There’s something truly enchanting about the gentle crunch of a biscuit complemented by the sweet tang of jam. When I first tried Empire Biscuits, I was transported to the cozy kitchens of Scotland, where these delightful treats are a cherished tradition. With their buttery shortbread foundation, a luscious layer of raspberry or cherry jam, and a smooth glaze on top, these classic biscuits are perfect for any gathering or a simple afternoon delight.
What makes this Empire Biscuits recipe so special is its effortless approach—it invites both novice bakers and seasoned chefs to partake in the joy of homemade goodness. Plus, the possibilities for customization are endless! From a zesty lemon twist to a rich chocolate drizzle, you can easily tailor these biscuits to suit your taste. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat that oven, and create some sweet memories together with this classic Scottish treat!
Why Choose This Empire Biscuits Recipe?
Simplicity at Its Best: The Empire Biscuits Recipe is easy enough for beginners, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the joy of baking.
Rich, Sweet Flavor: The buttery shortbread and the fruity jam create a perfect balance of sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Endless Customization: Whether you prefer raspberry or apricot jam, or want to add a lemon zest twist, you can easily make this recipe your own!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for tea parties, picnics, or just a cozy evening at home, these biscuits are sure to impress friends and family.
Quick to Bake: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of Empire Biscuits in no time!
So why wait? Grab your ingredients and get ready to create a lovely batch of these classic Scottish delights!
Empire Biscuits Recipe Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base
- Butter – provides fat for tenderness and flavor; unsalted butter is best for better control over salt levels.
- Caster Sugar – adds sweetness and contributes to the biscuit’s texture; can be substituted with granulated sugar, but results may vary.
- Plain Flour – forms the structure of the biscuit; ensure it’s plain to achieve that classic shortbread texture.
- Egg – acts as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together while adding richness.
For the Filling and Topping
- Jam (Raspberry or Cherry) – the sweet filling brings flavor and contrast; feel free to substitute with any preferred jam.
- Icing Sugar – used for frosting the biscuits; mix with a splash of milk or water to get the desired consistency.
- Glacé Cherries – perfect for decoration; these can be omitted or replaced with another sweet garnish if desired.
This Empire Biscuits Recipe lets you savor the delightful experience of baking these classic Scottish treats!
How to Make Empire Biscuits
Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) for fan-assisted ovens. This ensures a perfectly baked biscuit with a delightful golden edge.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the caster sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the plain flour and a beaten egg to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. This dough is the heart of your biscuits!
Roll Dough: Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough to about 5mm (¼ inch) thick. This thickness is key for achieving that perfect crunch.
Cut Biscuits: Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut the rolled dough into your desired shapes. Place them carefully onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Chill: Although optional, chilling the cut dough in the fridge for about 20 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn lightly golden.
Cool & Assemble: Once baked, allow the biscuits to cool completely. Spread a generous layer of your chosen jam between two biscuits, then frost the tops with icing.
Decorate: Finally, crown each biscuit with a half glacé cherry on top of the icing for that classic finishing touch.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Best Empire Biscuits
Creaming Technique: Ensure your butter is softened but not overly whipped, as this can lead to airy biscuits that spread too much during baking.
Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 20 minutes will help maintain the biscuits’ shape, leading to perfect, crisp edges.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your biscuits; they should be pale gold when done. Overbaking will result in dry biscuits, which is something we want to avoid!
Icing Consistency: When making the icing, achieve a smooth consistency. This ensures an even layer on top of the biscuits for that delightful presentation.
Storage Tips: To keep your Empire Biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze before decorating for later enjoyment.
How to Store and Freeze Empire Biscuits
Room Temperature: Keep the Empire Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want them to last a little longer, store the biscuits in the fridge for up to a week, but this might alter their crispness.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked dough wrapped in cling film for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking when you’re ready for a fresh batch!
Reheating: If you decide to refrigerate or freeze baked biscuits, let them come to room temperature before enjoying, or pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their crunch.
Variations & Substitutions for Empire Biscuits Recipe
There’s so much joy in personalizing your biscuits to match your taste preferences and dietary needs!
- Jam Swap: Use any preferred jam such as apricot or strawberry for a unique twist on flavors.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the icing for an extra indulgent treat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a suitable version for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Zesty Upgrade: Infuse a hint of lemon zest into the biscuit dough for a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Nuts Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a plant-based butter alternative to make these biscuits dairy-free.
- Mini Versions: Roll out the dough thinner and cut into mini shapes for delightful bite-sized biscuits, perfect for sharing.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.
Embrace the creativity and flavors while crafting your own version of these delightful Empire Biscuits!
Make Ahead Options
These Empire Biscuits are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough and cut it into shapes as directed. You can also bake the biscuits ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember to let them cool completely before adding the jam and icing to preserve their crispness. This way, you’ll have homemade Empire Biscuits ready to assemble for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings!
What to Serve with Empire Biscuits Recipe: Classic Scottish Double Biscuits?
There’s nothing quite like pairing sweet, buttery biscuits with delightful accompaniments that enhance the overall experience.
Fresh Brewed Tea: The warmth of tea complements the sweet flavors of Empire Biscuits, making it a classic pairing for a cozy afternoon.
Rich Hot Chocolate: Indulge in the richness of hot chocolate alongside your biscuits for a decadent treat that’s sure to please your sweet tooth.
Scones with Clotted Cream: The crunchy texture of the Empire Biscuits combined with creamy clotted cream from scones creates a luxurious pairing for dessert lovers.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness of the biscuits, adding a burst of vibrant flavors.
Lemon Curd: Spread lemon curd on the biscuits for a zesty twist, enhancing the taste with bright citrus notes that harmonize beautifully.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, pair with sparkling water or homemade lemonade to cleanse the palate.
These delightful options will elevate your tea time or dessert experience, complementing the charming flavors of the Empire Biscuits!
Empire Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for making Empire Biscuits?
I recommend using unsalted butter for the best control over the salt levels in your biscuits. It provides the tenderness and flavor essential for the buttery shortbread base. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
How should I store my Empire Biscuits after baking?
Store your Empire Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but this may change their crispness.
Can I freeze Empire Biscuits?
Absolutely! You can freeze either the unbaked dough or the baked and cooled biscuits. Wrap the unbaked dough in cling film and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting. If freezing the baked biscuits, store them in an airtight container without icing for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature or pop them back in a warm oven to refresh their crunch!
What should I do if my biscuits spread too much while baking?
If your Empire Biscuits spread, it’s likely due to overly soft butter during creaming. For the next batch, ensure your butter is just softened and avoid over-whipping it. Chilling the dough for about 20 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape, leading to perfectly crisp edges.
Can I make gluten-free Empire Biscuits?
Yes, for a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour. This works well as a substitute; just make sure to follow the other instructions as they are. The flavor may vary slightly, but you’ll still enjoy that classic taste!
Are there any common allergies I should be aware of with this recipe?
This Empire Biscuits recipe contains common allergens like eggs, dairy, and wheat. If you’re making these for someone with allergies, consider swapping ingredients—like using egg replacements if needed or a gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
Indulgent Empire Biscuits Recipe: Classic Scottish Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) for fan-assisted ovens.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the caster sugar until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the plain flour and a beaten egg, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough to about 5mm (¼ inch) thick.
- Cut the rolled dough into shapes and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the cut dough in the fridge for about 20 minutes if desired.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Allow the biscuits to cool completely. Spread jam between two biscuits and frost the tops with icing.
- Decorate with a half glacé cherry on top of the icing.
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