Description
Empire Biscuits are delightful sandwich cookies made from a soft, buttery dough filled with fruity jam and topped with a sweet icing and decorative glacé cherries or sprinkles. These classic treats are perfect for afternoon tea or festive occasions, offering a delicious combination of tender shortbread-like texture and sweet, colorful toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons water or milk
- 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 prepare for baking the biscuits.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the large egg and pure vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until well combined, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring everything is evenly combined without overworking the dough.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out biscuit shapes.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack to ensure proper setting.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a teaspoon of raspberry or strawberry jam on the bottom side of half the biscuits. Top each with another biscuit to create sandwich cookies.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk until the icing is thick but still spreadable.
- Decorate Biscuits: Spread the icing over the top of each biscuit sandwich and decorate immediately with halved glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles while the icing is still wet for a festive finish.
- Set Icing: Allow the icing to set completely before serving to prevent smudging and to improve presentation.
Notes
- Use softened butter for easier creaming and smoother dough.
- You can substitute jam flavors to customize your Empire Biscuits.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- For a smoother icing, sift powdered sugar before mixing.
- Store biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- These biscuits are delicate; handle gently when sandwiching and decorating.
