Image by Andre Klimke

Marie biscuit

If you're a fan of the sweet things in life, then it's likely that you've heard of Marie Biscuits. These crunchy, golden round treats have graced grocery store shelves for near a century, and few snacks can compete with their universal appeal.

Marie biscuit


Sure, Marie biscuits are delectably moreish and a great accompaniment to a good cup of tea, however there's far more to these crunchy comestibles than meets the eye. Their remarkable versatility renders them ideal for a range of sweet or savoury dishes like cheesecakes, slices and tarts, making this humble biscuit an invaluable mainstay in every kitchen pantry.

The ubiquitous Marie biscuit was first created by French entrepreneurs Daniel and Henri Martin in 1896. The brothers famously used their mothers' name ‘Marie’ in marketing the biscuit, which soon made its way to Britain and other parts of the world. As such, the traditional Marie biscuit is sometimes called the 'Social Tea Biscuit', emphasising the social importance of enjoying tea and biscuits during the afternoon tea ritual.

Of course, since its birth in late 19th century France, the humble Marie biscuit has come a long way and can now be found in various shapes and sizes adorned with all kinds of creative toppings. From chocolate Marie biscuits, to coconut Marie biscuits, there’s certainly something for everyone when it comes to these beloved golden bites!

And if you’re looking for a Marie biscuit recipe that’s sure to delight, why not try this crowd pleaser? All you need is 200g of Marie biscuits and 150g of soft butter – crushed together, these two ingredients make a delicious base for your favourite dessert.

For those with a special sweet tooth, adding a layer of melted chocolate or some jam will take your Marie biscuit experience to new heights.

No matter how you like to eat or prepare them, it's hard to deny the timeless charm of Marie biscuits. So don’t be shy and give these age-old goodies a try – your taste buds will thank you!

The origin of Marie biscuit

The history of the beloved Marie biscuit is shrouded in mystery. Many claim to know its precise origin, but the truth is that it may never be known for sure.

In all likelihood, the origin of the Marie biscuit can be traced back to 1874, when a French chef named Auguste Poulard created the first version of the delectable treat. However, there is no specific source for this information and even less evidence to back it up.

Still, it is believed that Poulard was inspired by the Italian biscotti recipe and, after several attempts, he crafted what became known as the Marie biscuit. It was called so because the biscuits were molded into a shape that resembled the profile of French Empress, Marie Antoinette.

Over the years, the Marie biscuit has evolved and become a beloved treat around the world. It is often enjoyed as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, or crumbled atop ice cream to make a delicious dessert.

At its core, the Marie biscuit is a simple cookie made with flour, sugar, and butter. But thanks to its iconic tale, the Marie biscuit is more than just a cookie; it's a reminder of many cultures' shared love of food and the special stories behind the culinary delicacies we indulge in every day.

FAQs about Marie biscuit

Is Marie biscuit healthy?

No, Marie biscuits are not particularly healthy. They typically contain refined flour, sugar, vegetable oil and synthetic food additives, which all can have a negative impact on health if consumed in excess.


What are Marie biscuits good for?

Marie biscuits are a sweet, crispy biscuit with a smooth texture. They are commonly used as a snack or served as an accompaniment to tea or coffee. They can also be used as a base for desserts or in baking recipes, such as a cheesecake.


What type of biscuit is Marie biscuit?

Marie biscuit is a type of sweet, plain biscuit. It is light and crispy with a slightly sweet taste.


Why biscuits are called Marie?

Biscuits called Marie likely owe their name to a nineteenth-century French pastry chef, Marie-Antoine Carême. He is believed to have invented and popularized the Marie biscuit — a type of cookie made with flour, eggs, sugar, and either butter or margarine, and typically eaten with tea or coffee.


Types of Marie biscuit

Ah yes! Everyone's favorite biscuit, the Marie biscuit. When I think of Marie biscuits, it instantly brings about a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of those lazy summer afternoons when I would enjoy this buttery snack alongside a piping hot cup of tea.

What makes the Marie biscuit so special is its versatility; there are so many different ways in which it can be enjoyed. From being dunked in a cup of cold milk to being eaten as a simple snack, every way you choose to enjoy this delightful treat will never disappoint.

The traditional recipe for a Marie biscuit still remains one of the most popular forms. A classic combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder and butter creates the perfect balance of flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to your cup of tea or coffee. However, if you’re looking for something more indulgent, there are several variations that have been created over the years such as chocolatechip and orange flavored Marie biscuits. With options like these, who can resist?

Another way to savor the deliciousness of Marie biscuits is by creating mouthwatering desserts and snacks with them. Whether it’s using them as a layer in strawberry trifles or crumbling them on top of your mangomousse, the possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget the ever-popular Marie biscuit pudding, a delightful dessert that combines the crunchiness of the biscuits with the richness of custard and a generous helping of cream - guaranteed to please even the most hardened sweet tooth.

Finally, Marie biscuits can also be used in savory recipes; how about crushing them and mixing with cooked vegetables, spices and cheese to create a delicious dish? Or maybe use them as a base for an easy pizza? Whatever way you choose to use them, Marie biscuits never fail to impress.

In short, the Marie biscuit is a classic treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; from simple snacks to complex desserts, it’s no wonder why people of all ages continue to adore this delightfully versatile biscuit.