For the Crunchies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or honey as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on preference)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the Dough
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, sugar, and golden syrup (or honey) together. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Fold in the rolled oats and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Crunchies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart (they will spread during baking).
- Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently flatten each portion into a disc shape.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake the crunchies for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly!
5. Cool and Store
- Allow the crunchies to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool.
- Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Tips for Success
- Use Golden Syrup if Possible: Golden syrup adds a unique caramel-like flavor, but honey works well as a substitute if you can’t find it.
- Don’t Overbake: The crunchies will still be soft when you take them out of the oven, but they’ll harden as they cool.
- Customize Your Crunchies: Add chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans), dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Press Evenly: Flatten the dough evenly to ensure the crunchies bake uniformly.
- Double the Batch: These biscuits freeze beautifully—make extras and store them for later.
Why This Recipe Works
These South African Crunchies strike the perfect balance between sweet, buttery, and crunchy. The rolled oats provide a hearty texture, while the shredded coconut adds a subtle tropical flavor and extra crispiness. Golden syrup (or honey) ties everything together with its rich, caramel-like sweetness. Whether you’re craving something simple yet satisfying or looking for a nostalgic treat, these biscuits deliver every time.
Conclusion: A South African Classic Worth Trying
Whether you’re introducing these South African Crunchies to your family for the first time or reminiscing about a childhood favorite, this recipe is sure to delight. Their buttery aroma, chewy texture, and golden crunch make them a standout snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, their simplicity means you can whip them up anytime you need a little pick-me-up or a sweet gift for someone special.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your twist on these South African oat biscuits might just inspire others to try them too! 🍯🍪✨