Easy Empire Biscuits Recipe

Now for something a little different...another favorite of mine, the classic empire biscuit!
Super simple to make with only 6 ingredients required, they are always a winner when I make a batch for the office, always gone before lunch time.
I went for a heart shape but the classic style is round. You can choose any shaped cookie cutter you like. If you don't have a cutter, you can also use the top of a glass cup which will produce a similar result.
This is a great one to start with if you are new to baking. Although they can be time consuming, they are so worth it!

To make 48 biscuits (2 empires when sandwiched together) you will need:

450g Butter, softened
200g caster sugar
500g plain flour
1 jar raspberry jam (or strawberry if you prefer)
950g icing sugar
125ml milk
Topping of your choice (the classic is glace cherries but I went for sprinkles, make them your own :))

Method
1. Line a flat tray with baking parchment and preheat oven to 170C fan. It is really important that the oven is preheated fully before putting the biscuits in otherwise they will spread.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until combined
3. Gradually add in the flour, it will get a bit thick so you may need to use your hands.
4. If the mixture is still sticking to your hands, add a little more flour.
5. Once the mixture is combined and resembles dough, sprinkle flour over a large surface and your rolling pin and roll out the mixture until it is around 1cm thick.
6. Use your cookie cutter (or glass) to cut out your shapes.
7. Carefully transfer your biscuits to the tray, leaving some space in between the biscuits to prevent them from sticking together.
8. Put in the oven for 8 minutes until they start to darken slightly round the edges.
9. When you take them out the oven, they will still feel slightly soft in the middle and appear to be under cooked but don't worry, they will harden once cooled.
10. When they are cooled, sandwich the biscuits together with a little jam in the middle.
11. To make the icing, mix the icing sugar with the milk. You can also add food colouring to this like the picture above
12. Ice the biscuits carefully so that no icing runs down the side and add the decoration of your choice.
13. Make sure you get one before they are gone! :)