Few biscuits evoke the nostalgic feeling of childhood or comfort quite like Eet Sum-Mor biscuits. These simple yet delicious shortbread cookies, originally hailing from South Africa, have garnered a global fan base thanks to their rich, buttery flavor and irresistible crumbly texture. While store-bought Eet Sum-Mor biscuits are widely enjoyed, making them at home brings an added layer of satisfaction and allows for a personal touch to the recipe. This essay explores the history and charm of these delightful biscuits, their ingredients, step-by-step instructions for making them at home, and why they continue to win hearts around the world.

A Brief History of Eet Sum-Mor Biscuits

Eet Sum-Mor biscuits are one of the most iconic products from South Africa’s leading biscuit brand, Bakers. Since their introduction in the mid-20th century, they have been a household favorite in South Africa and have also made their way into international markets. The name "Eet Sum-Mor" is a clever play on words, inviting you to "eat some more" — a promise these biscuits consistently deliver on with every bite.

The recipe for these biscuits is based on the classic shortbread, a traditional Scottish treat dating back to medieval times. Shortbread, with its simple combination of butter, sugar, and flour, was originally a luxurious biscuit enjoyed during special occasions like weddings, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations. Over time, shortbread became more accessible to the general public and was adapted by different cultures around the world.

In South Africa, Bakers added their own twist to the classic shortbread recipe, creating Eet Sum-Mor biscuits. These biscuits are slightly sweeter and lighter than traditional shortbread, but they retain the same melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes shortbread so beloved. Today, Eet Sum-Mor biscuits are a symbol of South African comfort food and are enjoyed with tea, coffee, or as a simple indulgence any time of day.

The Key Ingredients in Eet Sum-Mor Biscuits

What sets Eet Sum-Mor biscuits apart from other shortbread recipes is their perfect balance of richness and sweetness. This balance comes from using high-quality ingredients in just the right proportions. The main components of these biscuits are:

1. Butter: The star ingredient in any shortbread, butter gives the biscuits their luxurious flavor and tender crumb. For the best results, use unsalted butter that is at room temperature. The higher the butter content, the more melt-in-your-mouth the biscuit will be.
2. Sugar: Eet Sum-Mor biscuits use a fine granulated sugar or caster sugar to create a delicate sweetness that enhances the butter without overpowering it. Powdered sugar can also be used for an even smoother texture.
3. Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the biscuit, providing structure while keeping it soft and crumbly. Some variations may include a small amount of cornstarch or rice flour to make the biscuits even more tender.
4. Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, complementing the butter and sugar perfectly.

The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes Eet Sum-Mor biscuits so special. With only a handful of pantry staples, you can create a biscuit that tastes like pure comfort with minimal effort.

How to Make Homemade Eet Sum-Mor Biscuits: Step-by-Step 🍪✨

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to dive into how you can make these beloved biscuits at home. While the process is easy, the results are truly rewarding.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) caster sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch or rice flour for extra tenderness

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream the softened butter and sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color — about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, which will give the biscuits a lighter texture.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout the butter and sugar mixture.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour (and cornstarch or rice flour, if using) to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tougher texture.
5. Shape the Biscuits: Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Flatten the dough balls slightly with the back of a fork to create a traditional shortbread pattern on top.
6. Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning, as you want the biscuits to remain light in color.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea, coffee, or as a sweet treat on their own.

Variations and Personal Touches

While the classic Eet Sum-Mor biscuit recipe is delightful in its simplicity, there are several ways to add your own twist to the recipe if you want to experiment. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate-Dipped Eet Sum-Mor Biscuits: Once the biscuits have cooled, dip them halfway into melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.
• Almond Eet Sum-Mor Biscuits: Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with almond flour, and top each biscuit with a sliver of almond before baking.
• Spiced Shortbread: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough to give the biscuits a warm, spiced flavor.

These variations allow you to customize the biscuits according to your personal preferences or the occasion, while still retaining the essence of the classic Eet Sum-Mor taste.

Why Homemade Eet Sum-Mor Biscuits Are Worth the Effort

There is something uniquely satisfying about baking your own biscuits at home, and Eet Sum-Mor biscuits are no exception. Not only does the aroma of buttery, golden biscuits fill your kitchen, but the process of making them from scratch brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. Here are a few reasons why homemade Eet Sum-Mor biscuits are a worthwhile endeavor:

1. Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own biscuits, you have complete control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used. You can choose organic butter, use alternative flours, or adjust the sweetness to suit your preferences.
2. Freshness: Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked biscuits. Homemade Eet Sum-Mor biscuits have a freshness and tenderness that store-bought versions simply cannot match.
3. Family Tradition: Baking these biscuits at home can become a cherished family tradition. Whether you bake them for special occasions, as a weekend treat, or just because, the process of making Eet Sum-Mor biscuits can bring family members together in the kitchen.
4. Gift-Worthy: Eet Sum-Mor biscuits make excellent homemade gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or box, and they become a thoughtful and delicious present for friends, family, or neighbors.

Conclusion

Homemade Eet Sum-Mor biscuits are a celebration of simplicity and indulgence. Their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture make them a timeless treat that is sure to please any crowd. Whether you enjoy them as they are or add your own personal flair, baking these biscuits at home is a rewarding experience that brings the comforting flavors of South African tradition to your kitchen. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet snack, consider making a batch of Eet Sum-Mor biscuits — because once you taste them, you’ll definitely want to eat some more!