Empire Biscuits 🍪🍓
A charming Scottish classic, Empire Biscuits are buttery, jam-filled delights topped with glossy icing and a bright glace cherry. These pretty little treats are as fun to make as they are to eat—perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or simply when you fancy something sweet and nostalgic.
🛒 Ingredients
🧈 Butter – 200g, softened
🍚 Caster sugar – 100g
🍰 Plain flour – 250g
🧂 Cornflour – 50g
🧁 Baking powder – 1 tsp
🍓 Raspberry or strawberry jam – 4 tbsp
🍯 Icing sugar – 100g
🍳 Water – 1–2 tbsp (for the icing)
🍒 Glace cherries – 6–8, halved for decoration
👩🍳 Method
🍰 Get Prepped:
Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (200°C / 400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
🧈 Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy.
Sift in the plain flour, cornflour, and baking powder. Mix until the dough starts to come together—don’t worry if it feels a bit crumbly at first, it’ll form!
🍪 Cut the Biscuits:
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to around 5mm thick.
Use a round cookie cutter to cut out as many biscuits as you can, then place them onto your prepared tray.
🧑🍳 Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until just golden at the edges. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
🍓 Fill with Jam:
Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam on the underside of half the biscuits.
Top each one with a second biscuit to create a sandwich.
🍯 Ice & Decorate:
Mix the icing sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of water until smooth and thick.
Spoon or spread a little icing on top of each biscuit.
Finish with half a glace cherry right in the centre.
⏳ Serving Info
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍴 Servings: 6–8
🔥 Calories: ~180 per biscuit
Delicate, buttery, and oh-so-pretty—these Empire Biscuits are a true teatime treasure. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile with every bite. 🍪🍓✨