Afghan biscuit

An Afghan biscuit is a cherished New Zealand treat, celebrated for its simplicity and delightful taste. Crafted from a mixture of flour, butter, cornflakes, sugar, and cocoa powder, it is finished with a layer of chocolate icing and a walnut half. The hallmark of this biscuit is its rich, buttery texture combined with the satisfying crunch of cornflakes. Despite its name, it contains no exotic ingredients—just common pantry staples.

The charm of Afghan biscuits lies in their exquisite texture: soft, dense, and almost melt-in-your-mouth, owing to the generous butter content. They have a moderate sweetness, making the chocolate icing an ideal complement that balances the subtle bitterness of the cocoa.

The name "Afghan biscuit" is thought to be inspired by the color "Afghanistan brown." This recipe has long been a fixture in the New Zealand Edmonds Cookery Book. However, in June 2020, Griffin's Foods, a prominent New Zealand manufacturer, opted to rename the biscuit due to concerns about the name's potentially racist connotations associated with the Afghan wars.

If you're interested in making them at home, you will need flour, sugar, butter, cornflakes (or alternatives such as crushed Weet-Bix or rolled oats), cocoa powder, and walnuts. Give it a try and savor a piece of New Zealand's culinary heritage!