Few things are more comforting than a cup of tea paired with a biscuit that strikes the perfect balance between crumbly and chewy. Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs bring that classic British charm to your kitchen with a delightful oaty texture and rich chocolate topping that will make any afternoon tea or snack break something to look forward to.

Unlike store-bought versions, these cookies offer a fresher bite, a customizable level of sweetness, and the joy of knowing you made them yourself. Whether you prefer your hobnobs dunked in milk or enjoyed solo, they deliver a buttery, slightly salty oat base with a thick layer of smooth chocolate that satisfies every time.
What Kind of Oats Should I Use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal for achieving that hearty texture hobnobs are known for. Quick oats can make the cookies too soft, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough during baking. Stick to rolled oats for the perfect chewy bite and authentic structure.
Ingredients for the Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs
- Rolled Oats – They give the biscuits their iconic texture and nutty flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and balance to the oats.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a touch of molasses sweetness.
- Baking Soda – Helps with slight lift and prevents the cookies from being too dense.
- Butter – For richness and flavor; it helps the oats crisp up nicely.
- Golden Syrup – Adds chewiness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Milk Chocolate – The classic topping; choose a good-quality bar that melts smoothly.
- Salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
How To Make the Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure out all your ingredients so you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Melt and Combine
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and golden syrup together until smooth. Remove from heat and pour into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well coated and sticky.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Roll the mixture into small balls and flatten slightly on the baking sheet. Leave space between them as they will spread slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Topping
Once the cookies are cool, melt the milk chocolate and spread or drizzle it over each hobnob. Allow the chocolate to set completely before storing.

How to Store and Serve Chocolate Hobnobs
Homemade hobnobs keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, store in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze (without the chocolate topping) for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before adding chocolate or serving.
Serve these with a warm drink or enjoy them as a sweet snack anytime. They make great additions to lunchboxes and also work beautifully as edible gifts.
What to Serve With Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs?
Hot Tea
A classic British black tea like Earl Grey or English Breakfast pairs wonderfully with hobnobs.
Coffee
The richness of milk chocolate and buttery oats pairs just right with a bold cup of coffee.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Crumble a hobnob over a scoop for an irresistible crunch.
Greek Yogurt
Add some crumbled hobnob to plain Greek yogurt for a sweet and textural contrast.
Fresh Berries
Serve on the side for a balanced plate that hits both sweet and tart.
Chai Latte
Spices from a chai latte bring out the warm notes of the cookie.
Whipped Cream
Top a hobnob with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for a mini dessert.
Cheese Plate
Pair with mild cheeses like brie or camembert for a savory twist.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved making these chocolate hobnobs, don’t miss these other delicious treats:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for a fruity and creamy cookie hybrid.
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies to double down on the chocolate.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe when you want citrus brightness.
- Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies for a fun and colorful twist.
- Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies for nostalgic breakfast vibes in a cookie form.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go for a dark chocolate topping or stick with classic milk? Any oat mix-ins? I love seeing your takes on the recipe.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet treats on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen obsession!
Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for a sweet, chewy, chocolate-dipped cookie that’s even better than store-bought? These Homemade Chocolate Hobnobs are your new favorite treat! With their hearty oats, buttery richness, and silky chocolate topping, they’re the perfect easy recipe for your next snack break, tea party, or edible gift idea. Great for quick desserts, simple food ideas, or a cozy baking day, these biscuits are both satisfying and nostalgic. Whether you’re hunting for breakfast ideas, a healthy snack with oats, or a unique cookie recipe, this one hits the spot.
Ingredients
120 g rolled oats
100 g all-purpose flour
100 g brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
115 g unsalted butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
150 g milk chocolate (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and golden syrup over low heat until smooth.
4. Pour the butter mixture into dry ingredients and stir to combine.
5. Shape dough into small balls, flatten slightly, and place on baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
7. Melt the milk chocolate and spread or drizzle over cooled cookies.
8. Let chocolate set completely before storing or serving.
Notes
Don’t skip the golden syrup—it gives the hobnobs their iconic chewiness.
Let cookies cool completely before topping with chocolate to avoid melting messes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
