Empire Biscuits Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for classic treats, you are going to adore this Empire Biscuits Recipe. These delightful sandwich biscuits offer a perfect balance of buttery, crumbly cookie, sweet jam, and smooth icing, all topped with a bright cherry or sprinkles for that extra pop of color and fun. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a nostalgic snack, this recipe brings warmth and joy with every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients and the nostalgic appeal make Empire biscuits an irresistible homemade treat that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Empire Biscuits Recipe uses simple and easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a critical role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the soft butter that ensures tender biscuits to the fruity jam adding a touch of sweetness, every component matters.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and a light, crumbly texture to the biscuits.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough while allowing you to control the salt level.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the biscuits and helps achieve a nice golden edge when baked.
• Large egg: Binds all ingredients and adds moisture for a perfect consistency.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Baking powder: Gives a bit of lift so your biscuits are light and not too dense.
• Raspberry or strawberry jam: The fruity center that adds a burst of flavor and a delightful contrast to the buttery biscuit.
• Powdered sugar: Used to create the sweet icing that seals the deal on these classic biscuits.
• Water or milk: Mixed with powdered sugar to achieve the perfect icing consistency.
• Glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles: Optional but highly recommended for the iconic finishing touch and festive look.

How to Make Empire Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a delicate texture, so take your time!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg along with the vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. This creates a smooth batter base that’s full of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Baking Powder

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—you want a tender biscuit, not a tough one.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter between 2 and 3 inches in diameter to punch out biscuit shapes. This part is fun and lets you control the size of your biscuits exactly.

Step 6: Bake Biscuits

Place the cut biscuits on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges are lightly golden. Baking just right is key to that signature crisp but tender bite.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important so that your jam and icing don’t melt when applied.

Step 8: Assemble with Jam

Spread about a teaspoon of your chosen raspberry or strawberry jam on the bottom side of half the cooled biscuits. Then sandwich them carefully with the remaining biscuits, creating a perfect jammy center.

Step 9: Prepare and Add Icing

Mix powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water or milk until you get a thick, spreadable consistency. Spread this icing generously over the top of the sandwich biscuits for a sweet, glossy finish.

Step 10: Decorate

While the icing is still wet, add halved glacé cherries or a sprinkle of colorful decorations on top. These classic toppings make your Empire Biscuits Recipe instantly recognizable and extra festive.

How to Serve Empire Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes

Although the traditional glacé cherries and sprinkles are a delightful garnish, you can get creative by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving or even a drizzle of white chocolate for an elevated touch. Garnishes add visual appeal and extra flavor, inviting everyone to the table.

Side Dishes

Empire biscuits pair beautifully with a comforting cup of tea or coffee—try a creamy Earl Grey or a rich espresso for contrast. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert plate alongside fresh berries or clotted cream for a decadent afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party or special event, consider stacking them in pretty tiers or wrapping each biscuit in parchment paper with twine as individual gifts. You can also experiment by flavoring the jam or adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts on the icing for texture. Sharing the Empire Biscuits Recipe with a personal twist will surely impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Empire biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and crispness. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the biscuits lose their buttery texture.

Freezing

Empire biscuits freeze wonderfully. Flash freeze the biscuit halves before assembling with jam and icing to prevent sticking. Once assembled, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They can be stored for up to one month.

Reheating

To bring frozen biscuits back to life, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to refresh their texture, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. Just be sure not to melt the icing by overheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam for this Empire Biscuits Recipe?

Absolutely! While raspberry and strawberry jam are classic, you can experiment with apricot, blackberry, or even mixed berry jams. Just make sure your jam is not too runny to avoid soggy biscuits.

What if I don’t have glacé cherries for decoration?

No worries! Colorful sprinkles are a fantastic alternative and add a playful touch. You can also try small pieces of dried fruit or edible glitter for something different.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This actually makes rolling and cutting easier and ensures a cleaner, more chilled dough for baking.

Is there a gluten-free version of the Empire Biscuits Recipe?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that can be used 1:1 for baking. Just be mindful of texture, as gluten-free dough can behave differently—adding a bit more butter can help maintain tenderness.

How should I store the iced biscuits if I’m making them for an event?

Once iced and decorated, store the biscuits in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and avoid stacking them to prevent smudging or damage to the icing.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably charming about these Empire biscuits that makes them a classic crowd-pleaser, whether you are enjoying them with afternoon tea or sharing them with friends. I hope you have as much fun baking and decorating this Empire Biscuits Recipe as I do every time I make them. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

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