Empire biscuit facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Empire Cookie, Imperial biscuit; double biscuit, German biscuit, Linzer biscuit, Deutsch biscuit, Belgian biscuit, biscuit bun |
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| Type | Cookie |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Region or state | Scotland |
| Main ingredients | Biscuits, jam in between two biscuits. The top is covered with white glace icing, usually decorated with a jelly sweet |
An Empire biscuit is a yummy sweet treat popular in Scotland and other Commonwealth countries. It's made of two biscuits with a layer of jam in the middle. The top is covered with white icing and often has a colorful jelly sweet on top. You might also hear it called an Imperial biscuit, German biscuit, or Belgian biscuit, depending on where you are!
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The Story of the Empire Biscuit
The Empire biscuit has an interesting history with different names over time. It was first known as the "Linzer biscuit," and later as the "Deutsch biscuit." When World War I started, people in England renamed it the Empire biscuit. In Scotland, it became the Belgian biscuit because Belgium had just been invaded during the war.
Names Around the World
Even today, the name can change depending on the region. In Northern Ireland, it's often still called the German biscuit or biscuit bun. In Scotland, people in the North-east might call it a "double shortbread," while those in the West usually say "Empire biscuit." Some versions in Northern Ireland even have jam and coconut on top! It's also sometimes called a "Belgian biscuit" because its topping looks a bit like a Belgian bun, which is a pastry.
What's Inside an Empire Biscuit?
A typical Empire biscuit is made with two shortbread biscuits. These are sandwiched together with a delicious layer of jam, usually raspberry. The top biscuit is then covered with smooth, white icing. To make it extra special, it's often decorated with a bright red glace cherry in the center. Sometimes, you might see other colorful jelly sweets on top instead.
Where Did It Come From?
The Empire biscuit was inspired by a famous Austrian dessert called the Linzer Torte. The Linzer Torte is a larger, cake-like pastry with a lattice top. The Empire biscuit is like a smaller, simpler version of this classic treat.
Similar Sweet Treats
Empire biscuits are similar to other popular biscuits. For example, they share some features with Viennese whirls, which are also sweet, sandwiched biscuits.
Empire Biscuits in New Zealand
In New Zealand, this type of biscuit is known as a "Belgium" or "Belgian biscuit." It became very popular around the end of World War I. Today, you can find it as a biscuit or even in a slice form.
New Zealand's Unique Twist
New Zealand's "Belgium" biscuits often have a unique twist. They are typically spiced biscuits filled with raspberry jam. The top is usually covered with pink or white icing, and instead of a cherry, they often have raspberry jelly crystals sprinkled on top. These "Belgium" biscuits are quite different from the traditional Empire biscuit. The Empire biscuit is actually more similar to a New Zealand "Shrewsbury" biscuit.
Images for kids
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A batch of Belgium biscuits
