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Tim Tam from Australia AI-generated image

Desserts & Sweets Australia

Tim Tam

Chocolate-coated biscuit famous for the slam dunk.

Nationwide
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

About Tim Tam

Two malted biscuits sandwich a chocolate cream and are coated all over in chocolate, the classic ritual being to bite both ends and suck a hot drink through it. It is Australia best-loved chocolate biscuit.

History & Culture

Tim Tam was introduced by the Australian biscuit company Arnott’s in 1964, named after a thoroughbred racehorse that won a major race in the early 1960s. The biscuit quickly became a national favorite, and its origins are well-documented as an Australian invention, with no disputed history.

The classic "Tim Tam Slam" - biting off both ends and using the biscuit as a straw to sip hot beverages - is a widely shared cultural ritual across Australia. While the original chocolate variety remains iconic, Arnott’s has launched numerous limited-edition flavors over the years, from dark chocolate to caramel and even a “Chewy Caramel” version, cementing its status as a versatile and beloved treat in Australian dessert culture.

How to make Tim Tam

AI-assisted, not kitchen-tested

Homemade Tim Tams

Australia's beloved chocolate-coated malt biscuit, made from scratch. Perfect for the classic 'Tim Tam slam' with a hot drink.

Prep
30 min
Cook
15 min
Total
45 min
Serves
12 biscuits
Difficulty
Medium

Recipe ingredients

  • 200 g (7 oz) plain flour
  • 30 g (1 oz) cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • 50 g (1¾ oz) malted milk powder, or 2 tbsp malt extract + 20g flour
  • 100 g (3½ oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 100 g (3½ oz) caster sugar
  • 1 large egg large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 100 g (3½ oz) dark chocolate, 70% cocoa, for the filling
  • 100 ml (3½ fl oz) double cream, for the filling
  • 30 g (1 oz) unsalted butter, for the filling
  • 300 g (10½ oz) dark chocolate or milk chocolate, for coating, plus 1 tsp vegetable oil

Steps

  1. 1 Make the biscuits: Beat the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, malted milk powder, baking powder, and salt, then mix into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. 2 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 5 mm (¼ inch) thickness. Cut into rectangles measuring about 5 cm × 3 cm (2 × 1¼ inches). Place on the tray, leaving a small gap between each.
  3. 3 Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the biscuits are firm and lightly golden around the edges. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
  4. 4 Make the filling: Chop the dark chocolate finely and place in a heatproof bowl. Add the butter. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate and butter. Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Cool for 15–20 minutes, until thick enough to spread or pipe.
  5. 5 Pipe or dollop the filling onto the flat side of half the biscuits, then top with the remaining biscuits to form sandwiches. Press gently so the filling spreads to the edges. Chill for 15 minutes to set.
  6. 6 Melt the coating chocolate with the vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in the microwave in 20-second bursts). Stir until smooth. Dip each biscuit sandwich into the chocolate, turning to coat completely. Lift out with a fork, letting excess chocolate drip off, and place on a wire rack set over a baking tray. Let set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  7. 7 Serve at room temperature. For the authentic Tim Tam slam, bite off two opposite corners, then use the biscuit as a straw to sip a hot drink (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate). Eat the biscuit immediately before it melts.
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Sources: none cited yet. The description and history on this page are AI-assisted and reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team; they are not taken from a cited reference, so check details locally before you rely on them. How we use AI

Where to eat it

An Australian tea break, used as a straw for hot coffee.

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Ingredients
Steps

Tim Tam - frequently asked questions

What is Tim Tam?

Two malted biscuits sandwich a chocolate cream and are coated all over in chocolate, the classic ritual being to bite both ends and suck a hot drink through it. It is Australia best-loved chocolate biscuit.

What is Tim Tam made of?

Tim Tam is made with biscuit, chocolate cream, chocolate coating and malt.

Where does Tim Tam come from?

Tim Tam comes from Australia, and is especially associated with Nationwide. Tim Tam was introduced by the Australian biscuit company Arnott’s in 1964, named after a thoroughbred racehorse that won a major race in the early 1960s.

Where can I eat Tim Tam?

An Australian tea break, used as a straw for hot coffee.

How do you make Tim Tam?

Making Tim Tam at home takes about 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. The recipe on this page serves 12 biscuits and is rated medium. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.

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