These New Zealand Christmas cookies, also known as ‘Afghan biscuits,’ are a delightful treat enjoyed during the festive season. Made with cocoa, cornflakes, and topped with chocolate icing, they offer a unique combination of flavors and textures.
The recipe is simple and perfect for holiday baking, allowing you to share these delicious cookies with family and friends.
Festive Afghan Biscuits: A Holiday Delight
The festive season brings joy and warmth, and what better way to celebrate than with a platter of New Zealand Christmas cookies? These Afghan biscuits are a delightful treat that captures the essence of holiday cheer.
With their crunchy texture and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of cocoa and cornflakes creates a unique base that is both satisfying and delicious. Topped with a smooth chocolate icing and sprinkled with chopped walnuts, they are a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Creating the Perfect Cookie Base
To start, gather your ingredients and prepare for a fun baking session. The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Begin by creaming together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Next, sift in the cocoa powder, plain flour, and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the cookies. The addition of cornflakes adds a delightful crunch that sets these biscuits apart from traditional cookies.
Baking Your Afghan Biscuits
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the cookies. Spoon tablespoon-sized amounts onto a lined baking tray, ensuring they have enough space to spread during baking. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie shape.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until they are set, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for maintaining their structure.
Decorating with Chocolate Icing
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to add the finishing touch: chocolate icing. Spread a generous layer on top of each cookie, allowing the rich chocolate to complement the flavors of the biscuit.
For an added crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped walnuts or desiccated coconut on top. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a festive touch to your platter.
Setting the Scene for Festivities
Presentation plays a significant role in the holiday spirit. Arrange your beautifully decorated Afghan biscuits on a decorative plate, surrounded by festive decorations like pine branches and colorful ornaments. This creates a cheerful atmosphere that invites everyone to indulge.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies are a perfect addition to your festive spread. Their delightful appearance and delicious taste will surely be a hit among family and friends.
Sharing the Joy of Baking
One of the joys of baking is sharing your creations with loved ones. These New Zealand Christmas cookies are not only a treat for yourself but also a wonderful gift for others. Package them in festive boxes or tins to spread the holiday cheer.
As you enjoy these cookies, take a moment to appreciate the warmth of the season and the joy of togetherness. Baking and sharing these Afghan biscuits can become a cherished tradition, bringing smiles and sweet memories for years to come.
Festive Afghan Biscuits Recipe
These cookies are a crunchy and chocolatey delight, featuring a base of cocoa and cornflakes, topped with a rich chocolate icing. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 125g (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup plain flour
- 2 cups cornflakes
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate icing (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped walnuts or desiccated coconut for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder. Mix until combined.
- Incorporate Cornflakes: Gently fold in the cornflakes until evenly coated with the mixture.
- Shape the Cookies: Spoon tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them apart as they will spread while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until set. Allow to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Ice the Cookies: Once cooled, spread chocolate icing on top of each cookie and garnish with chopped walnuts or coconut, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g