Description
Empire Biscuits are delightful sandwich cookies featuring a soft, buttery biscuit base filled with sweet raspberry or strawberry jam, topped with a smooth, sweet icing and decorated with glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles. These traditional treats are perfect for teatime or as a charming homemade gift, combining tender texture and classic flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Icing
- 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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until fully combined, incorporating moisture and flavor into the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms that holds together but isn’t sticky.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a teaspoon of raspberry or strawberry jam on the bottom side of half of the biscuits. Top with the remaining biscuits to create sandwich cookies.
- Prepare Icing: Mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk until thick but spreadable, ready to coat the tops of the biscuits.
- Ice and Decorate: Spread the icing over the top of each biscuit sandwich. While the icing is still wet, decorate each with a halved glacé cherry or colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
- Set Icing: Allow the icing to set completely before serving to ensure a neat finish and tidy presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better biscuit texture.
- You can substitute raspberry or strawberry jam with any berry jam of your choice for different flavors.
- If you prefer a firmer icing, add powdered sugar gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
