Tim Tams, the iconic Australian biscuit introduced by Arnott's in 1964, offer more than just a delightful treat for the taste buds. Their chocolate coating and filling are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which may support heart health and reduce oxidative stress when consumed in moderation. Additionally, the cocoa content provides small amounts of essential minerals such as magnesium and iron, which contribute to overall well-being. While these biscuits are primarily indulgent, they also deliver a quick energy boost from carbohydrates. Tim Tams strike a balance between indulgence and the benefits of cocoa's natural nutrients, making them a globally cherished dessert when enjoyed responsibly.

Ingredients:

1- 250g unsalted butter, softened

2- 1 cup white sugar

3- 2 eggs

4- 2 cups plain flour

5- 1/2 cup self-raising flour

6- 1/3 cup cocoa powder

7- 1/2 tsp baking powder

8- 1/4 tsp salt

9- 1 tsp vanilla extract

10- 200g dark chocolate, chopped

11- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

12- 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4- Sift the plain flour, self-raising flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the mixing bowl. Mix until just combined.

5- Add the vanilla extract and mix again.

6- Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of around 5mm.

7- Cut the dough into rectangles that are approximately 6cm x 3cm in size.

8- Place the rectangles onto the prepared baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until firm to the touch.

9- Allow the biscuits to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10- To make the chocolate filling, place the chopped chocolate and vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.

12- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream until well combined.

12- Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before spreading a generous amount onto the underside of half of the biscuits.

13- Top with the remaining biscuits to create a sandwich.

14- Allow the chocolate filling to set before serving.

Notes:

1- Tim Tams can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

2- For an extra indulgent treat, try dipping the Tim Tams in melted chocolate and allowing to set before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Tim Tams?

- Tim Tams are a popular Australian chocolate-covered biscuit, first introduced in 1964 by Arnott’s. They consist of two layers of malt biscuit, separated by a light cream filling, and covered in a thin layer of chocolate.

Can Tim Tams come in different flavours?

- Yes, Tim Tams are available in a variety of flavours other than the classic milk chocolate. Popular flavours include white chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, mint and fruit-inspired flavours such as strawberry and orange.

Are Tim Tams suitable for people with food allergies?

- No, Tim Tams are not suitable for people with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. They contain dairy, gluten and eggs, which are common allergens. Always check the product label for a detailed list of ingredients if you have a food allergy.

How should Tim Tams be stored to maintain freshness?

- To keep Tim Tams fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, especially in warmer climates, they can be refrigerated to prevent the chocolate coating from melting.

Is it healthy to eat Tim Tams every day?

- It is not recommended to eat Tim Tams every day due to their high sugar and fat content. They should be enjoyed as an occasional snack rather than a daily snack to maintain a balanced diet.

What are some healthy alternatives to Tim Tams?

- For a healthier version of Tim Tams, you can try homemade recipes that replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey or brown sugar. Using dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa can also provide more health benefits compared to traditional milk chocolate.

Nutrition Facts (per biscuit):

• Calories: 98
• Total fat: 5g
• Saturated fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 16mg
• Sodium: 41mg
• Total carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 1g

1- 250g unsalted butter, softened:

• Calories: 1750 kcal
• Total fat: 200g
• Saturated fat: 125g
• Cholesterol: 570mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 2.5g

benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for vision, bone health, skin health, and blood clotting.
• Source of Healthy Fats: Provides saturated fats that are necessary for hormone production and cellular function.

2- 1 cup white sugar (approx. 200g):

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total carbohydrates: 200g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 200g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Quick Energy Source: Provides a rapid source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Enhances Flavor: Improves the taste and texture of baked goods.

3- 2 eggs (approx. 100g):

• Calories: 144 kcal
• Total fat: 9.5g
• Saturated fat: 2.8g
• Cholesterol: 372mg
• Sodium: 142mg
• Total carbohydrates: 0.7g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.7g
• Protein: 12.6g

benefits:

• High-Quality Protein: Excellent source of complete protein containing all essential amino acids.
• Nutrient-Rich: Contains vitamins D, B6, B12, and minerals such as zinc, iron, and copper.
• Promotes Eye Health: Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.

4- 2 cups plain flour (approx. 240g):

• Calories: 860 kcal
• Total fat: 1.6g
• Saturated fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 3mg
• Total carbohydrates: 180g
• Dietary fiber: 6.4g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 23.2g

benefits:

• Source of Carbohydrates: Provides energy through its carbohydrate content.
• Essential Nutrients: Contains iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, important for metabolic processes.

5- 1/2 cup self-raising flour (approx. 60g):

• Calories: 205 kcal
• Total fat: 0.4g
• Saturated fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 644mg
• Total carbohydrates: 42.1g
• Dietary fiber: 1.4g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 6.6g

benefits:

• Leavening Agent: Contains baking powder, which helps baked goods rise and become fluffy.
• Nutrient-Dense: Often enriched with iron and B vitamins.

6- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (approx. 40g):

• Calories: 122 kcal
• Total fat: 4.3g
• Saturated fat: 2.6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 12mg
• Total carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary fiber: 13.5g
• Sugars: 0.5g
• Protein: 9.6g

benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
• Boosts Mood: Contains compounds that can enhance mood and reduce stress.

7- 1/2 tsp baking powder:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 313mg
• Total carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Leavening Agent: Helps baked goods rise by producing carbon dioxide when heated, resulting in a light and airy texture.

8- 1/4 tsp salt:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 582mg
• Total carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances Flavor: Intensifies flavors and balances sweetness in baked goods.
• Essential Mineral: Provides sodium, which is important for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

9- 1 tsp vanilla extract:

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Total fat: 0g
• Saturated fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Flavor Enhancer: Adds a rich, sweet, and aromatic flavor to recipes.
• Antioxidant Properties: Contains vanillin, which has antioxidant effects.

10- 200g dark chocolate, chopped:

• Calories: 1046 kcal
• Total fat: 100g
• Saturated fat: 60g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 16mg
• Total carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary fiber: 16g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 12g

benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids that improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Improves Mood: Contains serotonin precursors that can enhance mood.

11- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (approx. 28g):

• Calories: 252 kcal
• Total fat: 28g
• Saturated fat: 4.1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Source of Healthy Fats: Provides unsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
• Improves Texture: Adds moisture and improves the texture of baked goods.

12- 1/2 cup heavy cream (approx. 120g):

• Calories: 412 kcal
• Total fat: 44g
• Saturated fat: 27g
• Cholesterol: 163mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Total carbohydrates: 3.4g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 2.7g

benefits:

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Adds richness and creaminess to recipes.
• Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for various bodily functions.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Also, the nutrition information provided here is based on raw ingredients and does not take into account any changes that may occur during cooking or baking.