There’s nothing quite like a classic Empire Biscui — crisp, buttery shortbread sandwiched with sweet jam, topped with icing and a cherry. Empire Biscuits are a timeless treat, loved for their sweet simplicity and nostalgic charm. This traditional treat has been a Scottish bakery favourite for generations, and today, you’ll learn how to make your own Empire Biscuits at home with a simple, foolproof recipe.
🧁 What Are Empire Biscuits?
Empire Biscuits are a traditional Scottish sweet made from two buttery shortbread cookies sandwiched together with raspberry or strawberry jam. The top is coated with smooth white icing and decorated with a glace cherry or jelly sweet.
Empire Biscuits are a classic and beloved sweet treat, known for their simple yet delicious combination of two shortbread-like biscuits sandwiched with jam and topped with icing. Their charming appearance and rich taste have made them a favorite across generations. Whether enjoyed with tea or as a nostalgic snack, Empire Biscuits continue to hold a special place in traditional baking.
A traditional and well-loved biscuit originating from the UK and Commonwealth regions.
Made with two buttery shortbread-style cookies, filled with jam (usually raspberry or strawberry).
Topped with a sweet icing and often decorated with a cherry or sprinkle for visual appeal.
Simple to make, yet rich in flavor and presentation.
A nostalgic treat that continues to be enjoyed across generations.
Perfect for afternoon tea, festive occasions, or everyday indulgence.
They’re perfect with a cup of tea, for bake sales, or as a nostalgic homemade treat.
🧑🍳 Easy Empire Biscuit Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 12 Empire Biscuits — perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
📝 Ingredients
- 250g plain flour
- 125g unsalted butter (softened)
- 75g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Raspberry jam (or strawberry)
- 200g icing sugar
- 1–2 tbsp water (for icing)
- Glace cherries (halved) or jelly sweets for decoration
🖼️ Top-down view of classic Empire Biscuits with cherries on top.
👨🍳 Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour and mix to form a smooth dough.
- Roll out the dough to about 5mm thick and cut into round shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes, until pale golden.
- Cool biscuits on a wire rack.
- Spread jam on the bottom of one biscuit and sandwich with another.
- Mix icing sugar with water to make a thick but spreadable icing.
- Ice the top of each biscuit and decorate with a cherry half.
🖼️ Hands icing freshly baked Empire Biscuits.
✨ Tips for Perfect Empire Biscuits
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before cutting to help keep its shape.
- Don’t overbake — they should be pale, not golden brown.
- Use a small offset spatula for smooth icing.
- For a festive twist, add sprinkles or coloured icing.
👉 estive twist” to your Christmas baking recipes
🖼️ Empire Biscuits decorated with festive sprinkles on a wooden board.
🧊 Storage and Serving
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Best enjoyed at room temperature with a hot drink.
- You can make the biscuits in advance and ice them on the day of serving.
📝 FAQs About Empire Biscuits
1. Can I freeze Empire Biscuits?
Yes — freeze the un-iced biscuits for up to 2 months. Defrost, then decorate when needed.
2. What type of jam works best?
Traditional Scottish recipes use raspberry jam, but strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd work well.
3. Why are they called Empire Biscuits?
The name dates back to the early 20th century when “Empire” was used for many popular British treats.
📢 Final Thoughts: Make Your Own Empire Biscuits Today!
There’s something truly special about baking Empire Biscuits at home — from the buttery shortbread to the glossy icing and bright cherry on top.
👉 If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment below or share your creations on social media. We love seeing your bakes!