If you’re a fan of the sweet and savory world of biscuits, then you might have come across the delicious and uniquely-shaped Afghan biscuits. These chunky rounds of chocolate goodness are irresistible and have become a popular treat for Kiwis. But if you’re wondering who to thank for creating them, that remains a bit of a mystery.
With its crunchy and buttery texture, the Afghan biscuit has become a classic Kiwi favorite that has sparked debates over who gets the credit for it. Some argue that it was created by Peggy Roundtree, while others say it was the brainchild of a group of women from Wellington who invented it as a fundraiser. Despite the ongoing debate, one thing’s for sure – the origin of the Afghan biscuit is a fascinating story that involves a lot of local lore and speculation.
Since its invention, the Afghan biscuit has been a staple in households and cafes across New Zealand, becoming a symbol of Kiwi culture. Its mysterious origins only add to its charm, and the fact that it remains a popular treat to this day proves that whoever created it deserves a pat on the back for creating such a delicious masterpiece.
Origin of Afghan Biscuits
Afghan biscuits are a popular sweet treat in New Zealand made with cocoa powder, butter, sugar and cornflakes. These chocolatey delights are topped with chocolate icing and a half walnut. But where exactly did this beloved biscuit originate?
Despite its name, Afghan biscuits did not originate in Afghanistan. The pastry’s origins can be traced back to New Zealand where it was created in the early 1900s. There are a few theories about who created the recipe but the most popular one is that the biscuit was created by the New Zealand Women’s Weekly in the early 1920s and was originally called “plain biscuits with chocolate icing”.
The recipe was then printed in the Women’s Weekly Home Cookery Book, which was first published in 1927 and has since become a staple in many New Zealand households.
History of Afghan Biscuits
When it comes to baked goods, few are as uniquely delicious and culturally significant as Afghan Biscuits. This classic New Zealand treat is beloved by Kiwis and foreigners alike, but where did it come from? Let’s take a closer look at the history of Afghan Biscuits.
- Origin Theories:
- The First Recipe:
- The Rise to Popularity:
There are a few different theories about where Afghan Biscuits come from. One is that they were inspired by the flavours of Afghanistan, while another suggests they were created in New Zealand during World War I. Regardless of their origin, one thing is clear – Afghan Biscuits are a Kiwi classic.
While the exact origins of Afghan Biscuits are unknown, the first recorded recipe for them appears in the 1936 edition of the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, a popular magazine at the time. The recipe is credited to a home cook named Mrs. A. E. B. of Wellington, New Zealand.
Even in their early days, Afghan Biscuits were a hit with Kiwis. They quickly became a staple in bakeries across the country, and today they’re still a popular treat. Afghan Biscuits have even gained international fame – in 2013, actress Anne Hathaway declared her love for them during an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, causing a surge of interest in the biscuit overseas.
Today, Afghan Biscuits continue to be a beloved treat in New Zealand and beyond. With their distinctive chocolate and walnut flavour and irresistible texture, it’s no wonder they’ve stood the test of time.
If you’re a fan of baked goods and you haven’t tried Afghan Biscuits yet, now’s the time to give them a go. Who knows – you might just discover your new favourite snack!
Sources:
Mckay, K. (2014). Edmonds Classic New Zealand Recipes. Random House New Zealand.
Ingredients in Afghan Biscuits
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 250g |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Flour | 1 & 1/4 cups |
| Cocoa Powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Crushed Cornflakes | 1 & 1/2 cups |
| Walnuts | 1 cup, chopped |
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, making a batch of Afghan Biscuits is easy with this simple recipe. With just seven ingredients, these biscuits are a delicious and satisfying treat that will leave you coming back for more.
Source: Edmonds Classic New Zealand Recipes by Alison Holst & Simon Holst.
Afghan Biscuits Recipe Variations
While the original Afghan Biscuit recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations that offer a unique twist to this classic treat. Here are three commonly known Afghan Biscuit recipe variations:
- Choco-Nut Biscuits: Add chopped nuts of your choice and chocolate chips to the original recipe to create choco-nut biscuits. The added crunch and chocolatey goodness make for a delightful treat.
- Coffee Biscuits: If you’re a big coffee lover, this variation is perfect for you. Simply add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the original recipe and enjoy the rich coffee flavor in every bite.
- Coconut Biscuits: Looking for a tropical twist? Add shredded coconut to the original recipe and bake until golden brown. The added coconut flavor and texture will transport you to a sunny island paradise.
Gluten-Free Afghan Biscuits Recipe
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of Afghan Biscuits. Simply substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour and replace the semolina with almond meal. Follow the original recipe and enjoy gluten-free Afghan Biscuits that are every bit as tasty as the original.
Afghan Biscuits Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re missing an ingredient or want to switch it up a bit, here are some ingredient substitutions that you can use:
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Semolina | Polenta or cornmeal |
| Butter | Margarine or coconut oil |
| Cocoa powder | Drinking chocolate or hot chocolate mix |
| Sugar | Brown sugar or honey |
With these ingredient substitutions, you can easily make Afghan Biscuits with what you have on hand, or customize the recipe to your liking.
Common Ingredients in Afghan Biscuits
Afghan biscuits are a popular sweet treat that originated from New Zealand. Despite the name, the recipe has nothing to do with Afghanistan. These biscuits are known for their delicious combination of flavors, including chocolate, coconut, and crunchy walnuts. Here are some of the common ingredients found in Afghan biscuits:
- Butter: The biscuit dough contains a generous amount of unsalted butter which helps to give the biscuit its rich, buttery flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is used to add a rich chocolate flavor to the biscuit.
- Sugar: Sugar is used to sweeten the biscuit dough and provides a crunchy texture when cooked.
- Flour: Regular flour is used to give the biscuit its structure and texture.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is used to help the biscuit rise and become fluffy.
- Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is added to the dough to give a delicious chewy texture and tropical flavor.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch and nutty flavor to the biscuit.
Here is a table outlining the most common ingredients found in a standard Afghan biscuit recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/4 cup |
| Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Sweetened Shredded Coconut | 1 cup |
| Chopped Walnuts | 1/2 cup |
These ingredients work together to create a biscuit that is sweet, buttery, and chocolaty with a perfect texture. The sweetness of the coconut and the crunch of the walnuts add complexity and interest to the already delicious cookie.
Afghan Biscuits popularity worldwide
Afghan biscuits have become popular worldwide, especially in countries like Australia and New Zealand. These classic chocolate cookies have a crumbly texture and a unique flavor, making them a favorite for many.
- New Zealand: Afghan biscuits are a classic and popular Kiwi treat, with many kiwis baking them at home or purchasing them from local bakeries and cafes.
- Australia: Afghan biscuits have gained popularity in Australia, with many cafes and bakeries including them in their menus and people baking them at home.
- United States: Afghan biscuits can be found in specialty stores across the United States, and some cafes and bakeries offer them as a unique treat.
The origin of Afghan Biscuits
Afghan Biscuits were created in New Zealand in the early 1900s and are named after the Afghanistan War. However, there is no indication that these biscuits have any connection to Afghanistan or Afghan cuisine. The creation of the biscuit is credited to the New Zealand chefs who wanted to create a biscuit with butter, cocoa powder and crushed cornflakes when there were restrictions on imported ingredients during the World War I era. This was done in an effort to create something new, using only local ingredients, which resulted in the creation of the Afghan biscuit.
Ingredients used in Afghan Biscuits
The key ingredients include butter, cocoa powder and crushed cornflakes. Afghan biscuits are a simple and easy treat to make at home, with many variations to the recipe. They are often topped with a chocolate icing and walnuts.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 200g |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Flour | 150g |
| Cocoa powder | 2 tbsp |
| Cornflakes, crushed | 1 cup |
| Chocolate icing | as needed |
| Walnuts, chopped | as needed |
The recipe is very versatile, and people experiment with different ingredients and toppings, including coconut, raisins, and oats.
Afghan Biscuits vs. Other Types of Biscuits
There are many types of biscuits around the world, from sugar cookies to shortbreads, each with its unique taste and texture. In this article, we will look at how Afghan biscuits compare to other types of biscuits.
- Shortbread: Shortbreads are buttery and crumbly biscuits made from just three ingredients; butter, sugar, and flour. Afghan biscuits, on the other hand, have a chocolatey taste and a moist texture that comes from being made with cocoa powder, butter, and cornflakes.
- Sugar Cookies: Sugar cookies are sweet and crunchy biscuits made from flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Afghan biscuits are chocolatey and crunchy, but they also have a soft texture due to the cornflakes and butter used in their recipe.
- Anzac Biscuits: Anzac biscuits are traditional biscuits from Australia and New Zealand, made with rolled oats, sugar, flour, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, and boiling water. Afghan biscuits have a similar texture to Anzac biscuits, but they are richer in taste due to the cocoa powder and butter in their recipe.
While Afghan biscuits share some similarities with other types of biscuits, they are unique in their chocolatey taste and moist texture. They are perfect for chocolate lovers who want a crunchy and satisfying treat.
Below is a table that summarizes the differences between Afghan biscuits and other types of biscuits:
| Biscuit | Taste | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Afghan biscuits | Chocolatey | Moist and crunchy |
| Shortbread | Buttery | Crumbly |
| Sugar cookies | Sweet | Crunchy |
| Anzac biscuits | Golden syrup | Chewy |
Overall, Afghan biscuits are a unique and delicious addition to the world of biscuits. They are easy to make and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for baking Afghan Biscuits
Afghan Biscuits are a classic New Zealand sweet treat that has been loved for generations. These chocolatey cookies have a unique texture and flavor, making them a favorite for many. Here are some tips for baking the perfect Afghan Biscuits:
- Use quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your biscuits. Use real butter, good quality cocoa powder, and fresh ingredients.
- Chill the dough: Chill the dough before rolling it into balls. This will help prevent them from spreading too much and losing their shape.
- Don’t overbake: Afghan Biscuits should be crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. Be careful not to overbake them, as this can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Aim for around 15-18 minutes in the oven.
Here is a recipe for Afghan Biscuits:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 125g butter, softened | Preheat your oven to 180°C and prepare a baking sheet with baking paper. |
| 1/2 cup sugar | Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. |
| 1 cup flour | Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and mix until well combined. |
| 2 tablespoons cocoa powder | Stir in the cornflakes and mix well. |
| 1 cup cornflakes | Chill the dough for 30 minutes. |
| Chocolate icing and walnut halves, to decorate | Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. |
| Bake for around 15-18 minutes, or until just cooked through. |
By following these tips and using a great recipe, you’ll be able to create delicious Afghan Biscuits that are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
FAQs about Who Created Afghan Biscuits
1. Who is credited with creating Afghan Biscuits?
There are varying accounts of who created the Afghan Biscuit, but many believe it was first made in New Zealand in the early 1900s.
2. What are the ingredients of Afghan Biscuits?
Afghan Biscuits typically include butter, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, cornflakes, and chopped nuts.
3. Are Afghan Biscuits popular outside of New Zealand?
While they are a beloved treat in New Zealand, Afghan Biscuits haven’t gained widespread popularity in other countries.
4. Are Afghan Biscuits a traditional New Zealand food?
Afghan Biscuits are not considered a traditional New Zealand food, but they have become a popular treat in the country.
5. What inspired the name “Afghan Biscuits”?
The origin of the name “Afghan Biscuits” is unclear, but some speculate that it is because of the cookie’s resemblance to a type of rug from Afghanistan.
6. Can Afghan Biscuits be made without nuts?
Yes, nuts can be omitted from Afghan Biscuit recipes for those with allergies or dietary preferences.
7. How are Afghan Biscuits usually served?
Afghan Biscuits are often served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Who Created Afghan Biscuits?
While there are varying accounts of who first created Afghan Biscuits, many believe that they date back to early 20th century New Zealand. With a simple but delicious recipe featuring cocoa powder, cornflakes, and nuts, these cookies have become a beloved treat in the country and beyond. Whether you enjoy them plain or dusted with powdered sugar, Afghan Biscuits are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit again for more interesting facts and stories!