At the beginning of last year, Westdene baker Yolandi Palmer went on a baking frenzy, endeavouring to create the biggest shortbread-sugar cookie worthy of Guinness Book of Records recognition.

George’s Bread & Co at the K90 Centre in Boksburg supported the owner of Rain Baking’s vision, donating baking supplies as well making its industrial kitchen available for Yolandi to whip up her giant delicacy.

Through careful assembly, the giant Benoekie (Benoni koekie), as it was dubbed, went on sale on February 17 at Grasslands Driving Range.

Measuring 2.7m x 1.5m and consisting of 82 eggs, 12kg of butter and 20.5kg of flour, covered in 50kg of royal icing, sales of the biscuit generated R7 000.

Proceeds were donated to local charity organisations Huis Thandi, Huis Charis Youth Centre and Clean Projects.

Scrutinising her recipe and dabbling with quantities, Yolandi once again emerged from her kitchen with a plume of flour, announcing that she would showcase the Benoekie 2.0 and official record attempt, at the Benoni Beer and Gin Festival, at Benoni Northerns, on June 1.

Cracking 350 eggs while 26kg of sugar and 52kg of butter was creamed, 37 pans containing cookie dough were once again wheeled into the pre-heated ovens at George’s.

Sadly, Guinness Book of Records pulled their noses up at the 5.4m x 3m cookie.

In their response to Yolandi’s entry, the international committee elected not to enter the attempt, citing that a sugar cookie variant category is not currently available.

Despite having her dreams dashed, sales of the scrumptious biscuit raised in excess of R18 000.

Funds raised were donated to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Stand Against Suicide and iKhaya da Luz Children’s Home.

What’s hiding in the cookie tin?
Now, more than a year after her first attempt, Yolandi wants to use her famed Benoekie as a vehicle to aid communities as well as community-driven projects throughout South Africa.

“The Benoekie project proved two things; it has the aroma of being a great fundraising tool and has the potential of unifying a community to rise,” she said with a hint of excitement gleaming in her eyes.

Opening the oven door on what’s cooking in her recipe book of surprises, Yolandi said the new year will see the Benoekie crossing borders, becoming a vehicle for communities across South Africa to whisk up projects such as rejuvenating forgotten sports facilities, sprucing up landmarks or supporting local charities.

“For a minimal fee, interested parties will be able to register their projects, access my tried and tested recipe and create their own giant Benoekie,” she said.

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“They can then use the dedicated Benoekie website to promote their initiative, give thanks to those who helped in making the project a reality and showcase their creation.

“Funds generated through the registration process will be used to source prizes for the communities who created the biggest Benoekie as well as those who raised the most funds from sales.”

Towards the end of 2026, Yolandi will once again slip on her apron, taking another shot at the Guinness Book of Records.

“This time around I plan to enlist the help of the entire Benoni community to assist in making the largest sugar cookie,” she explained.

“My previous attempts consisted of individual squares put together to make one giant biscuit. This time around I want to bake one solid cookie.”

Making a dream a reality
In order to make this dream a success, Yolandi is relying on the assistance of generous professionals.

She needs:
• A dash of legal support to trademark the Benoekie and assisting in registering the project as a NPO.
• A pinch of inspiration from an engineer who can assist in planning and building of a temporary, eco-friendly giant oven.
• A splash of schools to assist in securing the necessary baking supplies and mixing of dough.

Anyone willing to assist can contact Yolandi on 076 500 4393 or email rainbaking13@gmail.com

For more information about the 2026 national roll-out of the Benoekie go to www.benoekie.org.za.

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