For a biscuit borne of wartime, it should hardly come as a surprise that there are regimental rules surrounding the Anzac biscuit. 

So serious is the business of Anzac biscuits that messing with the actual recipe could cost you a legitimate $51k fine or land you in jail. So to avoid time in the slammer, fall in line and follow our guide to all things Anzac.

The use of the word ‘Anzac’ in the commercial production and sale of Anzac biscuits is usually approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, however the biscuits must not substantially deviate from the generally accepted recipe and shape, and must be referred to as ‘Anzac Biscuits’ or ‘Anzac Slice’ not ‘Anzac Cookies’. Too American. 

Under the Protection of Word ‘Anzac’ Act 1920, a penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment can be applied for breaches of the Regulations. and under the Crimes Act 1914, a penalty of up to $10,200 per person and $51,000 for a body
corporate may be imposed by the Court, instead of imprisonment. Don’t risk it for the biscuit.

Where a recipe or commercially produced finished product substantially deviates from the generally accepted form, for example it includes chocolate or fruit, the use of Anzac should be reconsidered. Anzac biscuits where recipes substitute ingredients that cater for specific dietary requirements, including gluten free and vegan ingredients, this is not considered a deviation.

So now that we know what an Anzac biscuit isn’t, let’s discuss what an Anzac biscuit is.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, who are responsible for the regulations around the use of the word Anzac among many other things, the official recipe for Anzac biscuits are as follows.

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The Official Anzac Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda dissolved in 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup plain flour

Method

1. Heat oven to 160°C.
2. Melt butter (or margarine) and syrup.
3. Add dissolved bicarbonate of soda and water.
4. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, add the liquid mixture and stir.
5. Place small balls of the mixture (about 1 teaspoon) onto a greased tray.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown.
7. Lift biscuits onto a cake cooling rack and wait for them to cool.

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