Description
Empire Biscuits are delightful sandwich cookies featuring a soft buttery biscuit filled with sweet raspberry or strawberry jam and topped with a smooth vanilla icing and a decorative glacé cherry or sprinkles. These classic treats are perfect for tea time or any occasion that calls for a simple yet delicious biscuit.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Icing
- 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 prepare for baking the biscuits.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender biscuit texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated, providing richness and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms that is easy to roll out.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter to cut out even biscuit shapes.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a teaspoon of jam onto the bottom side of half of the biscuits, then top with the remaining biscuits to form sandwich cookies.
- Prepare Icing: Mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk until thick but spreadable, adjusting consistency as needed.
- Ice and Decorate: Spread the icing over the top of each biscuit sandwich. While the icing is still wet, decorate with halved glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles for a traditional look.
- Set Icing: Allow the icing to set completely before serving to ensure a perfect finish and easy handling.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- You can substitute any berry jam of your choice if preferred.
- Use milk or water for icing based on dietary preference; milk adds richness.
- Glacé cherries can be halved or used whole depending on presentation style.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
