The History of the Anzac Biscuit
The Anzac biscuit is one of the most beloved treats in Australia, with its roots tracing back to World War One. Known for its unique blend of rolled oats, shredded coconut, and sweet golden syrup, it has become a symbol of national pride and remembrance. While many people have their own variations of the recipe, there was originally a specific formula that gave rise to this iconic biscuit.
The origin of the Anzac biscuit can be linked to another wartime staple known as hardtack. These biscuits were a basic ration for soldiers and sailors, but they were notoriously hard and lacked flavor. To make them more palatable, some soldiers even grated them into a porridge-like consistency. However, Australians began experimenting with different ingredients to create something more enjoyable.
They added oats, golden syrup, and coconut, which not only improved the taste but also helped the biscuits last longer on the shelves. At the time, eggs were scarce, so they were omitted from the recipe. This decision not only addressed the scarcity issue but also extended the shelf life of the biscuits.
Despite popular belief, the Anzac biscuit as we know it today wasn’t sent to soldiers during World War One. The first recognizable version of the modern Anzac biscuit appeared in the 9th edition of St Andrew’s Cookery Book Dunedin in 1921. It was initially called “Anzac Crispies” before being renamed “Anzac Biscuits.” These biscuits quickly became popular and were sold at fetes and fundraisers to support war efforts, a tradition that continues today.
Celebrating Anzac Day with Biscuits
Today, baking Anzac biscuits is a cherished tradition that takes place around April 25, commemorating Anzac Day. Everyone has their preferred variation—some prefer them crunchy, while others like them slightly soft. Below are some of the best Anzac biscuit recipes, including creative twists such as an Anzac caramel slice with a base and topping made from the traditional biscuit, and even an Anzac apple cake.
Popular Anzac Biscuit Recipes
Best Anzac Biscuits Recipe of All Time
Whether you like them soft and chewy or with crunch!
By Women’s Weekly Food
Anzac Caramel Slice
This decadent sweet slice will be a new Anzac Day classic.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Anzac Apple Loaf Cake
Apple cake meets the oat and coconut flavour of Anzac bikkies.
By Jessica Brook
Anzac Biscuit Sticky Buns
The flavours of Anzac biscuits in a fluffy golden bun.
By Jessica Brook
Anzac Caramel Fudge with Crumble Topping
Creamy golden fudge meets the crunch of Anzac biscuits. It’s a sweet tribute to tradition.
By Jessica Brook
Anzac Biscuit Apple Crumble
Making Anzac biscuits? Here’s why you might like to save half the mixture.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Anzac Slice
Enjoy the delicious flavours of the Anzac biscuit in slice form.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Anzac Biscuits with Salted Rosemary
A twist on the classic Anzac biscuit recipe.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Wheat Free Anzac Biscuits
Quick and easy to make, delicious to eat.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Crunchy Anzac Biscuit Recipe
If you like your Anzac biscuits crunchy, rather than chewy, this is the recipe for you. Plus check out our tips for turning this recipe into an ice-cream sandwich.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Chewy Anzac Biscuits
Use this chewy Anzac biscuit recipe as-is, or use it as a base to explore different flavour combinations.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Macadamia Anzac Biscuits
Take the traditional Anzac Day biscuit recipe, and add in crunchy Australian macadamia nuts and you’ll have yourself a delicious sweet treat for any time of the year.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Anzac Slice with Golden Icing
How can you improve on Anzac biscuits?
By Women’s Weekly Food
Bite-Sized Anzac Biscuits
These little Anzac bites are a cute alternative to the traditional Anzac biscuit recipe. Whip up a batch, wrap them in cellophane and hand out to your friends and loved ones as gifts.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Giant Anzac Biscuits
Whether you love them chewy or crunchy, this versatile Anzac biscuit recipe is perfect! Just adjust the cooking time for your preferred bikkie and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for every Anzac Day.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Anzac Day Cake
Enjoy all the brilliant flavours of Anzac Biscuits in cake form, enhanced beautifully with a sweet honey icing. This makes a delicious morning or afternoon tea.
By Women’s Weekly Food
Wheat-Free Macadamia Anzac Biscuits
Don’t miss out on your favourite biscuits just because you have a wheat intolerance. This Anzac biscuits recipe uses gluten-free flour to create a healthy, nut-loaded option for everyone to enjoy.
By Women’s Weekly Food
How to make Anzac biscuits (video)
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