Marie biscuit

A Marie biscuit is a delightful treat that closely resembles a rich tea biscuit and goes by several names, including María, Mariebon, Мария, and Marietta. This round, vanilla-flavored cookie is crafted from wheat flour, sugar, and oils such as palm or sunflower seed oil. Its top surface and edges are adorned with charming embossed designs.

The Marie biscuit was first created in 1874 by the London bakery Peek Freans to commemorate the marriage of Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia. It quickly gained popularity across Europe. In Spain, it even became a symbol of economic recovery following the Civil War, thanks to its mass production to utilize an excess of wheat.

People enjoy Marie biscuits in various ways. They are perfect for dunking in tea, making sandwiches with butter, Marmite, or condensed milk, or drizzling with golden syrup. They can also be crumbled into custard and jelly, served to children, or incorporated into a variety of home-baking recipes. In Spain, they are often paired with natillas custard. In Uruguay, they are filled with dulce de leche and coconut. In Brazil, they are layered with custard cream to create a dessert called pavé. And in Malaysia, they are a key ingredient in batik cake.

In Pakistan, the Marie biscuit is a beloved snack enjoyed with tea. Around the world, this versatile biscuit remains a popular choice for both eating and baking, seamlessly fitting into diverse culinary traditions.