Description
Empire Biscuits are delightful sandwich cookies made with a tender buttery dough filled with sweet raspberry or strawberry jam and topped with a smooth, sweet icing and colorful decoration. Perfect for tea time, these biscuits combine a light crunch with a soft, jammy center and a glossy finish adorned with glacé cherries or sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Fillings and Toppings
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons water or milk (for icing)
- Glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated for added richness and flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out biscuit shapes evenly.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the cut-out biscuits onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about a teaspoon of raspberry or strawberry jam on the bottom side of half the biscuits. Top each with another biscuit to form sandwich cookies.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk until the icing is thick but still spreadable.
- Ice and Decorate: Spread the icing over the top of each sandwich biscuit and decorate immediately with halved glacé cherries or colorful sprinkles while the icing is still wet to adhere properly.
- Set Icing: Allow the icing to set completely at room temperature before serving to ensure a firm, glossy finish.
Notes
- The dough should be handled gently and not overmixed to maintain tender biscuits.
- You can substitute the jam with your favorite flavor to customize the biscuits.
- Adjust the icing consistency by adding more powdered sugar or liquid as needed.
- If you prefer stricter sweetness control, reduce the sugar slightly in the dough or icing.
- Store the finished Empire Biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
