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
Scale
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
