I’m currently in New Zealand with all my family (and there’s a lot of us!) for my nana’s 80th birthday, so I thought it was only appropriate to share a recipe that reminds me of her – afghan biscuits!
We moved to Australia when I was just a wee tacker but for most of my childhood went back to NZ every year or so, and one of my enduring memories of those visits in the early days was pulling out the orange tupperware containers from the cupboards and snacking on nana’s homemade afghan biscuits.
No matter what time of the morning the kettle would go on, one of my uncles would invariably wander in right on time for a cuppa and a biscuit and whilst nana always had a selection of homemade goodies, the afghan biscuits were always my favourite. Baking these certainly took me straight back to those days, and they still taste as good as I remember (although I will always prefer ones made by my nana of course!).
So, what’s in an afghan biscuit!
Ingredients List
- 250g butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1 2/3 cups plain flour
- 2 1/2 cups cornflakes
- 1 1/2 cups icing sugar
- 2tbs cocoa
- 2 tbs hot water
- Walnuts
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 180C
- Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Add the coca and plain flour and beat slowly until just combined
- Fold in the cornflakes
- Roll tablespoons of the batter into balls then flatten slightly. Place on lined baking trays a few centimetres apart and bake for 15-18 minutes, until just firm to the touch
- While cooling sift together the icing sugar and cocoa then slowly add the hot water until the mixture is smooth and reaches your desired consistency
- Spread onto the cooled biscuits and top with walnut pieces then leave to set before enjoying!
Now I know cornflakes in biscuits probably sounds a little odd, but I promise you these are delicious! I’m not sure if afghan biscuits are a thing outside of New Zealand, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen them which is such a shame – they really should be universally enjoyed! Maybe I will singlehandedly have to try and bring them to the people myself!
Now, I’m off to eat some more of my nana’s biscuits while I’ve got the chance!
Have you heard of afghan biscuits before?
Share the Love
I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!