Crunchy Healthy Anzac Biscuits

Name: Crunchy Healthy Anzac Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (190g) all-purpose flour,; 1 cup desiccated coconut; 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 2/3 cup coconut sugar; 100 g salted butter; 1/3 cup rice malt syrup; 1 tsp baking soda

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These Crunchy Healthy Anzac Biscuits are a tasty variation of traditional Anzac biscuits, made with wholesome ingredients like oats, rice malt syrup, and coconut sugar, providing a delicious and guilt-free indulgence.

Healthy Anzac biscuits stacked on top of each other.

Skip the store-bought biscuits and whip up a batch of healthy and crunchy Anzac biscuits in your own kitchen, just like my easy Anzac Slice.

Anzac biscuits have a rich history dating back to World War I.

The biscuits were sent by the wives and families of Australian and New Zealand soldiers serving overseas as a way to provide a tasty and nutritious treat that could withstand the long journey.

Overhead close-up of one Anzac biscuits sitting on more biscuits.

Anzac biscuits are now a beloved treat in both countries and around the world.

Furthermore, the best part? Like my homemade Arnotts cream Kingstons, you can make a healthier version of this classic treat in your own kitchen.

You’ll get to enjoy a delicious snack that pays homage to a rich history, all while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

🍪 Why You Will Love This Recipe

Healthier ingredients.

Quick and easy.

Crunchy and crisp.

Only 7-ingredients.

Lunch-box friendly.

A bite taken out of one Anzac biscuits stacked on top of others.

☕ Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your crunchy Anzac biscuits alone as a quick healthy snack or try these delicious serving suggestions:

Tea, coffee or hot chocolate: Anzac biscuits are traditionally served with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack.

Top with yogurt and fruit: For a healthier breakfast option, enjoy a couple of Anzac biscuits topped with yogurt and fresh fruit. This is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day.

Sandwich with nut butter: Spread nut butter between two Anzac biscuits for a quick and easy snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats.

Dip in chocolate: Dip half of each biscuit in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat that’s still healthy.

Make ice cream sandwiches: Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two Anzac biscuits for a fun and delicious dessert that’s sure to please.

Crumble on top of yogurt or oatmeal: Crumble a few biscuits over a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and flavor.

Pack in a lunch box: Anzac biscuits make a great addition to a lunch box. They are portable, filling, and can be enjoyed on the go.

📋 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ingredients to make healthy anzac biscuits are all-purpose flour, rice malt syrup, old-fashioned rolled oats, salted butter, coconut sugar, desiccated coconut and baking soda.

All-purpose flour: Is also known as plain flour in Australia. Be sure to check out my guide on how to accurately measure basic baking ingredients.

Desiccated coconut: is also known as finely shredded coconut. Do not substitute with coconut flakes or bigger shredded coconut.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: which are whole rolled oats. This recipe has not been tested using quick oats, steel-cut oats, or instant oats.

Coconut sugar: can be substituted with regular light brown sugar. Keep in mind your biscuits will have a softer/chewier texture if you use brown sugar.

Salted butter: can be substituted with unsalted butter, just add a pinch of fine salt/Kosher salt to the recipe.

Rice malt syrup: great replacement for golden syrup. Can be substituted with the same quantity of maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind your Anzac biscuits will be sweeter if you use these.

Baking soda: Do not substitute this for baking powder.

🥣 Step By Step Instructions (with photos)

There is a full and detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step one: In a large mixing bowl, add flour, oats, coconut and sugar. Mix well to combine with a wooden spoon.

Mixing together the dry ingredients in a glass mixing bowl.

Step two: In a small pot, combine butter and syrup over low-medium heat. Stirring occasionally. Heat until the butter has completely melted.

Melting butter and rice malt syrup in small pot.

Step three: Turn off the heat and immediately add baking soda, giving it a quick stir to combine. It will froth up.

Stirring through baking soda until frothy.

Step four: Immediately pour into the dry mixture. Mix until well combined.

Pouring frothy liquid mixture into dry mixture to create dough.

Step five: Scoop one heaped tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a ball. Place on the lined tray and press down firmly using the palm of your hand to flatten it into a round biscuit.

Be gentle as they can crumble easily. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step six: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and cool on the tray for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

💭 Expert Tips

Measure your baking ingredients accurately: to achieve the best results. Check out my helpful guide on how to measure basic ingredients.

Add baking soda immediately: after turning the heat off the pot with the melted butter and syrup, stir through the baking soda while the mixture is still hot.

Pour the frothy mixture into the dry ingredients immediately: straight after you stir through the baking soda, pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and combine.

Use parchment paper: Use parchment paper to line your baking tray, as this will prevent the biscuits from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Flatten the biscuits: Flatten the biscuits slightly before baking to ensure they cook evenly and have a crispy texture.

Longer bake time for crisp and crunchy biscuits: Bake your Anzac biscuits for the full time for the ultimate crunchy and crisp Anzac biscuit.

Healthy Anzac Biscuits on plate with cup of tea behind.

⏲️ Storage Instructions

Store Anzac biscuits in an airtight container, at room temperature for 1 week.

Freeze Anzac biscuits by making sure they have cooled completely and place them in a single layer in the sealed container or zip-lock bag.

Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Label with the name and date. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen biscuits on your kitchen counter for several hours or in the fridge overnight until defrosted.

Healthy Anzac biscuits sitting on a white plate.

💬 Recipe FAQ’s

What can I use instead of rice malt syrup?

You can also use honey or maple syrup, using the same quantity which is 1/3 cup (115g).

Can I use golden syrup instead of rice malt syrup?

Yes! Simply substitute the rice malt syrup for the same quantity of golden syrup.

How do I make these Anzac biscuits gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend perfect for baking, such as a 1:1 flour blend. Although I haven’t tested this recipe myself using gluten-free flour.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try swapping the butter for a block of dairy-free butter using the same quantity. Keep in mind I have not tested this recipe using these dairy-free substitutions.

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