Lykkers, Biscuits are universally loved, whether as a sweet treat with tea, a savory snack, or a base for a delightful dessert.

While different countries have their own take on this simple yet delicious creation, biscuits come in a wide variety of textures, flavors, and styles.

1. Biscuits vs. Cookies: A Global Difference

Before diving into the world of biscuit varieties, it’s important to note that the term "biscuit" varies across countries. In the UK and much of the world, "biscuit" refers to what Americans call a "cookie." Meanwhile, in the U.S., "biscuits" are soft, flaky bread rolls often served with meals.

2. Biscuit Varieties Around the World

Digestive Biscuits (United Kingdom): A classic British favorite, digestive biscuits are semi-sweet, crumbly, and made with wholemeal flour. Often enjoyed with a cup of tea, these biscuits are also a popular base for cheesecakes.

Marie Biscuits (France/Spain/India): Originally created in the UK to celebrate a royal wedding, Marie biscuits have become a staple in many countries. These lightly sweetened biscuits are crisp and perfect for dunking in milk or tea.

Oreo (United States): Arguably the most famous biscuit (or cookie) in the world, Oreos consist of two chocolate biscuits with a creamy filling in between. They are often eaten by twisting them apart, licking the cream, and then dunking them in milk.

Shortbread (Scotland): Rich, buttery, and crumbly, shortbread is a Scottish biscuit that melts in your mouth. It’s often enjoyed plain or with a sprinkle of sugar on top, and its dense, rich flavor makes it a perfect pairing with tea.

Amaretti (Italy): These Italian almond biscuits are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Made with almond paste or almond flour, amaretti have a distinct nutty flavor and are often enjoyed with coffee.

Speculoos (Belgium/Netherlands): Speculoos are spiced biscuits with a distinctive cinnamon and caramel flavor. Traditionally made for St. Nicholas Day, these thin and crunchy biscuits are now enjoyed year-round.

Fortune Cookies (China/United States): Known for their paper fortunes inside, fortune cookies are a crispy, wafer-like biscuit often served in Chinese restaurants in the U.S. Their light, sweet flavor is a fun ending to any meal.

Petit Beurre (France): These buttery, rectangular biscuits are a staple in France. Lightly sweetened with a hint of vanilla, Petit Beurre biscuits are great for tea time or for making layered desserts like the famous "gâteau de petit beurre."

Jammie Dodgers (United Kingdom): These fun biscuits consist of two shortbread-like layers with a jam filling in the center, often shaped like a heart. Jammie Dodgers are a favorite treat for both kids and adults.

3. Savory Biscuits

Biscuits aren't always sweet; there are many savory varieties enjoyed worldwide:

Cream Crackers (UK/Ireland): Thin, crunchy, and lightly salted, cream crackers are often eaten with cheese, butter, or toppings like smoked salmon.

Ritz Crackers (United States): Buttery and slightly salty, Ritz crackers are a versatile snack, often enjoyed with cheese, peanut butter, or as part of a savory dish like a cracker-crusted casserole.

Japanese Senbei (Japan): Senbei are traditional Japanese rice crackers, which can be savory or sweet. They are often flavored with soy sauce or wrapped in seaweed, providing a crunchy, salty snack that’s full of umami flavor.

4. Unique Ways to Enjoy Biscuits

Biscuits can be eaten in many ways, depending on the variety:

With Tea or Coffee: In many cultures, biscuits are a key part of tea or coffee breaks, whether it’s dunking them into a hot drink or enjoying them on the side.

In Desserts: Many biscuits are used as a base for desserts. Crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers are often used to make cheesecake crusts, while crumbled shortbread is perfect for trifles.

As a Snack: From a quick snack between meals to a more indulgent treat with spreads or fillings, biscuits offer a convenient and satisfying bite.

Decorative Treats: Biscuits like gingerbread are often decorated with icing and used for festive events or gifts.

From the rich buttery shortbread of Scotland to the spiced Speculoos of Belgium, biscuits are a delicious and diverse treat enjoyed across the globe. Whether sweet or savory, plain or filled, there's a biscuit for every palate and occasion. So remember that you're indulging in a tradition with deep roots in many cultures—one delicious bite at a time!