German Biscuits

by Kay Green
(Henderson KY USA)

My Grandmother Foster (nee Day) was born in Lancashire and came to the US in 1911. She always made Christmas cookies that she called German Biscuits. It was somewhat like two butter cookies sandwiched together with a tart fruit jelly or jam. It was topped with a vanilla glaze and a half dried cherry. I don't have the recipe but still remember the wonderful cookie. She made them a bit early and kept them in a tin. They became soft and the flavors melded. Wish I had the recipe. I've made cookies that look like what I remember but don't quite have the taste.

Answer

Hi Kay,
I know exactly what you mean! I also remember tastes from my childhood that I seem to be unable to replicate in the kitchen these days, however carefully I research and follow old recipes. Maybe our tastebuds change as we get older?

As for your cookies, I believe they may be Empire Biscuits.

Back in 1911, they would have been called German Biscuits, since they were believed to have been introduced into England by Queen Victoria's German born husband, Prince Albert.

After World War I, Britain became patriotic and the biscuits acquired their new name.

Do you think my recipe recreates the taste?

Like this page?