Empire Biscuits Recipe

There’s something utterly delightful about Empire Biscuits—a classic Scottish teatime treat with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery base, sweet fruit jam, and a glossy, cherry-topped finish. These biscuits are truly a labor of love, always winning hearts with their rosy jam centres and nostalgic charm. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to share with family over a pot of brewed tea, Empire Biscuits effortlessly combine comfort with celebration. Get ready for happy faces and crumb-filled plates!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Empire Biscuits keep things simple, relying on the magic of just a few everyday ingredients combined with care. Each one plays a key role in creating that tender crumb, sweet surprise, and beautiful finish—this is definitely a case where quality really shines through!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your biscuit, bringing structure and a gentle bite to each mouthful.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the buttery dough.
• Unsalted butter (softened): The true star—responsible for that rich, shortbread-like texture and delicate flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A splash lifts the biscuits, adding warmth and depth to every bite.
• Salt: Just a pinch, but it makes all the other flavors pop in the most satisfying way.
• Raspberry or strawberry jam: The fruity centrepiece—choose a good-quality, seedless variety for a smooth, classic look and flavor.
• Powdered sugar: For that signature glossy glaze, just sweet enough to contrast the rich biscuit and tart jam.
• Milk or water: Helps loosen the glaze to the perfect spreading consistency.
• Glace cherries or sprinkles (for garnish): The finishing touch! They make each biscuit look as joyful as it tastes.

How to Make Empire Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the scene for golden, evenly baked biscuits. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on the fun part: making and decorating!

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until everything is pale and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that classic Empire Biscuits crumb, so don’t rush—take a few minutes to beat plenty of air into the mixture for lightness.

Step 3: Add in Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract for a gentle aromatic burst. Next, gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring gently but thoroughly. The dough will start off crumbly, but keep going until it comes together—don’t worry, it shouldn’t be sticky.

Step 4: Roll, Cut, and Shape

Lightly dust your surface with flour, then roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches wide is perfect) to stamp out your biscuits. Gather and re-roll any scraps, and continue cutting until you’ve used all the dough.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the biscuits on your parchment-lined sheets and pop them into the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching for just the barest hint of gold around each edge. They should remain pale overall—underdone is better than overbaked here! Cool completely on the trays, as these are delicate when warm.

Step 6: Sandwich with Jam

Once completely cool, turn half the biscuits upside down and spread a modest teaspoon of raspberry or strawberry jam on each. Top with their bare counterparts to create perfect, neat sandwiches. The jam’s bright flavor is the Empire Biscuits’ signature, so be generous but not overflowing.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Mix the powdered sugar with just enough milk or water to make a thick, glossy glaze—it should be spreadable but not runny. Spread a spoonful on top of each sandwich, smoothing it all the way to the edges. Immediately top each with half a glace cherry or a scattering of sprinkles for that traditional finishing flair. Allow the glaze to set completely before stacking or serving.

How to Serve Empire Biscuits

Garnishes

A classic Empire Biscuit is nothing without the crown of a glace cherry or a gleaming scatter of colorful sprinkles atop its smooth glaze. For a modern spin, you might use edible glitter or sugared violets, but don’t stray too far—those cheerful toppings make these biscuits instantly recognizable and add a dose of old-fashioned joy.

Side Dishes

Empire Biscuits are at their best alongside a pot of strong, freshly brewed tea; the richness of the biscuit pairs beautifully with the tannins, making teatime feel like a special occasion. For a dessert table, serve them with fresh berries or a bowl of softly whipped cream for extra indulgence—you won’t regret it!

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Pile Empire Biscuits high on a vintage cake stand for a retro-inspired centerpiece, or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts. For parties, use mini cutters for “bite-size” Empire Biscuits or personalize each with a guest’s initial piped in chocolate on the glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While Empire Biscuits are divine fresh, they also keep very well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep the glaze looking pristine and the biscuits from sticking together.

Freezing

Empire Biscuits freeze beautifully—just be sure to freeze them before glazing and decorating for best results. Stack them with baking parchment between each layer, seal tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw fully, then decorate as usual right before serving.

Reheating

Though you don’t need to reheat these biscuits, if you prefer them slightly warm (and minus the glaze), you can gently heat plain, un-iced biscuits in a low oven (about 275°F or 135°C) for 3–4 minutes. This revives their just-baked texture—be sure to cool before icing and assembling.

FAQs

Can I use different types of jam in Empire Biscuits?

Absolutely! Traditionalists love raspberry or strawberry, but you can experiment with apricot, blackcurrant, or even lemon curd for a twist. Just make sure your jam is seedless and thick for best results.

Why are my Empire Biscuits spreading too much in the oven?

Most spreading happens if the dough is too warm or soft. If your biscuits don’t hold their shape, chill the dough for 20 minutes before rolling and cutting—this helps firm up the butter and keeps those lovely neat edges.

Do Empire Biscuits need to be refrigerated?

No need to refrigerate once glazed! An airtight container at room temperature is perfect. However, if your kitchen is especially warm or humid, pop them in the fridge to stop the filling and glaze from weeping.

Can I make Empire Biscuits gluten-free or vegan?

Yes! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, though texture may be a bit more crumbly. For vegan biscuits, swap in a good-quality vegan butter and use plant milk for the glaze.

How do I keep the biscuits crisp after filling with jam?

Wait for the biscuits to cool fully before sandwiching, use a firmer jam, and only assemble right before serving if you want maximum crunch. Storing with parchment between layers also helps keep them crisp.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the charm of homemade Empire Biscuits—simple, sweet, and full of tradition. I hope you feel inspired to bake up a batch, share them with those you love, and maybe even create your own family rituals around this special Scottish treat!

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