Biscuits

Biscuit

A traditional biscuit
Type	Baked goods
Course	Snack
Place of origin	Various
Serving temperature	Room temperature
Main ingredients	Flour, sugar, butter
Cookbook: Biscuit   Media: Biscuit

A biscuit is a baked food product that varies in ingredients, preparation methods, and recipes around the world. In many countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations, a biscuit is a small, typically round, and flat cake that is crisp and may be sweetened. However, in North America, the term refers to a soft, leavened bread product, similar to what is known in the UK as a scone.

History

The history of biscuits can be traced back to ancient times, where they were originally made from a simple mixture of flour and water. The term "biscuit" itself is derived from the Latin bis coctus, meaning "twice-baked", which reflects the method used to create the first biscuits. These were baked twice to ensure they were completely dried out, making them a durable source of nourishment for travelers and soldiers.

Types

There are numerous types of biscuits, ranging from sweet to savory, and their classification can vary significantly from one region to another.

Sweet Biscuits

Sweet biscuits are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Popular varieties include:

• Chocolate chip biscuits
• Shortbread
• Ginger snaps
• Oreo (a brand of sandwich biscuit)

Savory Biscuits

Savory biscuits, often referred to as crackers, are typically served with cheese or other toppings. Examples include:

• Cream cracker
• Water biscuit
• Ritz crackers

Ingredients

The basic ingredients in biscuits are flour, sugar, and butter. Depending on the type of biscuit, other ingredients such as eggs, leavening agents (like baking powder or baking soda), milk, or flavorings may be added.

Preparation

The preparation of biscuits generally involves mixing the dry ingredients together, followed by the addition of wet ingredients to form a dough. The dough is then shaped, either by hand or using molds, and baked in an oven until crisp and golden.

Cultural Significance

Biscuits hold a significant place in many cultures. In the UK, for example, the act of having tea and biscuits is a long-standing tradition. Similarly, in the US, biscuits and gravy is a popular breakfast dish, especially in the South.

See also

• Cookie
• Scone
• Bakery
• Pastry