A classic delicious Chocolate version of Grandma’s Afghan Biscuits recipe. Definitely one to save!
Published September 22, 2014, Updated April 4, 2024
I was blessed to know my wonderful Grandma into my early 20′s until she passed from Cancer. She was a Wife to a Sheep Farmer, a Mother to seven, a Grandma to 21 and by now would be a Great Grandma to lots & lots of Great Grandchildren!
She was very special to me and some of the fondest memories I have of her are baking and preparing meals for her family & grandchildren and I am delighted to have many of her recipes, passed on by my Mum who was her eldest daughter.
It is not until you go to write up a recipe that you think about the name of the thing you are needing to write about – Afghans. Hmmmm interesting name for a biscuit! There is little to no helpful information online about where it got its name but in the USA they call their blankets or throws Afghans. I digress……
There are several theories – some that it looks like the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, others that it was created during a time of an Afghan war – but one thing is for sure – this is a well loved and much made biscuit in New Zealand which has been around for nearly 80 years!
Unlike traditional cookies it contains very little sugar compared to the butter content, but this is made up for with the sweet icing and the addition of a walnut half on top – such a traditional cookie prepared in a very traditional way.
There are few variations around – some with no vanilla, some with coconut etc but I like to keep to this recipe from my Grandma – it is lovely, not too crumbly and delicious!
Pin It – Grandma’s Afghan Biscuits
If you would prefer to make an even easier version then don’t roll the dough into balls! Make it into a slice instead, check out my version of that here – Recipe for Afghan Biscuit Slice
Onto the recipe for Grandma’s Afghan Biscuits!
Grandma's Afghan Biscuits
Classic Afghan Biscuit recipe, with chocolate icing and a walnut on top
Ingredients
- 200 grams Butter - softened or melted
- 1/2 Cup White Sugar, 105 grams
- 1 1/4 Cups Plain White Flour, 185 grams
- 1/4 Cup Cocoa, 22 grams
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla, 5 mls
- 2 Cups Cornflakes - 80g
- IICING
- 1 1/2 Cups Icing Sugar, 210 grams
- 1 heaped Tablespoon Cocoa, 6 grams
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, 5mls
- 1 teaspoon melted butter, 5mls
- 1-2 Tablespoons Water 15-30 mls
- 18 Walnut Halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C (350F) Bake
- Prepare an oven tray by greasing - or as I do lightly spraying with cooking spray and covering in baking paper
- In a food mixer or with electric beaters whip the butter & sugar for 4-5 minutes until creamy
- Add flour, cocoa & vanilla and mix well
- Add cornflakes and lightly combine.
- Take tablespoon sized amounts and roll into balls spread evenly on the tray
- Lightly flatten with your fingers.
- Bake for 12 minutes - they will be soft when they come out of the oven
- Allow to stand for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
- To prepare your icing - in a medium bowl combine icing sugar, cocoa, vanilla & melted butter and mix
- Slowly add the water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. If you accidentally add too much water just add a little icing sugar.
- Ice the biscuits and finish with a walnut half.
- Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Enjoy
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 224Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 106mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 2g
JustAMumNZ.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although justamumnz.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
This is such a New Zealand favourite – I would love to hear of my overseas friends trying it out on their friends and family. Be sure to let me know in the comments below if you make it.
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Happy Baking
Anna
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Catherine says
Hi Anna, thank you for sharing this recipe! May I ask whether the butter is normal butter or unsalted butter?
justamumnz says
I usually use salted as that is what I have on hand. If using unsalted add an extra pinch of salt if you wish.
S Gibson says
In New Zealand we have biscuits. Cookie is an American term which does not apply here. They are called Afghan biscuits by those who fought in the desert during the war.
Carolyn says
I so agree with your comment S Gibson, I’m glad you mentioned it because I feel the same way
Jo.Vee says
This is wrong lol they’re named after Afghanistan. First published in a Timaru paper without icing or walnuts. Called chocolate cornflake biscuits by some please research before commenting. Anzac biscuits were made for war times . Fact
Sarah says
I’ve recently found your site – fantastic! Great recipe for Afghans, from a Kiwi who has always made the Edmonds one until now. May I add to your reply to the message from Naz above? I suspect that rather than a difference in the sugar (I use whatever is to hand) s/he may not have baked them quite long enough, or have had the oven too hot? I’ve fallen foul of both these problems with similar results to Naz.
Abby says
Have made these numerous times now! Best recipe – my family demolishes them. Is it possible to make the batter and freeze them into balls? Do the icing later after pulling them out and thawing them?
justamumnz says
Yes absolutely
Esther Dawson says
Made this recipe in lockdown last night – flatties LOVED it and said it was the best afghans they’d ever tasted!
Karen Moulin says
Had a craving in level 4 lockdown for Afghans… these were delicious… next time i will mix the cornflakes in a little more or slightly crush before adding… They were a big hit with everyone that tried them!
justamumnz says
Wonderful!
Hannah says
Hi Anna, wondering if your measurements in grams and ml are correct…? Just tried making it and it is a lot of butter! Want to make this right. Thank you.
justamumnz says
Hi, yes recipe is correct. Did it work for you?
Angela says
My Partner requested I make Afghans one day. I googled “best Afghan recipe” and this came up. I made these and they came out perfect. Fool proof, easy and oh so tasty. Definitely a winner in our family. Thanks so much for these, they’re amazing! 10/10
justamumnz says
That’s great! Thank you for the feedback
Suzanne Dixon says
I love this recipe, as does my husband, the end result of course. Very easy to bake.
Sal says
OMG! I made these today because I’ve been missing these goodies back home. Andddd they taste Devine! Thank you for your nanas recipe – I have now made another 4 batches – because everyone wants some and can’t get enough!
justamumnz says
That’s so lovely to hear
Stephen from British Columbia says
Great recipe – worked wonderfully.
I am not a fan of walnuts, so I made hazelnut afghans:
Finely grind 1/4 cups of hazelnuts and add to cookie dough. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top. They were amazing.
Maria says
Haven’t made these for ages and my friend begged me to teach her girls so I did and they were absolutely amazing!! Thank you for sharing
justamumnz says
My pleasure
mubshra sattar says
Hi Anna, thanks for sharing the recipe. Made them today. Super tasty. Super easy. ?
Bonnie says
American here who had never heard of Afghan biscuits until reading an article of cookies around the world. Not knowing any New Zealanders who could make them for me and liking the look of this recipe I made them myself…..twice. Here is my takeaway and remember that I didn’t grow up on them so bear that in mind before tearing me apart. The first time I made them I didn’t crush the cornflakes as much as I should have. I think they are much better with the cornflakes crushed into smallish pieces. The second is the cocoa powder you use makes all the difference. The first time I used Hershey’s cocoa powder and they were good, though they were better the next day. The second time I used a more expensive cocoa powder (Lake Champlain) and they were amazing, right off the cooling rack. And finally I don’t think they need the icing and I prefer the flavor without. I made the icing for the first batch but felt it added nothing and made them too sweet. These are now one of my favorite cookies. They are soooo good! They are also the perfect cookie to make with young children since no raw eggs. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe!
Much love from Boston!
justamumnz says
That’s so great to hear
Naz says
Hi Anna, just made these cookies but mine are falling apart, taste delicious, the cornflakes are stale in it too now, it was a freshly opened pack and was hoping the cookies would have that crunch. Can’t figure out where I went wrong? I did use castor sugar instead of normal, could it be that? Cheers
justamumnz says
Hi, they do need to completely cool before handling or they will fall apart. Using caster sugar does make a difference in some cases yes as it measures differently. The cornflakes in it does go softer as of course the mixture is wet which means they lose their crunch in baking but shouldn’t go stale. Any changes to a recipe may alter the outcome.
Judith says
These look exceptionally good! Perhaps they are named for a breed of sheep.
Dion Murdoch says
Hi Anna,
My Grandma used to make Afghans regularly when I was growing up in Christchurch. They never stayed in the tin for long! Looking forward to making them again. Thanks for the recipe.
justamumnz says
Oh that’s great! They are a firm family favourite here and never last long.
Sanna T says
Made this recipe today and my family loved it. My Mum who isn’t a cookie/biscuit enthusiast like me says these are her fav baked cookies so far. It’s now my go-to afghan recipe. Thank you!
justamumnz says
That’s great to hear. ☺️
Katie says
Hello! Such a fantastic recipe Anna, thank you for sharing it. My 3 sons are loving making these during isolation in Australia. I always assumed they were called Afghans as they look like Afghan hats! Those lovely deep brown squidgy slightly floppy warm hats which they wear in the mountains of Afghanistan. Ever since discovering these cookies on hols in NZ a few years ago I can’t see those hats without picturing a walnut half on top!!!! Thanks again.
justamumnz says
Well that does sound like a great explanation! I’m so pleased the recipe is being enjoyed 🙂
Cassidhe Lusk says
These turned out great! Thank you so much for sharing. My faith in online recipes has been restored! I only had one question, you say to use flour, but was that supposed to be plain or self raising? I used self raising and they were great but was wondering if plain works also?
justamumnz says
Hi, yes plain flour unless I specify self-raising. But I am glad they worked out anyway! I have lots of easy simple recipes so feel free to try a few more and let me know how you get on! Anna
Lynn Lim says
Bake this last night, 1st attempt, easy recipe to follow. They were so yummy!! Sure to repeat this again. Thank you so much for the clear instructions and easy receipt for inexperienced baker like me.
justamumnz says
That’s wonderful to hear!
Gardenia says
My sister in law has been craving Afghan biscuits (oh did I mention she’s 34wks pregnant??) since her first trimester! It’s so hard to find them around my area in Melbourne! So I’ve decided why not attempt at making them for her myself?! I hope they turn out looking as good as yours, more so taste as good too! …here goes .. 🙂
justamumnz says
Awesome!!! Let me know how it goes ?
Jarik04 says
What type of flour is required and are you mentioning Vanilla as in Vanilla Essence? Sorry, would love to get this right….
justamumnz says
Sorry I’m so vague!! Yes plain white flour and vanilla essence. ?
Phil says
Thanks so much Anna – and such a lovely story about your grandma! Going to try out this recipe tomorrow – will let you know how it goes! ?
justamumnz says
Wonderful! I hope you enjoy them ?
Shanti says
Anna… made this a few times now n it’s always a hit ! ! It’s so easy to make tht I just whipped up on a school nite for my son’s school event n again was a hit ! I made a small difference to it : added a 1/4 cup of chocolate chunks and raisins . It worked ! Thanks a million for this recipe.
justamumnz says
Hi, that’s great! I love the additions ?
Louise says
Lol!! What I have just tried is adding a few drops of orange oil to the icing and that works really well!
justamumnz says
Delicious!
Louise says
Just tasting now!! Delicious!
I didn’t add any vanilla (not a fan of it) but I’m sure it won’t matter as the recipe is one I will come back to! I must say I do prefer melting real chocolate on top!!
justamumnz says
I’m so pleased! I’m sure once you are done you can create the perfect Afghan from all these recipes! ?
Louise says
Hi
When I was a little girl my mum somehow got the recipe for afghans (in the uk) pre internet
We loved them so much! Then she lost the recipe ? For years we craved the choccy goodness. Then last year I was reminded of them and I found loads of recipes on the internet ? Yay pure joy!! So I’m testing out all the different recipes each time I make a batch and tonight it’s your version ? Louise UK
justamumnz says
How wonderful! This one must be at least 70 years old or more so enjoy!! Let me know how you get on xo Anna
simon says
Anna there is a mistake in your recipe…….. 13:Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
That should be “Lock with a padlock in an airtight container for 3-4 days.”
Somehow these biscuits keep disappearing from my tupperware containers.
Thanks for sharing the memories of your nan.
justamumnz says
Lol you had me worried!!! Apologies for your disappearing Afghans! ?
Andrea Callender says
So yum!!!! Definitely on the go-to list now
Trish says
These are definitely the best afghans I have ever made. The recipe never fails!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
I have never tried afghan biscuits before but they look delicious! Your cookies look wonderful!
Lou Lou Girls says
This looks so good! I’m drooling right now. Pinned. We had so much fun partying with you at our last party. We hope to see you tonight’s party at 7 pm. We love to see what you have been working on! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
justamumnz says
Thanks so much – they are so easy and taste great! 🙂
Robyn says
Do you know that I have never heard of Afghan biscuits before??? You’re right they do have a funny name but they look fantastic. I’ll have to give them a try xx
justamumnz says
Thanks Robyn – yes for sure a funny name but a firm favourite here! 🙂
Tara@GlutenFreeHart says
Great recipe and easily converted to gluten free. Happy days. Thanks for sharing x
justamumnz says
Thanks Tara for stopping by 🙂
Dannielle @ Zamamabakes says
Anna these biscuits look delicious! I love the fact that I would be able to find most of those ingredients already in my pantry. My kidlets will love them. have a great weekend! 🙂
justamumnz says
Thanks Danielle, so easy and kids love them! 🙂
vegeTARAian says
Oh Anna, what a lovely memory of your grandmother. And such a tasty way to honour her too!
justamumnz says
Thank you so much, family recipes are the best! 🙂
Lara @ Methodical Living says
These look dangerously delicious. Thank you for sharing and I’ll definitely be pinning this!
-Lara
justamumnz says
Thank you Lara – they are yummy! 🙂