Indulgent Empire Biscuits Recipe: Classic Scottish Delights
There’s something undeniably charming about the crisp sound of shortbread breaking apart, revealing a sweet layer of jam and frosting hidden inside. As I crafted my latest batch of Empire Biscuits, I couldnโt help but feel transported to a quaint Scottish tea house, with the tantalizing aroma filling my kitchen and warming my heart. These delightful double biscuits are a perfect blend of buttery richness, crumbly texture, and fruity sweetnessโmaking them a nostalgic treat that brightens up any occasion.
Whether youโre looking to impress guests with a homemade dessert or simply indulge in a comforting snack alongside your afternoon tea, this Empire Biscuits Recipe will bring a dash of tradition to your table. Plus, with the ability to customize flavors and make them gluten-free, these biscuits are as versatile as they are delicious. So, letโs dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe and awaken the baker in you!
Why are Empire Biscuits a must-try?
Irresistible Flavors: These Empire Biscuits pack a punch with the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and sweet jam.
Quick to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite jams or experiment with chocolate icing for a delicious twist.
Charming Presentation: Topped with a sweet icing and a cherry, they add a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
Cultural Connection: Enjoying these biscuits allows you to taste a bit of Scottish history in your own kitchen.
Explore more delightful baking ideas with our collection of tasty treats to inspire your next kitchen adventure!
Empire Biscuits Recipe Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- Butter โ Provides richness and flavor; for a dairy-free version, you can use margarine.
- Caster Sugar โ Adds sweetness and ensures a tender crumb; granulated sugar is an alternative, though the texture may vary.
- Flour โ Gives structure to the biscuits; all-purpose flour is standard, but gluten-free flour works well too!
- Egg โ Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture; for an egg-free option, consider using a flaxseed egg or applesauce.
For the Filling
- Jam (any flavor) โ Fills the center with sweetness and moisture; raspberry or cherry is traditional, but feel free to choose your favorite!
For the Topping
- Icing Sugar โ Creates a lovely sweet glaze on top; mix with water or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Glacรฉ Cherry โ Offers a decorative finish for visual appeal; gummy sweets can be a fun alternative!
This Empire Biscuits recipe is not only simple but also allows you to indulge in a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Happy baking!
How to Make Empire Biscuits
Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 200ยฐC (400ยฐF) or 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for fan-assisted ovens to ensure a perfect bake.
Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until itโs creamy and smooth, then gradually mix in the caster sugar until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour and a beaten egg to the butter mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms; it should be pliable but not sticky.
Roll Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 5mm (ยผ inch) thick, ensuring an even thickness for consistent baking.
Cut Biscuits: Use a cookie cutter to create individual biscuit shapes, carefully transferring them to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Chill (Optional): For best shape retention during baking, chill the dough shapes in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before baking.
Bake: Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are slightly golden yet soft in the center.
Cool Biscuits: Once baked, allow the biscuits to cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble Biscuits: Spread a layer of jam on one biscuit and top it with another to create a delightful sandwich, allowing that fruity sweetness to shine through.
Ice: Mix the icing sugar with a splash of water or milk until you achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the biscuit tops and place a cherry on each for a finishing touch.
Harden Icing: Allow the icing to set for a bit before serving, enabling it to harden for easy handling.
Optional: For a festive touch, sprinkle some colored sprinkles over the icing before it sets.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Empire Biscuits Variations
Feel free to make these delightful treats your own with some fun and tasty twists!
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create a deliciously soft alternative for everyone to enjoy.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or margarine instead of regular butter and enjoy these biscuits without the dairy. The flavor remains rich and satisfying!
Egg-Free: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for moisture and binding in your batch.
Jam Flavors: Get creative by using different jams such as orange marmalade or peach, giving each biscuit a unique twist that resonates with your taste buds.
Chocolate Lovers: Opt for chocolate icing instead of traditional icing sugar for a decadent flavor, drizzling it generously on top for an irresistible finish.
Decadent Toppings: Enhance the visual appeal by adding crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut on top of the icing before it sets for extra texture and flavor.
Spiced Biscuits: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy flavor profile that beautifully complements the sweet jam inside.
Holiday Shapes: Use seasonal cookie cutters to make these biscuits festive for holidays like Christmas or birthdays, adding joy to your celebrations!
With these variations, you can mix and match to suit your preferences any day of the week!
Expert Tips for Making Empire Biscuits
Perfect Butter Texture: Ensure the butter is softened but not over-creamed; too much air can lead to a cakey texture instead of the desired crumbly biscuit.
Consistent Thickness: Use dowels while rolling out the dough to maintain an even thickness; this ensures uniform baking and final appearance in your Empire Biscuits.
Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on your biscuits as they bake; they should be lightly golden but still soft. Overbaking will dry them out.
Chill for Shape: Chilling the cut biscuits for 20 minutes before baking helps them retain their shape and ensures a neat appearance.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked dough or the assembled biscuits before icing for a quick treat whenever the craving strikes!
How to Store and Freeze Empire Biscuits
Room Temperature: Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Fridge: If preferred, you can refrigerate the biscuits for up to 1 week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough or assembled biscuits (without icing) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat the iced biscuits gently in the oven at 150ยฐC (300ยฐF) for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through, but be cautious to avoid melting the icing.
Make Ahead Options
Meal prepping these delightful Empire Biscuits will save you invaluable time, especially during busy weeknights! You can prepare the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap the rolled dough in cling film and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For even more convenience, you can freeze unbaked biscuits for up to 3 monthsโjust ensure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen biscuits straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to your baking time. After cooling, assemble with jam and icing right before serving for that fresh, melt-in-your-mouth experience. These make-ahead tips ensure your Empire Biscuits remain just as delicious while giving you the gift of time!
What to Serve with Empire Biscuits?
These charming treats make any gathering feel special with their rich flavors and delightful textures.
English Breakfast Tea: The robust, comforting flavors of this classic tea bring out the buttery richness of the biscuits, making for a perfect pair during afternoon tea.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the biscuits. Opt for berries, which echo the jam flavors beautifully!
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and coolness of vanilla ice cream harmonize wonderfully with the crumbly biscuits, creating a delightful temperature contrast in each bite.
Homemade Lemonade: This refreshing drink’s tartness cuts through the sweetness of the biscuits, providing a zesty pick-me-up on warm days.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats not only enhance the dessert platter, their rich chocolate flavor complements the buttery shortbread beautifully.
Coffee: A cup of rich, aromatic coffee balances the sweetness of the Empire Biscuits, making it a cozy companion for a snack or breakfast.
Cheese Platter: Add a selection of mild cheeses to create a delightful savory contrast to the sweetness of the biscuits; think creamy brie or tangy goat cheese.
Custard Sauce: Pouring warm, velvety custard over the biscuits creates a decadent dessert experience that’s both nostalgic and delightful.
Sparkling Water with Mint: The effervescence and minty freshness elevate the tea party atmosphere while cleansing the palate between bites of the delightful biscuits.
Empire Biscuits Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for Empire Biscuits?
Absolutely! Choose unsalted butter for the best flavorโthis allows you to control the saltiness in your biscuits. Ensure the butter is softened properly, as overly whipped butter can introduce air pockets that affect your biscuit’s texture, making them cakey rather than crumbly.
How should I store my baked Empire Biscuits?
For optimal freshness, store your Empire Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy! If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerating them can extend freshness for about a week. Just let them come to room temperature before savoring.
Can I freeze Empire Biscuits? How?
Certainly! You can freeze either unbaked dough or assembled biscuits (without icing) for up to 3 months. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and then bake as per the recipe instructions. If freezing baked biscuits, place them in a single layer on a baking tray until firm before transferring to a container.
What should I do if my biscuits spread too much while baking?
Ah, the classic baking conundrum! If this happens, it may mean your dough was too warm or you used too much liquid. Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted, as this can lead to excessive spreading. Chilling the dough for 20 minutes before cutting and baking can help maintain their shape and prevent unwanted spreading.
Are Empire Biscuits suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very! You can easily make these biscuits gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. For those needing dairy alternatives, margarine works beautifully instead of butter. And if you’re looking for an egg-free option, a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit until thickened) or applesauce can be wonderful substitutes.
Can I customize the flavors in my Empire Biscuits?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap out the traditional jam for your favorite flavors like apricot, strawberry, or even lemon curd to add a zesty twist. For a fun variation, decorate with chocolate icing instead of the classic sweet glaze, adding more richness to the biscuit’s flavor!
Empire Biscuits Recipe FAQs
Indulgent Empire Biscuits Recipe: Classic Scottish Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200ยฐC (400ยฐF) or 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for fan-assisted ovens.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually mix in the caster sugar until combined.
- Slowly add the flour and a beaten egg to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 5mm (ยผ inch) thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to create biscuit shapes, transferring them to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the dough shapes in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before baking for best shape retention.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until biscuits are slightly golden yet soft in the center.
- Allow the biscuits to cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Spread a layer of jam on one biscuit and top with another to assemble.
- Mix icing sugar with a splash of water or milk and drizzle over the biscuit tops, placing a cherry on each.
- Allow the icing to set before serving.
