Mary Berry Empire Biscuits Recipe

Mary Berry Empire Biscuits are a classic British teatime treat made with crisp, buttery shortbread-style biscuits sandwiched with jam and topped with smooth icing and a cherry. They are simple, elegant, and nostalgic, offering a lovely balance of sweetness and texture.

Perfect for afternoon tea, bake sales, or festive platters, these biscuits are easy to prepare and come together in under an hour, using straightforward baking methods and everyday ingredients.

What Are Mary Berry Empire Biscuits?

Empire biscuits are traditional sandwich biscuits consisting of two plain biscuits joined with jam, then finished with a layer of icing on top. Often associated with Scottish baking, they are known for their neat appearance, buttery crumb, and simple decoration. Mary Berry’s style keeps them refined, not overly sweet, and consistently well-textured.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry German Biscuits
• Mary Berry Piccalilli
• Mary Berry Coconut Pyramids
• Mary Berry All-in-One Apple Cake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Classic teatime favourite – Timeless and well-loved
• Crisp yet tender texture – Shortbread-style biscuits done right
• Simple decoration – Elegant without being fussy
• Make-ahead friendly – Keeps well once assembled
• Great for gifting – Looks neat and presentable

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

For the Biscuits

• Unsalted butter: 175 g, softened
• Caster sugar: 75 g
• Plain flour: 225 g
• Cornflour: 50 g

For the Filling and Topping

• Raspberry or strawberry jam: about 4 tablespoons
• Icing sugar: 150 g, sifted
• Water: 1–2 tablespoons
• Glacé cherries: halved

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Round biscuit cutter
• Baking tray
• Baking parchment
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

• Prepare the oven – Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line baking trays with parchment.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat together until pale and smooth.
• Add dry ingredients – Mix in the plain flour and cornflour to form a soft dough.
• Roll and cut – Roll the dough out to about 5 mm thick and cut into even rounds.
• Bake gently – Place on trays and bake for 12–15 minutes until pale golden at the edges.
• Cool completely – Transfer to a wire rack and allow the biscuits to cool fully.
• Sandwich with jam – Spread jam on the flat side of half the biscuits and top with the remaining biscuits.
• Ice the tops – Mix icing sugar with a little water to make a smooth icing and spread over each biscuit.
• Finish neatly – Place half a cherry on top of each biscuit and allow the icing to set.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Biscuits spreading – Chilling the dough slightly helped keep the shape
• Overbaking – Removing them while still pale kept them tender
• Runny icing – Using less water improved consistency
• Sliding jam – Cooling biscuits fully before assembling fixed this

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

These biscuits are best enjoyed as a treat, but you can reduce the icing thickness slightly or use less jam to lower overall sweetness while keeping the classic look and taste.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

• Apricot jam instead of raspberry
• Salted butter for a subtle contrast
• Vanilla icing instead of plain
• Raspberry icing sugar for colour

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

• Hot tea – Traditional and comforting
• Coffee – Balances the sweetness
• Fruit platter – Adds freshness
• Afternoon tea spread – Complements other bakes
• Light whipped cream – For a plated dessert

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

• Keep biscuits pale – Prevents dryness
• Use cornflour – Creates a delicate crumb
• Roll evenly – Ensures uniform baking
• Cool fully before icing – Prevents melting
• Use smooth jam – Neater finish
• Let icing set completely – Clean presentation

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

• Lemon icing – Add citrus brightness
• Chocolate drizzle – Extra indulgence
• Heart shapes – Ideal for special occasions
• Coloured icing – Festive variation
• Mini versions – Perfect for parties

Storing Mary Berry Empire Biscuits the Right Way

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight tin for up to 4 days
• Layer with parchment – Prevents sticking
• Avoid refrigeration – Can soften biscuits
• Keep cool and dry – Best texture

How to Reheat Mary Berry Empire Biscuits

These biscuits do not need reheating. Serve at room temperature for the best flavour and texture.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~30 g
• Fats: ~11 g
• Protein: ~2 g
• Sugar: ~14 g

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FAQs

Why do my empire biscuits spread too much in the oven?

Empire biscuits spread if the dough is too warm or soft. Chilling the cut biscuits for 15–20 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape and keeps the edges neat.

How do I stop empire biscuits from turning hard?

Overbaking is the usual cause. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden and remove them while the centres are still pale so they stay tender once cooled.

Can I fill empire biscuits while they are still warm?

No, the biscuits should be completely cool before filling. Warm biscuits can melt the jam and icing, making them slide and lose their neat finish.

Why does my icing crack on empire biscuits?

Icing can crack if it’s spread too thickly or dries too quickly. Using a smooth, slightly runny icing and letting it set naturally at room temperature gives the best result.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Empire Biscuits are a perfect example of simple baking done well. Crisp, buttery, and neatly finished with jam and icing, they bring a sense of tradition and comfort to any tea table. Easy to make and always well received, they’re a recipe worth keeping close.