🍪 Empire Cookies: Buttery, Jam-Filled Delights to Sweeten Any Day

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s something incredibly comforting about a cookie that whispers tales of home, hearth, and simpler times. Empire Cookies, with their tender, buttery shortbread embrace, a sweet surprise of jam, and a delicate kiss of icing, are precisely that. Each bite is a journey back to cherished memories, a delightful blend of textures and flavors that makes them utterly irresistible. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a thoughtful gift for a loved one, or simply a moment of pure, unadulterated indulgence, these cookies are a timeless classic that truly warms the soul.

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Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 45 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 30 cookies
• 💥 Vibe: Buttery, Sweet, Nostalgic

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Empire Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these enchanting cookies. Most of these are likely staples in your pantry, promising a delightful baking experience without a special trip to the store.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raspberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy) or lemon juice
• Glacé cherries or sprinkles for garnish (optional)

How to Make Empire Cookies

Let’s get baking! This process is a joyful one, transforming simple ingredients into a batch of beautiful, heartwarming cookies.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the wonderfully tender base for your cookies.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, ensuring everything is well combined and fragrant.
3. Gradually Add Flour: Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no streaks of flour remain.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
5. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out an even number of circles. For half of these circles, use a smaller cutter (like a thimble or mini cookie cutter) to cut a small hole in the center.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie cut-outs on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
7. Cool Completely: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. This is crucial before assembling to prevent the jam and icing from melting.
8. Assemble with Jam: Once cooled, spread a teaspoon of your chosen jam onto the flat side of each solid cookie. Gently place a cookie with a hole on top, creating a delightful jam sandwich.
9. Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth. Add more liquid, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pourable yet thick consistency.
10. Decorate and Garnish: Drizzle or spread the icing over the top of each assembled cookie. While the icing is still wet, adorn with a small piece of glacé cherry or a sprinkle of your favorite decorative touches for that classic Empire Cookie look.
11. Set and Enjoy: Allow the icing to set completely before serving. Then, gather your loved ones and share these exquisite treats!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Empire Cookies are wonderful on their own, but a little creativity can elevate them even further!

• Citrus Zest Magic: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to your cookie dough for a bright, zesty undertone that pairs beautifully with the jam.
• Flavorful Jams: Experiment with different jam flavors! Apricot, strawberry, or even a tart blackcurrant jam can offer a delightful new dimension.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, melt a little dark chocolate and drizzle it over the set icing for an extra layer of decadence.
• Nutty Crunch: Finely chop some toasted almonds or pecans and sprinkle them around the edges of the cookies before the icing sets for a lovely texture contrast.
• Tea Time Perfect: Serve these alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or a fragrant herbal tea for the ultimate afternoon treat. They’re also a lovely addition to any dessert platter.

Reviews

These cookies truly capture hearts! Here’s what some of our amazing fans have to say:

• Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “Absolutely divine! These Empire Cookies brought back so many childhood memories. The shortbread is perfectly tender, and the raspberry jam is just the right amount of sweet. A new family favorite!”
• Michael D. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “I made these for a potluck, and they were the first thing to disappear! So much more impressive than store-bought. The instructions were easy to follow, even for a beginner baker like me.”
• Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “The perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and fruity. I used apricot jam, and they were heavenly. My kids loved helping with the icing and sprinkles. Highly recommend!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake the perfect batch!

Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for Empire Cookies?
A: Yes, you can! A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend should work well. Keep an eye on the dough consistency, as you might need a tiny bit more liquid or flour.

Q: How long do Empire Cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal texture.

Q: Can I freeze Empire Cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the baked (but un-iced and un-jammed) cookies. Once thawed, then fill and ice them fresh.

Q: My cookies spread too much, what went wrong?
A: This usually happens if your butter was too soft, the dough wasn’t chilled enough, or your oven temperature was a bit off. Ensure your butter is just softened (not melted) and don’t skip the chilling step!

Conclusion

Baking Empire Cookies is more than just following a recipe; it’s an act of creating joy, a little piece of edible nostalgia that brings smiles to faces. From the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen to the delightful burst of jam and the tender crumb, every step is a reminder of the simple, beautiful pleasures of homemade treats. Don’t hesitate to whisk up a batch and share these buttery, sweet delights with those you cherish. Happy baking, sweet friends!

Recipe Note

For the most vibrant jam layer, use a high-quality fruit preserve with a good fruit content. It makes all the difference in flavor and texture!