Yummy Afghan Biscuits!

The origin of the afghan biscuit is murky. No one knows quite when or where it popped up, except that its first official appearance was in the 1940s Edmonds cookbook. Some say that the afghan cookie originated in World War II, when New Zealand soldiers living overseas received these biscuits from their wives back home. They were simple to make, tasted nice, and didn’t spoil too quickly during the voyage. Another theory suggests that the biscuit was inspired by the then-exotic Anglo-Afghan wars. Whatever it comes from, the afghan is a delicious staple in every New Zealand bakery!

Materials:

• Oven

• Baking tray

• Parchment paper/aluminum foil or cooking spray

• Large microwavable bowl

• Mixing spoon, spatula, or whisk

• Measuring cups

• Teaspoon

Ingredients:

• ½ stick butter

• 2 tbsp sugar

• ¼ tsp vanilla (optional)

• ⅓ cup flour

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• ⅓ cup cornflakes, rice krispies, other similar cereal, or rolled oats

• Chocolate frosting (optional)

• Walnuts or another nut (optional)

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Melt the half stick of butter in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. The butter should not melt all the way, there should be some butter left that’s soft but not melted.

3. Ten, add the sugar, vanilla (if using), and cocoa powder.

4. Aadd the sugar, vanilla (if using), and cocoa powder. ly well to make sure it’s all combined! You should be getting an arm workout in!

5. Mix in the flour and cornflakes/cereal/rolled oats with a wooden spoon or spatula until it’s all mixed together.

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.

7. You should have a cookie-dough-like texture. Place heaping teaspoonfuls on the lined baking sheet. You can squeeze the mixture together if needed, then flatten with your hands.

8. Bake for 15 minutes.

Fun Q&A:

Q: How did Afghan biscuits come to be?

A: The origin of the afghan biscuit is murky. No one knows quite when or where it popped up, except that its first official appearance was in the 1940s Edmonds cookbook. Some say that the afghan cookie originated in World War II, when New Zealand soldiers living overseas received these biscuits from their wives back home. They were simple to make, tasted nice, and didn’t spoil too quickly during the voyage. Another theory suggests that the biscuit was inspired by the then-exotic Anglo-Afghan wars. Whatever it comes from, the afghan is a delicious staple in every New Zealand bakery!

Q: What are some other New Zealand baked goods?

A: From meat pies to lamingtons to pavlovas… New Zealanders eat a lot of interesting and delicious things!