What is Golden Syrup?

Sometimes known as light treacle, it is made from sugar cane. It’s usually made from during the process of refining sugar cane.

It’s often used in baking, in recipes such as fudge, gingerbread and more. However, you can also use it when making savoury dishes as the complex flavours add more depth to your dishes.

I used CSR Golden Syrup that I bought at Coles in Australia. They’re easy to find in New Zealand as well, but if you can’t find any, there are recipes out there where you can make it from scratch. 

1. Chewy or Crunchy?

If you want chewy, take the biscuits out of the oven a little earlier(13-15 minutes). For crunchier biscuits, take them out a little later (17-20 minutes). You can also add a little more golden syrup to make the biscuits more crunchy.

2. Apply some force when shaping

You’ll find that the biscuits are a little crumbly when you shape them. Don’t worry, applying force is ok with these biscuits. After making small balls, remember to press down on them to flatten them a little before baking. 

3. Check your baking soda

After boiling your butter, water and golden syrup, you add your baking soda. If it doesn’t fizz a little and change colour, your baking soda may have gone bad. If you want, you can test your baking soda before baking. Add a little vinegar to baking soda, if it fizzies, it’s still good to use.