![A garibaldi biscuit resting on a cup of tea.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2048 1365"></svg>)
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Hi Bold Bakers!
WHAT YOU GET: This recipe is for Garibaldi biscuits, a popular British snack that is a classic companion to your afternoon tea.
Garibaldi biscuits are beloved tea-time cookies — despite their less than appealing nicknames: flies graveyard or squashed fly biscuits. Don’t worry; their nickname has nothing to do with what’s in the actual recipe. Brandy-soaked currants and cinnamon sugar sandwiched between simple thinly rolled delicate shortbread.
The currants give this cookie a wonderfully chewy texture, and the adult flavors of the fillings perfectly pair with the crunchy shortbread. When you dunk it into your cup of tea, it somehow becomes even more delicious.
If you like this recipe, give my Homemade Digestive Biscuits or Biscoff Cookies a go!
The History Of Garibaldi Biscuits
Depending on where you live, these biscuits may be known by other names. They’re called “Full O’Fruit” in Australia, and in New Zealand, they go by “Fruitli Golden Fruit.” For a bit, the Sunshine Biscuit Company, which Keebler bought, made their own version in the US called “Golden Fruit.” In 2001, when Kellogg’s obtained the Keebler company, Golden Fruit was discontinued. Cookie politics, man — very dramatic.
The cookies were allegedly invented in 1861 and named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian general. No one is really sure why the cookies were given his namesake.
![A look at the currants inside my Homemade Garibaldi Biscuits recipe.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1365 2048"></svg> "Garibaldi Biscuits have lovely currants.")
What’s The Difference Between Currants And Raisins?
While you can use chopped raisins in this recipe if you can’t find currants, there is a difference between the two dried fruits.
Raisins and currants are dried fruits from different types of vine-grown grapes. Currants go on bushes and are more tart than they are sweet. Raisins are dried white grapes, which become darker as they dry. They are sweeter than currants.
Since they are dry, both fruits easily absorb liquid, making them great to work within desserts, as you can soak them in alcohol or other flavorful liquids.
Tools You Need To Make Garibaldi Biscuits
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Garibaldi Biscuits
- If you’re not a fan of brandy, you can use a different liquor of your choice. If you don’t want to use alcohol at all, you can replace the brandy with an equal amount of orange juice.
- Make sure that the currants are thoroughly drained before adding them to the dough.
- If you can’t find currants, feel free to use chopped raisins!
- This dough is similar to pie crust. It’s best to keep all the ingredients cold and handle it as little as possible.
- For a nice variation, try adding two teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the dough when you are cutting in the butter.
Try These Other Recipes!
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