Delicious Empire Cookies: Buttery Shortbread Sandwiches with Raspberry Jam & Smooth Buttercream
Empire Cookies are truly delightful treats, consisting of rich, buttery shortbread cookie sandwiches generously filled with sweet raspberry jam and elegantly topped with a simple yet decadent buttercream frosting. These charming cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully adorned, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a delightful afternoon tea. Their delicate texture and balanced flavors make them an irresistible indulgence for cookie lovers.
Until recently, I hadn’t encountered the joy of Empire Cookies, but after my first taste, I was completely captivated! These exquisite shortbread sandwiches, with their vibrant jam centers and smooth frosting, are believed to be a cherished staple in England and Scotland. This widespread popularity across the pond explains why many American cookie enthusiasts might not be familiar with these delightful confections. However, once you try them, you’ll quickly understand why they’re so beloved – they offer a perfect blend of classic shortbread charm with a festive, elegant finish.
What Are Empire Cookies? A Delicious Overview
Empire Cookies are much more than just a cookie; they are a beautifully crafted dessert that combines several delightful elements. At their heart is a tender, crumbly shortbread cookie, known for its rich buttery flavor that simply melts in your mouth. These shortbread rounds are then paired, creating a perfect canvas for the vibrant filling. The traditional choice is a luscious raspberry jam, which provides a wonderful tart counterpoint to the buttery sweetness of the cookie. Finally, a swirl of homemade buttercream icing, often flavored with a hint of almond, crowns each cookie sandwich, sometimes finished with a sprinkle of colorful decorations. Despite their fancy appearance, Empire Cookies are surprisingly easy to make at home, offering a rewarding baking experience that results in truly impressive treats.
The process begins with preparing a straightforward shortbread dough, which is then chilled to ensure perfect texture and easy handling. Once chilled, the dough is rolled out and cut into uniform small circles. After baking to a light golden perfection and allowing them to cool completely, one half of the cookies is spread with a generous layer of raspberry jam. The other half is then placed on top, forming a delightful sandwich. The finishing touch involves piping a small amount of creamy buttercream icing onto each cookie, transforming them into miniature edible works of art. These elegant cookie sandwiches are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a luxurious everyday treat. Their delicate balance of textures and flavors makes them incredibly satisfying and wonderfully addictive!
Crafting the Perfect Empire Cookies: Essential Tips and Tricks
Having experimented with countless cookie recipes over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable insights that are particularly crucial for making the absolute best Empire Cookies. These tips will help you achieve that perfect buttery texture, delightful flavor, and beautiful presentation every single time. Paying attention to these small details can elevate your homemade Empire Cookies from good to absolutely outstanding.
- Achieve the Right Dough Consistency: One of the most common issues with shortbread is dough that’s either too sticky or too dry. Ensure you have just enough flour in your dough. If the dough feels overly sticky and difficult to work with after mixing, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing until it forms a soft, pliable dough that’s easy to roll out without excessive stickiness. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Don’t rush the creaming process! This step is fundamental to achieving a light and airy texture in your shortbread. Spend a little extra time, specifically 2-3 minutes, beating the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air into the dough, which contributes significantly to the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency of your finished cookies.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: Consistency is key in baking, and preheating your oven is non-negotiable for perfectly baked cookies. A properly preheated oven ensures that your cookies begin to bake immediately and evenly, preventing them from spreading too much or baking unevenly. Always allow your oven to reach the specified temperature and hold it for at least 10-15 minutes before placing your cookie sheets inside.
- Utilize Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: For effortless cookie removal and consistent baking, using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is a game-changer. These materials create a non-stick surface, ensuring that your delicate shortbread cookies slide right off the baking sheet in perfect shape, without any scraping or breakage. This also helps with even heat distribution, contributing to a uniform bake.
- Avoid Overbaking for Tenderness: Shortbread cookies are best when they are tender and slightly pale, not heavily browned. When I remove my Empire Cookies from the oven, they still appear slightly underbaked, especially in the center. This is perfectly normal and desired! They will continue to cook and set on the hot baking sheet for a few extra minutes after being removed from the oven. Keep a close eye on them; the moment the edges turn a faint golden brown, it’s time to take them out. Overbaked shortbread can become tough and lose its signature crumbly texture.
- Chill the Dough Properly: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the shortbread dough for at least an hour (or even longer) is crucial. It allows the butter to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven and helps them retain their shape. It also gives the gluten a chance to relax, resulting in a more tender cookie.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are paramount. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for dry ingredients like flour, level them off with a straight edge to ensure you’re not adding too much or too little. Small variations can significantly impact the final texture of your shortbread.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Empire Cookies
Creating these delightful Empire Cookies requires a few simple yet high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for both the shortbread cookies and the luscious buttercream frosting, along with some helpful tips:
For the Shortbread Cookies:
Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is ideal for these cookies, providing the perfect structure and crumb. For those with dietary restrictions, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a substitute, often yielding excellent results without compromising texture. Ensure you measure your flour by lightly spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to over-measurement.
Baking Powder: This acts as the leavening agent, giving the shortbread a slight lift and tender crumb. To ensure its effectiveness, always check that your baking powder is fresh and not expired. Old baking powder will not react properly, resulting in flat, dense cookies.
Butter: Real butter is non-negotiable for classic shortbread flavor and texture. It provides richness and helps create that wonderful melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s absolutely essential that your butter is softened to room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, incorporating air and preventing a dense dough. Unsalted butter is usually preferred, giving you control over the salt content in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated white sugar is used to sweeten the shortbread dough. Beyond sweetness, sugar plays a role in the texture, contributing to the crispiness of the cookie and helping with browning. Fine granulated sugar will dissolve more easily into the butter, creating a smoother dough.
Egg: Just one egg is used as a binding agent, helping to hold all the ingredients together and adding a bit of moisture and richness to the dough. Before adding it to the butter and sugar mixture, whisk the egg lightly with a fork until the yolk and white are just combined. This ensures it incorporates smoothly into the batter.
Almond Extract: A small amount, typically 1/2 teaspoon, of almond extract imparts a wonderfully delicate and aromatic flavor that complements the shortbread beautifully. If you have almond allergies or prefer a different flavor profile, you can easily omit it or swap it for an equal amount of pure vanilla extract for a more classic taste.
For the Frosting and Assembly:
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is the base for the buttercream frosting. Its fine consistency ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting that is essential for piping a neat swirl onto the cookies.
Butter: As with the cookie dough, softened room temperature butter is crucial for the frosting. It allows for a creamy, workable texture when beaten with the powdered sugar and milk. Again, unsalted butter is recommended.
Milk: A small amount of milk (or cream) is added to the buttercream to adjust its consistency, thinning it out just enough to achieve that perfect pipable smoothness. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Almond Extract: Similar to the cookies, almond extract adds a delightful nuanced flavor to the buttercream. It pairs wonderfully with the raspberry jam. Feel free to substitute with vanilla extract if preferred.
Jam: The traditional filling for Empire Cookies is raspberry jam, which offers a beautiful tartness that contrasts perfectly with the sweet shortbread and frosting. You want the jam layer to be noticeable but not so thick that it oozes out excessively when the cookies are assembled. You can absolutely experiment with other jam flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blackcurrant for delicious variations.
Sprinkles: Sprinkles are entirely optional but add a fun, festive touch and a pop of color to the finished cookies. Choose your favorite colors or shapes to match the occasion!
How to Make Empire Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making Empire Cookies is a rewarding process that results in stunning and delicious treats. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
Before you begin, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the moment your cookies enter the oven, preventing them from spreading too much and helping them bake evenly.
In a small mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed. This prevents pockets of baking powder and ensures a uniform rise and texture in your cookies. Set this bowl aside for now.
In a larger mixing bowl, begin the creaming process. Add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these two ingredients together for approximately 2-3 minutes. This critical step incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light and fluffy base that will result in tender shortbread. The mixture should become pale in color and visibly lightened. Next, pour in the pre-beaten egg and the almond extract. Continue to beat for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix on a low speed or by hand, just until the flour is incorporated and a dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overworking the gluten can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of dry flour remain.
Turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper. Gently shape it into a disc or log, then wrap it tightly in the parchment paper. Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This chilling period is crucial for firming up the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading excessively during baking and makes the dough much easier to roll and cut.
Once the dough has thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it is approximately ¼ inch thick. Aim for an even thickness across the entire sheet of dough to ensure uniform baking.
Using a 1-inch scalloped cookie cutter (or a round cutter of your choice), cut out the individual cookie shapes. Carefully transfer these delicate cookie rounds to a baking sheet that is lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange them evenly spaced, leaving a little room between each cookie to prevent them from sticking together as they bake.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 6-7 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden brown. The tops should remain pale. Shortbread is delicate and can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone, so watch them closely. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This brief resting period allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before proceeding to the assembly stage, as warm cookies will melt the jam and frosting.
Directions for Preparing the Buttercream Frosting:
To prepare your smooth and creamy buttercream, begin by adding the softened butter and almond extract to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients until they are light and creamy, typically for 1-2 minutes. This creates the flavorful base for your frosting.
With the mixer set on a LOW speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, allowing it to incorporate slowly to prevent a cloud of sugar. Once most of the powdered sugar is mixed in, slowly add the milk. Mix until just combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes, or until the frosting is wonderfully smooth, light, and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (half a teaspoon at a time); if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach a perfect piping consistency.
Transfer the prepared buttercream frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. This tip will create beautiful, decorative swirls on top of your Empire Cookies. Set the piping bag aside until your cookies are ready for assembly.
Cookie Assembly: Bringing It All Together:
Once your shortbread cookies are completely cool, arrange half of them on a clean baking sheet, with their flat bottoms facing up. On each of these cookies, spread a small, even amount of your chosen raspberry jam. The goal is a noticeable layer of jam that adheres well but isn’t so thick that it overflows when topped. Take the remaining half of your cooled cookies and gently place one on top of each jam-covered cookie, forming neat cookie sandwiches.
Now, take your piping bag filled with buttercream frosting. Pipe a small, elegant swirl or dollop of frosting onto the center of each assembled cookie sandwich. This is where the visual appeal of Empire Cookies truly shines! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different piping tips for varied designs.
For an extra touch of festivity and color, immediately top each frosted cookie with a sprinkle of your favorite decorative sprinkles, if desired. This step adds a playful element and makes them even more appealing. Your beautiful and delicious Empire Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
EMPIRE COOKIES
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Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ stick unsalted butter room temperature
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Raspberry jam
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Add the flour and baking powder to a small mixing bowl and mix with a whisk to combine. Set aside.
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Add the butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Pour in the beaten egg and almond extract and beat for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Turn the dough out onto parchment paper, wrap it up, and place in the refrigerator for one hour to chill.
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After one hour, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out with a rolling pin until it is approximately ¼ inch thick.
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Cut out the cookies using a 1-inch scalloped cookie cutter and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
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Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the bottoms are barely golden brown. Let the cookies cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
FROSTING DIRECTIONS
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Add softened butter and almond extract to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy.
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With the mixer set on LOW speed, slowly add in the powdered sugar, followed by the milk, and mix until just combined. Turn the mixer speed up, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
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Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Set aside.
COOKIE ASSEMBLY
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Lay half of the cooled cookies on a baking sheet, bottom side up. Spread a small amount of jam onto each cookie and top with the remaining half of the cookies.
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Pipe a small swirl of frosting onto each cookie.
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Top with sprinkles if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
How to Properly Soften Butter for Baking
Achieving the perfect consistency in your cookie dough and frosting relies heavily on using properly softened butter. “Softened to room temperature” doesn’t mean melted or greasy; it means the butter is pliable enough to leave an indent when pressed, but still holds its shape. Here are a few reliable methods:
- Microwave Method (My Preference): I often use the defrost function on my microwave for quick softening. If you need a full stick (1/2 cup) of butter, you can leave it in its paper wrapper. For smaller amounts, place the butter in a glass or porcelain bowl. Set your microwave to its lowest defrost setting and run it for about 20 seconds. After this, check the butter by gently pressing it with a rubber scraper or your finger. It should yield easily but not be shiny or oily. If it’s still too firm, continue to microwave in short 5-10 second bursts, checking frequently. Butter softens very quickly, and overdoing it will result in melted butter, which can negatively affect your recipe.
- Countertop Method: The most straightforward method, though it requires foresight. Simply remove the butter from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before you plan to bake. The exact time will depend on your room’s temperature. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s easily indentable but not oily.
- Warm Water Bath Method: If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to use a microwave, you can place the wrapped stick of butter in a bowl of warm (not hot!) water for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the wrapper keeps the water out. This method softens the butter evenly, but be careful not to leave it too long.
- Pounding Method: For truly last-minute softening, you can place a stick of butter between two pieces of parchment paper and gently pound it with a rolling pin. This physically softens the butter, though it can be a bit more work.
Always aim for butter that is soft enough to cream easily but still cool to the touch. This ensures your cookies have the best possible texture.
Storage and Freezing Tips for Empire Cookies
To keep your delicious Empire Cookies fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here are some recommendations:
At Room Temperature: Once assembled and frosted, Empire Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies can help prevent them from sticking together and protect the frosting. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the frosting to melt.
Freezing for Longer Freshness: Empire Cookies freeze beautifully, allowing you to prepare them in advance or save extras for later. I typically prefer to freeze the baked shortbread cookies *before* adding the jam and frosting. This approach maintains the optimal texture of all components.
- To Freeze Unassembled Cookies: After the shortbread cookies have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 30 minutes until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for approximately 3-4 months.
- Thawing and Assembly: When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of frozen cookies and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. Once thawed, you can then proceed with spreading the raspberry jam and piping on the fresh buttercream frosting, as described in the recipe.
- Freezing Assembled Cookies (with Jam and Frosting): While possible, freezing fully assembled and frosted Empire Cookies can sometimes slightly alter the texture of the jam and frosting upon thawing. If you do freeze them assembled, flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving. Note that the frosting might be a little softer or the jam slightly runnier compared to freshly assembled cookies.
Creative Variations for Your Empire Cookies
While the classic raspberry jam and almond buttercream are truly divine, Empire Cookies offer a fantastic canvas for creative variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize these elegant treats to your personal taste!
- Jam Flavors: The most obvious change is to swap out the raspberry jam. Consider using strawberry, apricot, blackcurrant, or even a mixed berry preserve. For a richer, more autumnal flavor, a fig or plum jam could be exquisite. Just ensure the jam isn’t too runny, as this can make assembly messy.
- Frosting Flavors: Instead of almond extract in the buttercream, use pure vanilla extract for a more traditional sweet flavor. For a citrusy twist, add a tiny bit of lemon or orange zest to the frosting. A touch of rosewater could also add a delicate floral note, especially lovely with raspberry jam. You could also try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy counterpoint.
- Shortbread Add-ins: While the shortbread is perfect as is, you could lightly zest a lemon or orange into the dough for a subtle citrus aroma. Finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) could also be incorporated for added texture, though this moves slightly away from the traditional smooth shortbread.
- Toppings Beyond Sprinkles: If sprinkles aren’t your style, consider other garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar (instead of or in addition to frosting), a small candied cherry, a slivered almond, or even a tiny piece of crystallized ginger could add elegance and flavor. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the frosting can also be quite striking.
- Shape Variations: While round or scalloped round cutters are traditional, you could use other shapes for different occasions – hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for patriotic holidays, or squares for a modern look. Just remember to cut an even number of each shape!
These variations allow you to put your unique spin on a classic, making Empire Cookies a versatile and continually exciting baking project.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try:
If you’ve enjoyed making and tasting these delightful Empire Cookies, you’re likely a fan of elegant, flavorful cookie recipes. Here are some other fantastic cookie creations from our collection that you might love to bake next. Each offers a unique flavor profile and a rewarding baking experience, perfect for expanding your cookie repertoire:
- RASPBERRY ALMOND KISS COOKIES – Soft, chewy, and bursting with berry and almond flavor.
- LEMON RASPBERRY COOKIES – A bright and zesty cookie with pockets of sweet raspberry.
- BROWN SUGAR SHORTBREAD COOKIES – A richer, deeper flavored take on classic shortbread.
- ORANGE SHORTBREAD COOKIES – Citrusy and buttery, a delightful twist on tradition.
- RASPBERRY MELTAWAY COOKIES – Incredibly tender cookies that truly melt in your mouth.
- CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES – A decadent combination of chocolate, raspberry, and creamy cheesecake.
- TWIX COOKIE CUPS – A fun, bite-sized cookie replicating the popular candy bar.
- DUTCH ALMOND COOKIE CUPS – Rich almond flavor in a convenient, charming cup form.
- FRUIT SHAPED LINZER COOKIES – Beautiful sandwich cookies with a peek of colorful jam.
- STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE COOKIES – Soft, fruity, and irresistibly creamy.
Whether you’re new to these British and Scottish treasures or a seasoned baker, these Empire Cookies are sure to impress. With their buttery shortbread, tangy raspberry jam, and smooth buttercream frosting, they offer a perfect blend of elegance and home-baked goodness. These delicious cookie sandwiches are truly both pretty and incredibly delicious, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion or simply as a lovely treat to brighten your day!