How to Make Empire Biscuits - A Step-by-Step Guide

Empire biscuits, also known as Belgian biscuits, are a popular treat in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. These delightful, buttery biscuits are sandwiched together with jam and topped with a layer of sweet icing and a cherry. They are a favorite at tea time and are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee.

The origin of the empire biscuit is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the Austrian Linzer torte. Over the years, the recipe has...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup raspberry preserves
  • 24 maraschino cherries
  • 8 cups confectioners' sugar
  • ½ cup milk

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Servings: 48
  • Yield: 4 dozen

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Gradually stir in the flour until well blended. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Sandwich one teaspoon of jam between two cookies. Repeat with remaining cookies. In a medium bowl, gradually stir the milk into the confectioners' sugar until the icing is of a spreadable consistency. Spread on top of the sandwiched cookies. Top each cookie with half of a cherry while the icing is still wet.
  • Nutrition

    223 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 21mg
    • Sodium: 56mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 38g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 28g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Calcium: 7mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 22mg