What Is an Empire Biscuit? A Scottish Bakery Favourite
, by Scottish Store & Deli, 2 min reading time
A guide to Empire biscuits: what they are, how they are made, the names they are known by and why they remain a Scottish bakery favourite.
An Empire biscuit is a traditional bakery treat made from two short, buttery biscuits sandwiched with jam, topped with icing and usually finished with a small sweet or decoration. In Scotland they are a familiar bakery-counter classic and a favourite alongside tea or coffee.
If you want to try one without baking, see our Large Empire Biscuits x2 or browse our Scottish cakes and traybakes.
What is an Empire biscuit?
At its simplest, an Empire biscuit has four parts: two crisp biscuit rounds, a layer of jam, a smooth icing top and a small decoration. The contrast between crumbly biscuit, sharp-sweet jam and icing is what makes it so recognisable.
Are Empire biscuits Scottish?
They are especially popular in Scotland and are strongly associated with Scottish bakers, although closely related jam-filled biscuits are found elsewhere in the UK. Names and recipes can vary by region and bakery.
Why are they called Empire biscuits?
The history of the name is more complicated than the recipe. Similar biscuits have been known by other names, including “German biscuits”, and naming traditions changed over time. Rather than treating one origin story as definitive, it is safest to think of Empire biscuit as the name that became established for this style of iced, jam-filled biscuit in many Scottish bakeries.
What jam is used in an Empire biscuit?
Raspberry jam is a common choice because its slight sharpness balances the sweet icing. Some bakeries use other red jams depending on their house recipe.
What is on top of an Empire biscuit?
The top is normally covered with white icing and finished with a small sweet, cherry-style decoration or jelly sweet. The finishing touch varies from baker to baker and is part of the fun of comparing different versions.
Empire biscuit vs shortbread
Both are buttery Scottish favourites, but they are not the same. Shortbread is usually served as a single biscuit and relies on its rich, crumbly texture. An Empire biscuit is assembled from two biscuits with jam and icing, making it sweeter and more elaborate.
For more Scottish biscuits, browse our Biscuits collection.
When do you eat Empire biscuits?
There is no special occasion required. They work well with tea, as part of an afternoon spread, in a bakery selection or simply as a treat. Their size also makes them easy to share at meetings, family gatherings and celebrations.
Where can I buy Empire biscuits online?
Scottish Store & Deli carries Scottish bakery products for UK delivery. Our Large Empire Biscuits are an easy way to add a proper bakery favourite to your order.
Frequently asked questions
Are Empire biscuits the same as German biscuits?
The names have historically been used for closely related biscuits in different places and periods. Recipes can still vary, so the bakery’s own description is the best guide.
Do Empire biscuits contain jam?
Traditionally, yes. A layer of jam sits between the two biscuit halves.
Do Empire biscuits need to be refrigerated?
Usually they are stored as a bakery biscuit rather than a chilled product, but always follow the storage instructions on the pack.