Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- 2-inch round cookie cutter
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
7. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
10. Allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, spread a generous amount of raspberry jam on half of the biscuits.
12. Using a piping bag or ziplock bag, pipe a swirl of jam on top of the jam-covered biscuits.
13. Top with the remaining biscuits to create a sandwich.
14. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12-15 biscuits
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 200
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any flavor of jam you prefer instead of raspberry jam.
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
Variations:
- Lemon curd or orange marmalade can be used instead of raspberry jam.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Do not overwork the dough or the biscuits will become tough.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter to ensure clean cuts.
Storage instructions:
Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The biscuits can be reheated in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the biscuits on a platter and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with a pot of tea or coffee.
Garnishes:
Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
These biscuits pair well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These biscuits can be served as a dessert or snack on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough comes together.
- If the biscuits spread too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before cutting out the circles.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean hands and equipment when making the biscuits. Store them in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Empire biscuits are a traditional Scottish treat that consist of two shortbread biscuits sandwiched together with jam and topped with icing.
Flavor profiles:
These biscuits have a buttery and slightly sweet flavor, with a tart raspberry jam filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these biscuits as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A