The traditional Anzac biscuit is said to have been made famous during World War One, when a shortage of other ingredients and the need for a cookie that lasts a long time had women baking Anzac biscuits by the tray full and sending them off to soldiers. Nowadays, these biscuits are eaten and loved by Australians at all times of year, but especially on Anzac Day, April 25, when those who served the country in war are remembered.
The ingredients of the traditional Anzac biscuit recipe are simple: rolled oats, sugar, flour, butter, baking soda and golden syrup. Some recipes add some extra texture by including shredded coconut, too. But for those cooks looking to add some variety to their Anzac biscuits throughout the year, try these alternatives.
Christmas Anzacs
Anzac biscuits are tasty to eat all year round, and if you want to give a good Australian gift or have some delicious cookies on the table when Christmas visitors drop round, there’s a very simple answer.
All you need is some red and green glace cherries (or candied cherries). It’s always easy to find red ones, but if possible be sure to have both red and green. Halve the cherries and put one half on top of each Anzac biscuit before you bake them. The red and green colors make them fit the Christmas spirit surprisingly well.
Chocolate Anzacs
True Anzac biscuits lovers might think this blasphemous, but the idea for Chocolate Anzacs came from Australia’s favorite chocolate brand, Cadbury. It’s simple: replace about two tablespoons of the flour with cocoa, or a chocolate drink powder for a sweeter taste. For some truly decadent Chocolate Anzacs, you can add some chocolate chips to the final mixture.
Australia Day Anzacs
For those Down Under who celebrate the national day on January 26 each year, some Australia Day Anzacs should be part of the catering. Add some chopped macadamia nuts for some good Aussie crunch, and if you’re particularly patriotic, top the biscuits with green and yellow candied chocolates (like Smarties or M&Ms) so you can “fly the green and gold”.
Extra Healthy Anzacs
For Anzac biscuit addicts who want to eat them all year round, you can add a few ingredients to convince yourself that it’s a healthy habit (just try to ignore all the sugar and golden syrup). For a chewier finish, add chopped pieces of dried apricots, and add some healthy nuts like chopped almonds. These turn your Anzac biscuits into a healthy-looking muesli bar substitute, but don’t fool yourself into believing you can give up going to the gym.
Amanda Kendle - I'm an writer, travel addict and English teacher; I'm currently based in my home country, Australia, but I'm obsessed with travel and ...
