Introduction
If you’re craving a delightful, crunchy treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea, look no further than Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs. These iconic British oat biscuits are beloved for their golden, crispy texture and optional chocolate topping. Perfectly sweet, slightly salty, and wonderfully satisfying, Hobnobs are a nostalgic indulgence for anyone who appreciates a classic British snack.
In this recipe, we’re going to walk you through how to make these Homemade Hobnobs from scratch. You’ll also discover creative twists to make them uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you bake the most irresistible biscuits. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of Hobnobs!
What are Hobnobs?
Hobnobs are a type of British oat biscuit known for their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Traditionally, they are made with simple ingredients like oats, butter, and sugar. These biscuits are often topped with a layer of chocolate, giving them a sweet finishing touch that makes them irresistible.
They are a staple in many British households and often enjoyed with a cup of tea, making them the perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the delicious flavor, has made Hobnobs a beloved snack for generations.
The Origin of Hobnobs
Hobnobs were first introduced in the UK by McVitie’s, a renowned biscuit company, back in the 1980s. Since then, they have become a popular treat not just in the UK, but around the world. The word “hobnob” itself is believed to come from the old English term for a casual, friendly handshake, symbolizing the warmth and comfort of sharing these delightful biscuits.
Over time, the popularity of Hobnobs grew, and many variations of the original recipe have emerged. Some are made with chocolate, while others feature additional flavors like orange zest or spices. Today, you can find Hobnobs in a variety of forms, but the original Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs remain the favorite for many.
Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs
Making Homemade Hobnobs from scratch is incredibly easy. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a batch of biscuits that are every bit as delicious as the store-bought versions, if not better! Here’s what you’ll need to make about 20 biscuits:
- 10½ tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp golden syrup (you can substitute with honey if needed)
- ⅔ cup porridge oats (rolled oats work well too)
- ⅔ cup wholemeal flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ⅔ cup chocolate (for topping, use either milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference)
These ingredients come together to create a perfectly textured biscuit with a golden crunch, complemented by a rich chocolate topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Homemade Hobnobs
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Trays
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking trays with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it turns pale and fluffy. This process is crucial for achieving the light, crumbly texture of your biscuits. Once the butter and sugar are well creamed, add the golden syrup and mix it in thoroughly.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients. Start with the porridge oats, followed by the wholemeal flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix everything until combined, but be careful not to overwork the dough. The consistency should be thick and slightly sticky.
4. Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in cling film. Place it in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to shape the biscuits later on.
5. Shape the Biscuits and Bake
Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the fridge and roll it into tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Flatten each ball gently to about 2 inches in diameter. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
6. Cool and Decorate with Chocolate
After the biscuits are baked, allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once they’ve cooled, it’s time for the fun part: the chocolate topping! Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, or use a microwave in short bursts. Once melted, spoon a teaspoon of chocolate onto the center of each biscuit and use the back of a spoon to swirl the chocolate into a decorative pattern. Let the chocolate set before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate British treat.
Creative Variations for Your Homemade Hobnobs
While the classic Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs recipe is already amazing, there are plenty of ways to personalize them and add your own twist:
- Add Spices: Try adding a pinch of chai masala or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Citrus Zest: Add a touch of orange zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the oats and chocolate.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: For a festive twist, drizzle the biscuits with white chocolate and sprinkle some crushed pistachios on top for extra crunch and color.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the wholemeal flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these Hobnobs suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these Hobnobs without chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer plain oat biscuits, simply skip the chocolate topping. These biscuits are delicious on their own, with a wonderfully crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
2. Can I substitute golden syrup?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for golden syrup. However, golden syrup is a unique ingredient that gives the biscuits a distinct flavor, so try to use it if you can.
3. How should I store homemade Hobnobs?
Store your Homemade Hobnobs in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in cling film and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to bake fresh biscuits whenever you’re ready!
5. What’s the best way to melt chocolate for topping?
The best way to melt chocolate is to use a double boiler method, where you place a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir the chocolate as it melts. Alternatively, you can melt it in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
Conclusion: The Perfect Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs
Making Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs is easier than you might think, and the result is a batch of crispy, golden biscuits topped with rich chocolate. Whether you’re enjoying them as a treat with your afternoon tea or sharing them with friends and family, these homemade Hobnobs will undoubtedly be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can make these classic British biscuits at home, tailored to your taste.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a delicious, crunchy snack, skip the store-bought varieties and make these Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs instead. They are sure to bring a little taste of Britain to your kitchen!
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Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs: A Delicious British Biscuit Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 20 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hobnobs are a type of British oat biscuit known for their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Traditionally, they are made with simple ingredients like oats, butter, and sugar. These biscuits are often topped with a layer of chocolate, giving them a sweet finishing touch that makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
- 10½ tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- ⅔ cup porridge oats
- ⅔ cup wholemeal flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ⅔ cup chocolate (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar Beat butter and brown sugar until pale and fluffy. Add golden syrup and mix well.
- Add Dry Ingredients On low speed, mix in oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Chill the Dough Form into a ball, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
- Shape & Bake Roll into tablespoon-sized balls, flatten to ~2 inches wide. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool & Decorate Melt chocolate and spoon a teaspoon onto each biscuit. Swirl with the back of a spoon for that classic Hobnob look.
- Set & Serve Let chocolate set before serving. Perfect with tea!
Notes
These Homemade Hobnobs are wonderfully crunchy and slightly chewy, just like the classic biscuits. You can dip half in melted chocolate for an extra treat, or add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist. Perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: ~95
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~65mg
- Fat: ~4g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs
