Empire Biscuits a classic buttery biscuits sandwiched with sweet jam, topped with a layer of smooth icing and adorned with a cherry or sprinkle for a timeless treat. These traditional biscuits are perfect for afternoon tea, holidays, or simply as an indulgent snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple yet elegant, delivering a perfect balance of crumbly texture, sweet jam, and smooth icing. Empire biscuits are a nostalgic treat that bring a bit of tradition to the table, yet they’re easy to make at home. The versatility of decoration, whether using glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles, makes these biscuits suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Biscuits:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Filling and Topping:
1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons water or milk (for icing)
Glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out the biscuits.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of jam onto the bottom side of half the biscuits. Top with the remaining biscuits to form sandwiches.
To make the icing, mix the powdered sugar with enough water or milk to create a thick but spreadable consistency.
Spread the icing over the top of each biscuit. Decorate with a halved glacé cherry or colorful sprinkles while the icing is still wet.
Allow the icing to set before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 12 biscuits
Calories: 170 kcal per biscuit
Variations
Flavor the Icing: Add a touch of lemon or almond extract to the icing for a subtle flavor twist.
Jam Options: While raspberry or strawberry jam is traditional, I like using apricot, cherry, or even blackcurrant jam for variety.
Add Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing note.
Shape Variations: Instead of round shapes, try heart-shaped cutters for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the set icing for an extra layer of indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the Empire biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: I recommend freezing the plain biscuits before filling and icing them. Once baked, let the biscuits cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost, assemble, and ice as needed.
Reheating: Biscuits are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no reheating is required.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling it out?
Lightly flour both your rolling pin and work surface to ensure the dough doesn’t stick. Chilling the dough for 10 minutes beforehand can also make it easier to handle.
Can I use store-bought biscuits instead of making them from scratch?
While homemade biscuits provide the best texture and flavor, you can use plain store-bought shortbread cookies as a time-saving alternative.
Why is my icing too runny or too thick?
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if the icing is too runny or a bit more water/milk if it’s too thick. Aim for a spreadable texture that holds its shape.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the biscuits in advance and store them unfilled for up to 3 days. Assemble and ice them on the day you plan to serve for the freshest results.
What is the best jam to use for Empire biscuits?
Traditional recipes call for raspberry or strawberry jam, but any smooth and seedless fruit jam will work perfectly. Avoid chunky or overly runny jams, as they can make the biscuits soggy.
Conclusion
Empire biscuits are a delightful combination of buttery, crumbly biscuits, sweet jam filling, and smooth icing that creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing them for a tea party, holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon treat, these biscuits are sure to impress. Their classic charm and versatile decorations make them a timeless recipe worth sharing. Enjoy baking and savoring these nostalgic favorites.
📖 Recipe:
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Empire Biscuits
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Empire Biscuits made with buttery shortbread cookies, sandwiched with sweet jam, topped with smooth icing, and adorned with a cherry or colorful sprinkles. Perfect for afternoon tea, holidays, or as a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Filling and Topping:
1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons water or milk (for icing)
Glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (2-3 inches) to cut out shapes.
- Place biscuits on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread a teaspoon of jam onto the bottom side of half the biscuits. Top with the remaining biscuits to form sandwiches.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with water/milk until thick but spreadable.
- Spread the icing over the top of each biscuit and decorate with a halved glacé cherry or sprinkles while still wet.
- Allow the icing to set before serving.
Notes
Icing Flavor Variations: Add lemon or almond extract for extra flavor.
Jam Choices: Use raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blackcurrant for variety.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unfilled biscuits for up to 2 months; assemble and ice after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish / British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 biscuits
- Calories: 170 kcal per biscuit
