Have you ever had a Hob Nob? For someone who loves the nutty, crunchy, goodness of whole grains, it can be quite addictive. I’ve loved McVites Digestives for years (discovered them when I first visited the UK back in 1999), but more recently discovered Hob Nobs and immediately switched loyalties. Apparently there are fierce loyalty battles between the Hob Nob Camp and the Digestives Camp.
Unfortunately, Hob Nobs are not distributed here in the US, which means you have to buy them from an import store. A canister of my beloved Hob Nobs cost close to $6 at Cardullos in Harvard Square.
So when I kept seeing the same recipe pop up again and again and again on the internet for Hob Nobs, I knew I had to try it.
The recipe ingredient list is surprisingly short, and seemingly so easy. Is this for real? And does it really taste like a Hob Nob? Opinions on the internet seemed varied, so I was definitely suspicious. Nevertheless, it was so easy I couldn’t NOT try it, right? I mean, what kind of a devoted Hob Nob lover wouldn’t at least try this?
Not Quite Hob Nobs
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F
| Dry Ingredients 4 oz rolled oats 4 oz all purpose flour 4 oz sugar 3/4 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp salt Combine above dry ingredients 1/2 tsp Baking Soda. |
Wet Ingredients 1 stick of butter (4 oz) 1/2 T corn syrup 1/2 T hot water Heat wet ingredients in a saucepan over low heat until everything is melted and combined |
| 1. COMBINE Dry ingredients (except for the baking soda) with Wet ingredients . Add the baking soda to the mixture. |
|
| 2. Form golf-sized balls, flattening them slightly with a spoon. | |
| 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes | |
Notes:
1. I substituted the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make it healthier
2. You can use self-rising flour instead. If you do, omit the baking powder and the salt from the recipe.
3. I baked this in a convection oven, so it’s possible that baking times may vary in a conventional oven.
The Verdict?
These cookies are very crunchy and nobby, like you’d expect them to be. They don’t taste quite like Hob Nobs for several reasons. First, Hob Nobs have no visible whole oats in them, while this clearly looks more like an oatmeal cookie. Second, these cookies have a strong buttery taste, while true Hob Nobs are made with some sort of shortening. Finally, these cookies are more airy, crunchy, and less dense than a true Hob Nob. Nevertheless, the crunch is satisfying, and it’s not a bad cookie. I felt that it lacked some sort of depth of flavor, though. Next time, I’ll try using some brown sugar and also adding a splash of vanilla.
Enjoy!
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Those are similar to Aznac cookies minus the coconut.
If you do ever find a proper recipe for Hobnobs, please post!
Mmmm, I a McVites girl myself! But Hob Nobs are pretty darn tasty too! I hope you are able to figure out an authentic tasting recipe!!
I used to eat Hobnobs for dinner sometimes, as a student in London! I lived with 5 other girls, and we were pretty addicted to them. And you’re right, they’re $6 here, the package is smaller, and they’re always stale!
ooh, I have not have these before, but I think I want one RIGHT NOW! I need to stop reading blogs late on a Saturday night when I always get a craving for something sweet! Your blog needs to come with a warning — may cause extreme hunger!
I’m confused about the baking soda/baking powder. One is listed as an ingredient but the you say to add the other one. Do we need both? How much of the other one? Was this just a typo?
Hi Shanbanan -thanks for the catch! I guess it was a bit unclear and I did forget to write the amount of baking soda to add. I have updated the recipe. Thanks a lot!
I fell in love with the dark chocolate-dipped Hob Nobs in Dublin. I thought I’d never find them in Boston, but then I discovered them at a Shaw’s supermarket in the “ethnic foods” aisle with other Irish food. I also found them at a little corner store in Cambridge. i think it was the Montrose Spa on Mass Ave between Porter and Harvard. They can be found!
Love Hob Nobs! Tip for finding them cheaper: check out the Indian grocery stores. I know I have seen McVites Ginger Nuts (also great!) and maybe Digestives at the store connected to Dosa Factory in Central Square, and maybe Hob Nobs as well. And for much less than $6.
I wonder if grinding up the oatmeal would make it more like Hobnobs.
I love a Hobnob and want to try to make my own for me and my kids. When translating the measurements to Swedish I can’t figure out what T means for water and syrup? /Matt
Hi Matt,
The “T” stands for tablespoon. Hope that helps.
Jen
Thanks Jen! Tablespoon makes sense. I’ve made the cookies now and they taste great! I used a mixer for the dough so unfortunately I ruined the texture of the oats. I wont do that again. /Matt
Matt – glad you enjoyed the cookies! I haven’t made them since the post but I’m also thinking of making another batch!
Sometimes you can find hobnobs at Cost Plus World Market. I don’t know if CPWM is nationwide or not.
Very yummy and it looks very cute. You can send it as a gift