The Best Empire Biscuits (German Cookies)

Have you ever had an empire biscuit? They are a type of German cookie that is made out of two thin sheets of dough with a jam or chocolate filling in the middle. They are absolutely delicious, and I am going to share my recipe for the best empire biscuits with you today!

The history of empire biscuits

Empire biscuits are a type of German biscuit that was created in the 19th century. The biscuit consists of two thin layers of cookie dough with a filling in the middle. The most common fillings are raspberry or strawberry jam, chocolate or vanilla.

Empire biscuits were originally made in the shape of an empire, hence the name. However, over time, the biscuits have been made into various shapes and sizes. Empire biscuits are a popular treat in Germany and are often served at parties and celebrations. For more info on the empire biscuit, click here >> empire biscuit history.

Empire biscuits were traditionally served at tea time, but they are now also popular as a snack or dessert. Empire biscuits can be found in supermarkets and bakeries and are popular in Scotland.

Can I freeze empire German biscuits?

You can freeze the biscuit without the toppings and jam filling. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them in an air-tight container. When needed, leave them out to defrost. If needed to crispen up, put them in the oven for 8 minutes.

Gluten-free empire biscuits

If you’re gluten intolerant or just looking for a delicious alternative to your regular cookie recipe, gluten-free German empire biscuits have you covered!

Use gluten-free flour and at half a teaspoon of Xanthan Gum to prevent the mixture from crumbling.

Ingredients

• 175 g Plain Flour
• 85 g Sugar
• 100 g Butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence
• 1 Egg
• 100 g Jam (Raspberry or Strawberry)

Topping

• 200 g Icing Sugar
• 5 tbsp Water
• 10 Glace Cherries (Halved)

How to make easy empire biscuits

• Preheat the oven to 160°fan/180°c/350°f/Gas 4 and line your baking trays with baking paper.
• Mix the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix through. Add the flour and mix until all combined. The texture will be quite soft. With floured hands, scoop it up into a ball and wrap cling film around it keep it in the fridge for 30 minutes or 15 minutes in the freezer.
• Roll out thinly onto a floured surface and cut out 40 rounds crinkle side down. Transfer to your baking trays and bake for 12 minutes or until slightly golden. Leave to cool.
• Put the jam in a bowl and mix until it’s easier to handle. Using a teaspoon, place a small about of jam in the middle of one biscuit and spread outwards with the back of the spoon. Take another biscuit and sandwich together.
• In another bowl, mix the icing with the water until it’s smooth. Using a teaspoon, drop a small amount on one biscuit and spread outwards with the back of the spoon. Place half a cherry on top and repeat with the rest of the biscuits. Leave to set and enjoy!

Top Tips

If you don’t like cherries add jellied sweet instead or coloured sprinkles.

When you are short on time, there is no need to chill the dough, but it is easier to roll out if you do.

12 minutes in the oven should be enough. They should be slightly golden.

Storing empire german biscuits

These biscuits are a classic British and Scottish treat that is perfect for tea time or an after-dinner snack. While they are delicious on their own, they can also be used as the base for other desserts, such as trifles or tiramisu. If you’re looking for a tasty and easy-to-make biscuit, empire biscuits are a great option. Just be sure to store them in an air-tight container to keep them fresh. With proper storage, empire biscuits will last up to four days.