Biscuits and cookies are two of the most popular snacks with countless variations. Each region has a unique take on the snack, making them loved and known all over the world. Biscuit is in fact, UK’s favourite snack as found in a survey by British Heart Foundation, it got a whopping 42% of votes in the survey. That’s massive. So why not try to bake, and bring the best of the world on your plate? Everyone has their favourite biccies, from crunchy ginger snaps to the lovely macarons, but if you're always putting the same packets into your supermarket trolley each week, you might be missing out on an entire world of flavour. Here are the most popular biscuits and cookies in the world, from Italy to India that you must try.
1. Matcha Cookies- Japan
These green Japanese cookies, made with matcha powder and sometimes flavoured with chopped nuts, are visually appealing and can be considered 'healthy' because matcha tea leaves are high in antioxidants. These cookies look very gorgeous and instagrammable, so not only it will make your taste buds happy but also your Instagram and those who see them.
2. American Macaroons- America
an Americanized version of the traditional French macaron. A fantastic option for anyone who enjoys the sweet taste of coconuts. But what distinguishes it from its French cousin? You've probably already seen what a French macaron looks like. It's brightly coloured and in the shape of a biscuit sandwich. The American macaroon, on the other hand, is primarily made of coconut. While its appearance may differ, the American macaroon is just as delicious, though it may not be to everyone's liking. If you enjoy the flavour of coconuts, you'll enjoy these biscuits as well.
3. Sequilhos- Brazil
Moving on from the United States, it's time to head south... The Brazilian sequilho is the next biscuit on the list.
Sequilhos are cornflour-based Brazilian biscuits. If you happen to meet a Brazilian local, he or she will most likely tell you that you must try the sequilhos at least once before leaving Brazil. They melt in your mouth because they're so sweet and crisp.
Every country has its own speciality biscuit. It is the sequilho for the Brazilians. It is widely available, from bakeries to supermarkets. They're baked in bite-sized shapes, typically the size of a quarter dollar bill, and are extremely inexpensive.
4. French Macarons- France
You've probably heard of these before, right? They're those colourful, tasty biscuit sandwiches. Macarons are meringue-based sweet cookies made with egg white, granulated sugar, ground almonds, icing sugar, and food colouring. They're so popular that you can find them in almost any bakery around the world. They're a popular choice for parties and other social gatherings.
5. Anisette Biscuits- Italy
Do you enjoy liquorice? Do you want something with liquorice in it to satisfy your cravings? So did you know there are liquorice-flavoured biscuits that are both attractive and delicious?
Anisette biscuits get their name from their main ingredient, anise seeds. Anise seeds are used to make Anisette liquor and to flavour baked goods. These anise seeds are derived from the Anise plant (Pimpinella anisum), which is native to the eastern Mediterranean and southwest Asia.
Because the seeds from these plants are very aromatic, they have been used in a variety of Italian dishes. Anise seeds were even used to flavour food by the ancient Romans. Anise seeds are not only good for flavouring food but they also aid digestion. They are beneficial to your health.
6. Nankhatai- India
They're traditional biscuits from India. They are adored by both younger and older generations, and they can be found at any Hindu festival. The Diwali festival is the most prominent festival where they appear. This is a symbolic representation of love triumphing over hatred, and many Indian families prepare elaborate feasts in which the Nankhatai plays an important role.
In addition, during the festival, many Indian bakers prepare these Indian treats on the streets. It is a very simple biscuit that serves as an excellent appetiser after the heavy meals served during the festival's peak.
Apart from the festivals, you can find these biscuits at any time of the year.
7. Lebkuchen- Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest and most popular gingerbread biscuits in the world, not just in Germany.
Lebkuchen, also known as gingerbread biscuits, are baked goods with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Fortunately for the friars in Nuremberg, an essential ingredient was readily available in the forests surrounding Nuremberg - honey! Honey was and continues to be a popular and healthy ingredient. It was especially popular during the Middle Ages because it was thought to be a gift from God and to have nurturing properties.
