World Recipe: Afghan Biscuits

01 Feb World Recipe: Afghan Biscuits

Afghan Biscuits are a classic New Zealand cookie, well loved for their crunchy texture and the perfect blend of cocoa, butter, and cornflakes. Despite their name, they have no connection to Afghanistan; their story is rooted in early 20th-century New Zealand home baking, where they became popular for their simplicity and the use of easily available ingredients. With their final touch of chocolate icing and walnuts, they have become an icon of homemade snacks in the country.

Ingredients

• 200 g butter
• 75 g icing sugar
• 200 g flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 150 g cornflakes
• Chocolate icing
• 75 g walnuts

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 180°C and line two baking trays with baking paper.
• In a bowl, cream the butter and icing sugar until smooth.
• Sift in the flour and cocoa, add them to the mixture, and stir until fully combined.
• Add the cornflakes and mix gently so you don’t crush them too much.
• Scoop spoonfuls of the dough and place small mounds onto the prepared trays, leaving some space between each one.
• Bake for about 20 minutes, then remove and allow them to cool completely.
• Once cooled, top each biscuit with chocolate icing and decorate with half a walnut or chopped walnuts.

They are perfect to enjoy with tea or as a homemade treat full of tradition.