Traditional Australian Cookies - Easy Recipes to Bake at Home

Cookies are something that we all love! There is hardly anyone who would say that they do not prefer to munch on cookies or any sort of biscuits. In fact, we have to admit that tea time is not over with a couple of biscuits on the side. However, cookies are not as simple as they appear! A couple of crispy and sweet treats on the plate! There is so much more to learn about them. Today we have picked up the topic of Australian cookies. Here is a column that you can read to find out more about them! We can assure you that you will not be bored and by the end of the discussion you shall be compelled to pick up your mitten and bake a couple of them.

Origin of Australian cookies_ What is there to learn about them

Anzac biscuits are the specialty of Australia and if you live in Australia or take in learning about cuisines then you must have come across the term. These are sweet cookies that are mainly baked in Australia and the regions of New Zealand. The ingredients are pretty simple: oats, flour, sugar, butter, strip, coconut, and so on. The biscuits have been associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) established in World War I.

It is believed that the wives and the female relatives of the soldiers sent these biscuits to the men when they were on the battlefield. Naval transportation was easy for such oat biscuits which would stay fresh and had an impressive shelf life. Since these biscuits would not get spoiled, they were a great way to communicate and convey love from the family for the men defending the country.

The fact that where exactly the Anzac cookies were made first is indeed disputable. No one can say for sure, whether it was in Australia or New Zealand, but that is nothing that bothered us much as long as we could enjoy the authentic Australian cookie recipes. The recipe for the biscuits was made after the formation of the Corps and the modern version we consume today is way different from what they used to be. ANZAC GINGER BISCUITS", was the first recipe that came into existence during 1916. This recipe was published on June 4, 1916, in the Perth edition of The Sunday Times. However, this recipe did not feature any mention of oats used as an ingredient which is done today! Such recipes for Anzac biscuits are also featured in a cookbook called War Chest Cookery Book (Sydney, 1917). But this too had a completely different recipe than what we are aware of today. They were rather called simply biscuits or Oats rolled biscuits during those days or at least in the publication of the book.

The first time when the recipe of Anzac biscuit was combined with the oats version dates back to Adelaide in "either late 1919 or early 1920".

The Australian newspaper, The Argus, also released such a recipe for Anzac biscuits in 1921. However, all these old recipes lacked the presence of dedicated coconut which the modern versions do have in them. The first Anzac biscuits recipe with desiccated coconut was featured in Adelaide in 1924.

It should be noted that in 1919 in New Zealand a recipe for Anzac Crispies in the eighth edition of the St Andrew's Cookery Book had similar ingredients to modern Anzac biscuits.

The popularity of the Anzac biscuits today

Almost all biscuit companies produce Anzac biscuits these days for retail business. These have an association and history linked to the soldiers and hence these biscuits are often used as fundraisers. On the Anzac Day, tin containers are sold which are beautifully designed to remember the days of World War I. Along with that, you will get the usual plastic packs as well as being sold in the market.

• A British version of the Anzac biscuits is sold in England as well!

However, there are restrictions in Australia regarding the word Anzac which can be only used by the sellers only with permission from the government. The Ministry for Veteran Affairs has to permit you to use the title without which there can be consequences.

However, permission is fully granted for the Anzac biscuits as long as the manufacturer uses the authentic recipe and sells it with the title of biscuits and not just cookies.

Thus we can conclude that what is called a cookie around the world, is named biscuits in Australia. You can definitely try to make them at home if you want to learn how to be a master of baking cookies. There are so many recipes that we have shared for you right below! Read on to learn more.

What are some of the general tips for baking cookies

Of course, we know that you know how to bake your cookies right but just for the sake of ensuring that nothing goes wrong, here are some tips that you can follow! Let's find out quickly before we move to the ideas and recipes.

1. Measure the ingredients carefully- you are expected to ensure that all the ingredients are added in the right quantity into the cookies! None should be more or less! Precision is highly needed so that the texture of the cookies and the taste of them turns out exactly the way you desired. You should have a measuring cup or a spoon in your kitchen so that the measurement can be accurate as you pour the ingredients into the bowl.

2. Allow the cookie dough to chill properly- chilling the cookie dough is required for several factors. Sometimes the ingredients turn out to be too runny as you blend them into the dough however, you can prevent it by refrigeration for a while. This will certainly give consistency to the dough and make it tough.

3. Lay a parchment paper to prevent the spreading of the dough- if you observe that every time the cookies are turning flat and runny then it is essential for you to cook with a parchment paper at the bottom. This will also prevent the base from getting burnt or overbaked as you lay the cookies on the baking sheet.

4. Temperature is a crucial factor- when you are baking cookies you need to bake them well. But do not raise the temperature too high so that the cookies get burnt. 325-350°F is the ideal temperature which is observed for baking cookies.

Now let's find out about the recipes, shall we?

Taste the Best of Australia: Delicious Traditional Australian Cookies

1. The best Anzac biscuits

Have you tried Anzac biscuits yet? These are an Australian classic and flooded with flavors so enriching! The presence of oats makes it so healthy and the flavor of coconut is palpable in every bite of the same.

2. Homemade Tim Tams

Tim tams are creamy and sticky laminated in chocolate and filled with caramel! Delectable and perfect to flood your taste buds with the ultimate gooey taste, you must give it a try for sure. So shall we get the mittens ready?

3. Raisin-filled cookies

The delectable Raisin-filled cookies are exactly what you need to keep yourself content during the holidays! These traditional bites will attract the guests and earn you praise. And guess what, these are super easy to make and ready in a jiffy.

4. Sochniki( sweet cheese cookies)

What an excellent idea to indulge in! Delicious and flaky, it is the texture of the cookies which draws one's attention! You can enjoy it with tea or some refreshing juice by the side. The sweet cheesy essence is indeed so good!

5. Eggless Chinese butter cookies

The delicious and crumbly Chinese butter cookies are indeed the most tender option for the holidays! These are wonderful and if you wish to steer away from the standard cookies you bake and get something unique then go ahead with this idea!

6. Best-ever Anzac biscuits

This is a wonderful idea loaded with oats and coconut crumbs! Healthy and rich, you are certainly going to fall in love with this idea! Serve it to the little ones and dip it in milk for breakfast. Shall we then?

7. Norwegian Kringla

The classic Norwegian Kringla is loaded with a crumbly texture and flavored with cream! Shaped like a pretzel, you must give it a try. Rich and fascinating, this is a traditional cookie that you can bake during the holidays to give your taste buds a unique experience.

8. Coconut jam drop cookies

Here is a way to make your coconut cookies even more tasteful and crispy! Topped with a jam of myriad flavors, this is a brilliant idea that you should not miss out on! Are you ready to experience its blissful flavors?

9. Apricot pochette

These are a batch of creamy cheesy pastries which have a flaky texture. Filled with apricot jam, you are definitely going to thank us later for the brilliant idea. Shall we give it a try then? Let's get started.

10. No-bake avalanche cookies

Here is another wonderful idea if you wish to indulge in something rich and gooey! The avalanche cookies apparently do not even need to be baked. Drizzled with white and black chocolate chips, you do not even have to go through the task of baking them!

11. Creme Brulee( toasted sugar cookies)

Here is the most outstanding toasted sugar cookie recipe that you will ever come across! Delicious and packed with flavors so divine, there is no need to thank us! Your wish, our command! Make these Creme Brulee and tell us how this one turns out to be!

12. French butter cookies

Popular around all parts of the world, the French butter cookies are simply so gorgeous! The shapes can be varied depending on the form that you wish to acquire. The recipe is very simple and ideal to go with tea!

13. Corn flake crumb cookies

The cornflake crumb cookies are indeed so exciting and packed with flavors so gorgeous! If you do not have many supplies in the house but feel lazy to rush to the stores then these cookies are great to come to your aid.

14. Crunchy oat cookies

The crunchy oat cookies are the best when you want your kids to enjoy something nice but healthy at the same time. Packed with flavors, these are great to go for breakfast with a glass of milk on the sides.

15. Anzac slices

There is nothing as good as the Anzac slices! It introduces one to the true colors of Australian desserts! If you haven't tried it before then you definitely should go for it now. Shall we try then?

16. Amish raisin-filled cookies

Sweet inside and crumbly outside, the raisin-filled cookies that we recommend are our favorite. Rest assured that it will not take you long to fall in love with this idea. Let's not waste a minute and get started with the preps, shall we?

17. Churros cookies with caramel cream cheese frosting

Don't tell us you never tried this one! And well, if you did not then all we can say to you is that this is the perfect moment for you to relish the Churros cookies with rich caramel cream cheese frosting sandwiched between the two. 

18. German butter cookies

The German butter cookies are further sprinkled with salt to give a distinguished taste to the freshly baked buttery treats. Like as always say, you will not be able to believe the wonders of seasonings do to your cookies.

19. Shuku Shuku ( Nigerian coconut cookies)

If you are fond of the flavor of coconut then this recipe is meant for you! Rich and gooey, these cookies are perfectly shaped and look so flawless we must admit. So what are you waiting for?

20. Homemade Kingston biscuits

Why not try out something extraordinary this season with the classic homemade Kingston biscuits right at your disposal? Delicious and flavorful, the layer of chocolate cream between the two leaves you with a craving for more. So shall we give it a try then?

Frequently asked questions associated with making Australian cookies

1. What is the secret to making the best cookies?

If you want the batch of cookies you are baking to turn out successful then you have to opt for cooling the dough and mixing the ingredients well! Measurement and accuracy must be maintained so that the dough acquires the right consistency.

2. What is the golden rule to baking great cookies?

If you want your cookies to turn out right then you have to opt for making it cold and baking it hot! This means that you need to chill the dough before shaping the cookies and bake them fresh and hot in the oven.

3. What is the right way to make the cookies during the holidays?

The ideal temperature is very much essential as you bake cookies during the holidays! When one is baking some cookies, the oven is generally preheated at 350°F. This can slightly vary between 325- 350°F depending on the kind of oven you are using.

4. What is the technique for making the cakes soft and chewy?

If you want your cookies to turn out soft and chewy at the same time then you need to bake at 375°F and reduce the time! This will ensure a crispy hint in your cookies but be careful not to burn them.

5. What is the first thing that you are expected to ensure before you bake?

Make sure that you have all the ingredients that you need and measure them beforehand! Read the recipe carefully so you do not end up making a mistake.

Bottom Line- That is all for today, have a great time baking these wonderful cookies during the free time you have got this weekend. Make your afternoons productive and evenings special with these cookies.