Biscuits are one of the most loved snacks in India and across the world. From morning tea to late-night hunger, biscuits are always there. They are easy to carry, affordable, and enjoyed by people of all ages.
But have you ever noticed the small holes on the surface of biscuits? Many people think these holes are only for design. In reality, they play a very important role during baking. This small detail is connected to food science and helps biscuits turn out perfect.
Why Biscuits Look Simple but Are Scientifically Made
Biscuits may look simple, but their making involves careful planning. Biscuit dough is prepared using flour, sugar, fat, water, and raising agents. When this dough is placed inside a hot oven, heat starts working on every ingredient.
Moisture inside the dough turns into steam, and air trapped inside expands. If this pressure is not controlled, the biscuit may rise unevenly, crack, or lose its shape. This can affect both taste and appearance.
The Real Purpose of Holes in Biscuits
The tiny holes you see on biscuits are called docking holes. These holes allow steam and air to escape slowly while baking.
Because of these holes:
- Steam does not get trapped inside
- Biscuits bake evenly from inside
- The surface remains flat and smooth
- The biscuit becomes crisp and crunchy
Without these holes, biscuits may form bubbles or soft patches, which is not desirable, especially for tea biscuits.
How Docking Holes Improve Biscuit Texture
Docking holes help maintain the right texture. Most plain and salted biscuits are meant to be crisp, not fluffy. These holes stop the biscuit from puffing up like bread or cake.
They also help biscuits break cleanly and give that satisfying crunch that people love. This is why popular biscuits always feel firm and consistent.
Why Docking Holes Are Important in Factory Production
In large-scale biscuit factories, thousands of biscuits are baked every hour. Docking holes help ensure that all biscuits look and taste the same.
Because of these holes:
- Biscuits stay uniform in thickness
- Colour remains even after baking
- Texture stays consistent in every packet
This uniformity is very important for brands, as customers expect the same quality every time.
Do All Biscuits Have Holes?
No, not all biscuits need holes. Soft cookies, cream-filled biscuits, and cake-style biscuits use different baking techniques.
Biscuits that are:
- Soft
- Chewy
- Filled with cream
may or may not have holes, depending on the recipe. Docking holes are mainly used for flat, crisp biscuits.
An Old Baking Technique Still Used Today
Docking is not a new idea. Bakers have used this method for centuries in different baked foods. Over time, it became a standard practice in biscuit-making.
This small design detail improves shelf life, texture, and appearance. It shows how traditional baking knowledge and modern food science work together.
Conclusion
The holes in biscuits are not just decoration. They are a smart baking solution that helps release steam, control shape, and create the perfect crunch. Next time you dip a biscuit in tea, remember that those tiny holes are doing a big job behind the scenes.
FAQs
Why do biscuits have holes on top?
The holes allow steam and air to escape during baking, which helps biscuits cook evenly and stay crisp.
What are biscuit holes called?
They are known as docking holes in baking terms.
Do homemade biscuits also need holes?
If you want flat and crispy biscuits, adding small holes can help. Soft cookies do not need them.
Are holes added for decoration only?
No, the main purpose is functional, not decorative.
Why don’t cakes or cookies have such holes?
Cakes and cookies need to rise and stay soft, so trapping steam is part of their texture.