The Ultimate Empire Biscuit Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Empire Biscuit. Just the name conjures images of rich, buttery goodness. This iconic Scottish shortbread variation is far more than just a biscuit; it's a taste of tradition, a perfect accompaniment to tea, and a delightful treat any time of day. This guide will walk you through creating the perfect Empire Biscuit, ensuring your baking triumphs.

Understanding the Empire Biscuit

Before we dive into the recipe, let's understand what makes an Empire Biscuit truly special. Unlike other shortbreads, Empire Biscuits feature a unique three-layer construction:

• Base: A buttery, crumbly shortbread base, baked until golden.
• Jam Filling: Typically raspberry jam is used, offering a sweet and tart contrast to the buttery base. Other fruit jams, like strawberry or apricot, can also be delicious.
• Icing Topping: A smooth, creamy icing, often white, completes the masterpiece, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe yields approximately 12 Empire Biscuits. Adjust quantities as needed.

For the Shortbread Base:

• 175g plain flour
• 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 50g caster sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Jam Filling:

• 100g raspberry jam (or your preferred jam)

For the Icing Topping:

• 200g icing sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Perfection

Making the Shortbread Base

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F/Gas Mark 3). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add the caster sugar and mix well.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips (or a pastry blender), rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. Avoid overmixing.
4. Form the Dough: Gently bring the dough together, avoiding kneading. It should be firm but not sticky.
5. Roll & Cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (approximately 5cm diameter) to cut out biscuits.
6. Bake: Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparing the Jam Filling

1. Simple Filling: While the shortbread cools, prepare your jam. If using a chunky jam, you may wish to strain it slightly for a smoother filling.

Creating the Icing Topping

1. Mix the Icing: In a bowl, sift the icing sugar. Gradually add the milk, mixing until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor (optional).

Assembling the Empire Biscuits

1. Spread the Jam: Once the shortbread bases are completely cool, spread a thin layer of jam onto each biscuit.
2. Top with Icing: Carefully spoon or pipe the icing onto the jam-filled biscuits, spreading evenly.
3. Let it Set: Allow the icing to set completely before serving. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Tips for Empire Biscuit Success

• Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough biscuits.
• Even Baking: Ensure even baking by rotating the tray halfway through the baking time.
• Cool Completely: Allow the biscuits to cool completely before adding the jam and icing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Get Creative: Experiment with different jams and icing flavors to create your own unique Empire Biscuit variations!

Serving and Storage

Empire Biscuits are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your homemade Empire Biscuits! They're a perfect treat to share with friends and family, or simply indulge in yourself. This recipe is a delightful journey into Scottish baking tradition – happy baking!