In an era where shoppers are increasingly wary of ultra-processed foods lining supermarket shelves, the humble chocolate biscuit has come under scrutiny. But according to a new recipe featured in the Express, you don't have to give up your favourite teatime treat—you can simply make it yourself, and it might just taste better than the commercial version.
Express writer Steffan Rhys has developed a recipe for oaty chocolate-topped biscuits that he claims are 'better than Hobnobs'—and at a fraction of the cost. Each homemade biscuit works out at approximately 9p, compared to 16p for a McVities Hobnob. That's a saving of nearly 44% per biscuit, and with the added benefit of knowing exactly what goes into your snack.
Why Make Your Own Biscuits?
The move towards homemade snacks is driven by growing concerns over ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have been linked to various health issues in recent studies. By baking at home, you control the ingredients, avoiding additives, preservatives, and excessive sugars often found in commercial products. Plus, the cost savings are significant for families who go through packets of biscuits quickly.
Steffan Rhys, who admits he doesn't regularly bake, was surprised by how simple the process was. "I don't regularly bake biscuits, so I was genuinely surprised by how straightforward these homemade ones were to prepare – and, more crucially, how delicious they turned out," he wrote in the Express. "My kids loved them too, which is always the tougher test."
The Recipe: Oaty Chocolate-Topped Biscuits
The recipe uses just six core ingredients, with two optional extras for those who want to tweak the flavour. It takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, with the hardest part being the wait for the chocolate to set.
Ingredients (makes 10 to 12 biscuits)
- 140g self-raising flour
- 140g brown sugar
- 140g oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 140g unsalted butter
- 100g dark or milk chocolate
- 2 tbsp honey or golden syrup (optional, but helps sweetness and chew)
- Pinch of salt (optional, but helps bring out the sweetness)
Method
- Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Melt the butter, then add it to the mixture along with the honey, if using.
- Divide into about 12 balls.
- Lay on a baking sheet and flatten.
- Bake at 180C for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Leave to cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate, then top the biscuits with the chocolate.
- Put in the fridge to set.
Cost and Health Benefits
At 9p per biscuit, this recipe offers a wallet-friendly alternative to shop-bought versions. For a family of four, baking a batch of 12 could save around 84p compared to buying the same number of McVities Hobnobs—and that's before considering the potential health benefits of avoiding UPFs.
The recipe also allows for flexibility: you can use dark chocolate for a lower sugar option, or add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. The oats provide fibre, and the brown sugar adds a richer flavour than white sugar.
Other Sweet Treat Ideas
For those inspired to bake more, several cookbooks are currently on offer. Jane's Patisserie Easy Favourites by Jane Dunn is available for £12 on Amazon, featuring no-bake recipes, 30-minute bakes, and five-ingredient treats. The Fast 800 Treats Recipe Book by Clare Bailey Mosley is reduced to £6.89 at Books4People, offering low-sugar, high-protein, UPF-free desserts. The Best Ever Baking Book by Jane Bull costs £9.49 on Amazon, aimed at families. Sweet Tooth: 100 Desserts to Save Room For by Sarah Fennel is priced at £22.69 at World of Books, with reliable must-bake recipes from the Broma Bakery creator.
Prices are correct at the time of publication.
Love Chocolate? Try These
If you're a chocolate lover, you might also be interested in taste tests of bourbon biscuits, or the news that nibbling dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate could help reduce diabetes risk. For breakfast, a 'Dutch baby' pancake with chocolate sauce has been called a 'dream breakfast'.
