Prep 20minBake 18-20minMakes about 20

ANZAC biscuits were sent in food parcels to Australian and New Zealand troops stationed in Europe in World War I. They were designed to withstand the long trip while providing something home baked, comforting and a little sustaining for the soldiers. Using only basic ingredients and equipment, these biscuits are a gentle reminder of the ANZAC legacy and spirit.

Ingredients

140g (1½ cup/5oz) rolled oats
150g (1 cup/5¼oz) plain flour
90g (1 cup/3oz) desiccated coconut
165g (¾ cup, firmly packed/5¾oz) brown sugar
125g (4¼oz) butter, cubed
60ml (¼ cup/2fl oz) water
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method

1. Preheat oven to 170°C/375°F (150°C/340°F fan-forced). Line 2 large oven trays with baking paper.
2. Put the rolled oats, flour, coconut and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
3. Put the butter, water and golden syrup in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the butter melts. Remove from the heat, add the bicarbonate of soda and stir to combine – this mixture will foam. Add to the dry ingredients and stir with the wooden spoon until well combined.
4. Roll heaped tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls and place about 7cm/2¾in apart on the lined trays. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten the balls until about 1cm/½in thick and about 6cm/2¼in in diameter. 
5. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, swapping the trays after 10 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the biscuits from the oven and cool on the trays. Repeat with any remaining biscuit mixture.