National Cookie Day - The South African Way
Somewhere in the world, someone is celebrating National Cookie Day today, and as a South African, who are we to deny ourselves the pleasure of celebrating this delicious baked good.
South Africa has a rich variety of cookies - or as we usually call them, biscuits - that are beloved across our country. Whilst we (and by this, I mean I) completely enjoy Chocolate Chip Cookies, there are other variations of biscuits that we produce at home, or in stores, that make us proud to be South Africans.
Here's a list of some of the most popular ones that can either be bought or baked :
1. Romany Creams
- A chocolate sandwich biscuit filled with a creamy chooclate filling. It's one of South Africa's most iconic biscuits, and a popular choice to recreate at home.
2. Oats Biscuits
- Made with oats (usually Jungle Oats), these biscuits are hearty and often enjoyed with a cup of tea. They can include raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips - or all 3!
3. Choc-Crunch Biscuits
- A crunchy, sweet biscuit with a layer of chocolate, often found in South African homes for tea time. (If we're naming brands, Choc-Kits comes to mind)
4. Shortbread Biscuits
- A buttery, crumbly biscuit that is loved for its simplicity. It’s often served at tea time or festive occasions. (Baker's Eet-Sum-Mor Biscuits is the popular choice of South African branded shortbread biscuits).
5. Peppermint Crisp Biscuits
- Made with the popular South African Peppermint Crisp chocolate, these biscuits have a minty, crunchy filling with a chocolate biscuit base.
6. Rusk Biscuits (Beskuit)
- A traditional South African biscuit, with Ouma Rusks being the favourite. Rusks are twice-baked, making them crunchy and ideal for dunking in tea or coffee. They come in various flavors like buttermilk and muesli.
7. Coconut Biscuits
- These biscuits are made with shredded coconut, giving them a chewy texture and a rich coconut flavor. The popular favourite amongst South Africans in this category would definitely be Baker's Tennis Biscuits
8. Sugar Biscuits
- Simple, lightly sweet biscuits that are often sprinkled with sugar. These are especially popular among children and are a nostalgic treat.
9. Ginger Biscuits
- A spicy and slightly sweet biscuit made with ginger. It's a traditional favourite, often enjoyed dipped in tea, or on its own.
10. Bar One Biscuits
- A biscuit inspired by the popular South African chocolate bar, Bar One. These biscuits have a rich, chocolatey center and are a treat for chocolate lovers.
These biscuits and cookies are not only popular for everyday enjoyment but are often shared during festive occasions, tea times, and family gatherings. Each one has its own unique flavor, representing South African baking traditions.