• Minerals: Contains manganese, copper, and selenium.
• Antioxidant Properties: Boosts immunity and overall health.
• Gluten-Free: Safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

3. 1 Cup of Plain Flour:

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Fat: 1.2g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugars: 0.4g
• Protein: 12g

Benefits:

• Carbohydrate Source: Provides energy for daily activities.
• Contains Protein: Supports body repair and maintenance.
• Fortified Nutrients: Often enriched with iron and B vitamins for overall health.

4. 1 Cup of Brown Sugar:

• Calories: 829 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 58mg
• Carbohydrates: 211g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 209g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Mineral Content: Small amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
• Natural Sweetener: Adds sweetness and flavor to dishes.
• Energy Boost: Quick source of energy from carbohydrates.

5. 125g of Butter:

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Fat: 100g
• Saturated Fat: 63g
• Cholesterol: 250mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 0.8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.8g
• Protein: 1g

Benefits:

• Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K for various body functions.
• Healthy Fats: Provides essential fatty acids.
• Flavor Enhancement: Adds richness and flavor to dishes.
• Bone Health: Supports bone strength with calcium and vitamin D.

6. 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup:

• Calories: 158 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 16mg
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 42g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Natural Sweetener: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Quick Energy Source: Provides immediate energy due to sugar content.
• Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron, potassium, and calcium.

7. 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 629mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Leavening Agent: Helps baked goods rise, creating a light texture.
• Digestive Aid: Can neutralize stomach acid in small amounts.
• Alkaline Properties: Balances pH levels in the body.

8. 2 Tablespoons of Boiling Water:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits:

• Solvent: Helps dissolve other ingredients, aiding in easier mixing.
• Hydration: Assists in overall body hydration.
• Temperature Control: Helps regulate recipe temperature.

These benefits make these ingredients valuable additions to a balanced diet, contributing to both taste and nutrition.

Please note that the nutritional values mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brand and composition of the ingredients used. These values are also for the entire quantity of each ingredient as listed in the recipe. If you want to know the nutritional values per serving or biscuit, you'll need to divide these quantities by the number of servings or biscuits produced in the recipe.

They also contain small amounts of calcium, iron and potassium. However, due to their high sugar and fat content, ANZAC biscuits should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.