Queensland Biscuit Crunch
A Little History of Queensland Biscuit Crunch
The Queensland Biscuit Crunch, a beloved treat hailing from the northeastern state of Queensland, Australia, is a delightful combination of buttery biscuits and crunchy texture. This iconic biscuit has its roots in Australian CWA (Country Women's Association) recipes, where home bakers have passed down secret regional variations for generations. Its popularity swelled among local farmers and soon spread across the nation. Traditional recipes emphasize simple, high-quality ingredients readily available in a typical Australian pantry.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Golden syrup
- Desiccated coconut
- Rolled oats
- Vanilla extract
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prepare for the baking process.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add 1 cup of desiccated coconut and 1 cup of rolled oats to the mixture, stirring it well until fully integrated. Ensure that your dry blend is well mixed for an even biscuit crunch.
Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a saucepan over low heat, melt 150 grams of butter. Add in 2 tablespoons of golden syrup. Stir the mixture until the ingredients liquefy and meld together. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine and Form Dough
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until a cohesive dough forms. Make sure the mixture is not too sticky or too dry; it should come together easily without crumbling.
Cooking Instructions
Step 5: Form the Biscuits
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop tablespoons of the dough and shape them into small balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking tray, pressing gently to flatten them into biscuit shapes, leaving space between each to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Biscuits
Place the tray in the preheated oven. Bake the biscuits for about 12-15 minutes or until they are a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on the biscuits to avoid over-baking.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the Queensland Biscuit Crunch is ready to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Enjoy Queensland Biscuit Crunch
The best way to savor these delightful biscuits is with friends and family during afternoon tea or as a special treat to mark a celebration. The combination of flour, sugar, butter, and golden syrup provides a classic taste that pairs perfectly with warm beverages. Enjoy them as a quick energy-boosting snack or as an after-dinner sweet. These biscuits also make a wonderful homemade gift when packaged in a decorated tin or jar.