Empire Biscuits
(Classic Scottish Sandwich Cookies with Jam and Icing)
Empire biscuits are a much-loved traditional treat from Scotland, known for their simple elegance and irresistible flavor. Made from two buttery shortbread-style cookies sandwiched together with sweet jam and topped with a smooth layer of icing and a bright cherry, these biscuits are a nostalgic favorite in bakeries, tearooms, and home kitchens.
Sometimes called German biscuits or Belgian biscuits, empire biscuits are easy to make and perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or whenever you crave a timeless homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love These Biscuits
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Buttery, tender cookie base
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Sweet jam filling
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Classic iced topping with cherry
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Perfect for tea time
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Easy and affordable ingredients
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Yield: 12 sandwich biscuits
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
Biscuits
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
Filling
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½ cup strawberry or raspberry jam
Icing
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1½ cups powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk or water
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
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Glacé cherries, halved
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Sift in the flour and baking powder and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and helps the biscuits hold their shape.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter and place on prepared trays, leaving a little space between each.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The biscuits should remain pale on top.
Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble
Spread jam onto the flat side of half of the biscuits. Top with the remaining biscuits to form sandwiches.
Step 6: Ice and Decorate
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Spoon icing over the top of each biscuit, allowing it to gently spread.
Top with a half glacé cherry and let the icing set.
Tips for Perfect Empire Biscuits
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Don’t overbake—they should be pale and tender.
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Chill the dough for clean, sharp edges.
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Use seedless jam for easy spreading.
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Let biscuits cool fully before icing.
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Apply icing gently so it doesn’t drip down the sides.
Variations
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Lemon Empire Biscuits: Add lemon zest to the dough and lemon juice to the icing.
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Chocolate Empire Biscuits: Dip tops in melted chocolate instead of icing.
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Apricot Jam: Swap strawberry for apricot or blackcurrant jam.
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Heart-Shaped Biscuits: Perfect for Valentine’s Day.
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Festive Version: Add food coloring to icing for holidays.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days, though best at room temperature.
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Freezing: Freeze un-iced biscuits for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with tea or coffee
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Add to a biscuit tin or gift box
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Perfect for afternoon tea, bake sales, or holidays
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Lovely alongside shortbread and scones
Final Thoughts
Empire biscuits are a charming example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. With their buttery biscuit base, sweet jam filling, and iconic icing and cherry topping, they’re a timeless treat that never goes out of style.