Empire Biscuits Recipe
If you’re looking to add a dash of British nostalgia and a burst of color to your tea tray, Empire Biscuits are just the treat you need! These charming sandwich cookies layer delicate, buttery shortbread with sweet jam, then finish with a glossy white icing and a jewel-bright cherry or sprinkles on top. Empire Biscuits are a staple at Scottish bakeries and family gatherings alike, and there’s something truly magical about biting through their tender crumb into a fruity, jammy center. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring them with a cup of tea, these cookies invite you to create your own delicious traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Empire Biscuits is how simple the ingredient list is—each item plays a starring role in creating their signature texture, flavor, and beautiful appearance. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters.
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the biscuit, giving it structure while keeping it tender and crumbly.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Butter is all about richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture—softened butter creams up best with sugar.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the biscuits and helps them brown just a touch at the edges.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together, giving the biscuits just enough lift and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that makes the biscuits feel extra special.
- Baking powder: Just a small amount ensures the biscuits don’t turn out dense.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Raspberry or strawberry jam: The fruity heart of every Empire Biscuit—raspberry is the classic, but strawberry works beautifully too.
- Powdered sugar: For that smooth, snowy icing on top.
- Milk or water: Just enough to turn the powdered sugar into a thick, spreadable icing.
- Candied cherries or sprinkles: The finishing touch—traditionalists swear by half a cherry, but sprinkles add a playful twist.
How to Make Empire Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Get your ingredients ready and let the butter come to room temperature for easy creaming.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture—this step is key because it traps air, which helps the biscuits turn out light and delicate.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg adds richness and helps bind the dough, while the vanilla adds that lovely aroma you want in every bite of Empire Biscuits.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your biscuits bake up perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as the dough comes together to keep those biscuits tender.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out as many rounds as you can, gathering and re-rolling the scraps as needed.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the rounds on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake—they should stay pale for that classic look. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the biscuits have cooled, flip half of them over and spread about a teaspoon of your chosen jam on the bottom side. Top with the remaining biscuits to create sweet, jam-filled sandwiches.
Step 9: Ice and Decorate
Mix the powdered sugar with just enough milk or water to make a thick but pourable icing. Spread a little icing over the top of each biscuit and immediately decorate with a half candied cherry or sprinkles. Allow the icing to set before serving, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How to Serve Empire Biscuits
Garnishes
The crowning glory of Empire Biscuits is their cheerful decoration. Go traditional with a bright red cherry half or have some fun with colorful sprinkles—either way, they bring a smile to every biscuit and make your plate look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Empire Biscuits shine alongside a cup of strong black tea, but they’re also wonderful with coffee or hot chocolate. For a more festive spread, pair them with other classic British treats like shortbread or scones, letting everyone mix and match their favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Empire Biscuits on a tiered cake stand for a proper afternoon tea vibe, or tuck a few into a pretty tin for a homemade gift. You can also get playful by using heart-shaped cutters for Valentine’s Day or adding themed sprinkles for a holiday twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Empire Biscuits keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The flavors meld, and the biscuits stay tender, so you can enjoy them all week long—or as long as your family can resist!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the un-iced, unfilled biscuits for up to two months. Just stack with parchment between layers, seal in a freezer-safe container, and thaw before assembling. Icing and jam are best added fresh for the prettiest results.
Reheating
Empire Biscuits are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if they’ve been frozen, let them thaw on the counter. If you like your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (about 275°F) for just 2–3 minutes—be careful, as the icing will melt.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of jam for Empire Biscuits?
Absolutely! While raspberry is the traditional choice, strawberry, apricot, or even blackcurrant jam all work beautifully. Choose your favorite flavor or mix it up with what you have on hand.
Why are my biscuits spreading too much in the oven?
If your Empire Biscuits are spreading, the butter may have been too soft or warm. Try chilling the cut-out dough rounds in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Do I have to use candied cherries on top?
Not at all! While candied cherries are classic, you can use sprinkles, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of chocolate if you prefer. It’s a great way to personalize your Empire Biscuits.
Can I make Empire Biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the regular flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get a delicious result.
How do I keep the biscuits soft and not dry?
The key is to bake them just until the edges are set but the centers are still pale. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep a close eye on them in the oven. Storing them with a bit of jam in the middle also helps keep them moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and joyful about making Empire Biscuits from scratch. The process is simple, but the results are sure to impress—both in looks and in flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten up a regular day, give these biscuits a try. I can almost guarantee they’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Empire Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Empire Biscuits are classic Scottish sandwich cookies made from buttery shortbread layers filled with sweet raspberry or strawberry jam, topped with a smooth powdered sugar icing and garnished with colorful candied cherries or sprinkles. These delightful treats are perfect for an afternoon tea or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Filling and Icing
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
- Candied cherries or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to ensure the dough has a rich flavor and proper texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut rounds. Place these rounds evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked without becoming too hard.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely, which is essential before assembling to prevent melting the jam or icing.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about a teaspoon of jam on the bottom side of half the cookies, then gently press the remaining cookies on top to form sandwich cookies.
- Prepare Icing: Mix the powdered sugar with enough milk or water to create a thick but pourable icing consistency.
- Decorate: Spread a little icing on top of each biscuit sandwich and garnish with half a candied cherry or colorful sprinkles to add the signature look and extra sweetness.
- Set Icing: Allow the icing to set completely before serving to avoid smudging and to enjoy the perfect texture.
Notes
- For a traditional appearance and flavor, use raspberry jam and top with bright red cherry halves.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before sandwiching and icing to prevent sliding or melting.
- You can substitute water for milk in the icing for a dairy-free version.
- If you prefer a thicker icing, add powdered sugar gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit (sandwich)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
