Making Bourbon Biscuits

Bourbon biscuits are a classic chocolate-flavored sandwich biscuit with a creamy chocolate filling. They originated in Britain and have remained a tea-time favorite for decades. Here’s a recipe to make about 20 bourbon biscuits (10 sandwich pairs).

The History of Bourbon Biscuits

The Bourbon biscuit is an iconic British biscuit that has been enjoyed for over a century. The name “Bourbon” may evoke thoughts of the famous European royal family or the American whiskey, but the biscuit’s origins are somewhat different and more closely tied to British culinary history.

Origins of the Bourbon Biscuit

The Bourbon biscuit was invented in 1910 by the British biscuit company Peek Freans, which was founded in London in the 19th century. Peek Freans was a well-known name in the world of biscuits and confections, having created a variety of popular treats, including the Garibaldi biscuit and the Marie biscuit.

The Bourbon biscuit was originally known as the “Creola” when it was first introduced. However, in 1930, the name was changed to “Bourbon” in honor of the Bourbon dynasty, the French royal family that ruled parts of Europe, including France and Spain, for centuries. The decision to rename the biscuit after the Bourbon family was likely a marketing move to associate the biscuit with a sense of luxury and refinement.

The Bourbon biscuit became a hit in Britain and has remained a staple in biscuit tins ever since. Its appeal lies in its perfect balance of crisp chocolate biscuit and smooth, rich chocolate filling, making it both simple and indulgent at the same time.

Why Are They Called “Bourbon?”

The name “Bourbon” is derived from the House of Bourbon, one of the most important royal dynasties in Europe. The Bourbon family first rose to prominence in the 13th century, eventually ruling over France, Spain, and Naples at different points in history. The family was synonymous with power, prestige, and wealth, particularly in France during the reign of Louis XIV.

By naming the biscuit “Bourbon,” the creators at Peek Freans likely sought to give their product a royal connection, implying that it was a luxurious and refined treat worthy of the elite. This marketing tactic played into the long tradition of naming foods and products after famous places or families to enhance their appeal.

Interestingly, there is no direct connection between the biscuit and the Bourbon family, other than the name itself. Some people might mistakenly associate the biscuit with Bourbon whiskey, but the biscuit has no relation to the American spirit. Despite this, the name “Bourbon” has stuck and is now synonymous with the chocolate sandwich biscuit we know and love today.

The Evolution of Bourbon Biscuits

Since their creation, Bourbon biscuits have become one of the most popular biscuits in the UK and are now produced by several different companies, including McVitie’s, one of the largest biscuit manufacturers in Britain. The classic Bourbon biscuit retains its signature look: two chocolate-flavored rectangular biscuits with small holes on the top, sandwiched together with a chocolate buttercream filling.

The original recipe has been slightly adapted over the years to suit modern tastes, but the core elements—crisp chocolate biscuits and creamy chocolate filling—have remained consistent. Bourbon biscuits are beloved for their balance of texture and flavor, providing a satisfying crunch with a smooth, sweet center.

Bourbons are often enjoyed as part of traditional tea-time in Britain and are also a popular choice for dunking in tea or coffee due to their firm texture, which holds up well when dipped.

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Fun Facts About Bourbon Biscuits

• Shape and Design: The signature rectangular shape of the Bourbon biscuit is one of its defining characteristics. The small holes on the surface of the biscuit are not just for decoration; they also help to release steam during baking, ensuring a crisp texture.
• Popularity: Bourbon biscuits consistently rank as one of the most popular biscuits in Britain, often appearing in the top 10 lists of favorite biscuits. Their enduring popularity speaks to their status as a classic comfort food.
• Variants: While the classic chocolate Bourbon biscuit is the most well-known, there are a few variations. Some manufacturers produce Bourbon biscuits with different fillings or even add a layer of chocolate coating for an extra indulgence.

The Bourbon biscuit is a beloved staple in British biscuit culture, with a history that spans more than a century. Despite its regal name, the biscuit is accessible and loved by people of all backgrounds. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea, dunked in coffee, or simply on its own, the Bourbon biscuit remains a comforting treat that has stood the test of time.

This simple chocolate sandwich biscuit embodies everything people love about classic biscuits: a satisfying crunch, a rich flavor, and just the right amount of indulgence. And now, with this recipe, you can create your own batch of homemade Bourbon biscuits, perfectly crisp and delicious.

So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat with a bit of history behind it, whip up a batch of Bourbon biscuits and enjoy a taste of British tradition.

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Dough:

• 100g unsalted butter (softened)
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tbsp golden syrup
• 200g plain flour
• 30g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1-2 tbsp milk

For the Chocolate Cream Filling:

• 50g unsalted butter (softened)
• 100g icing sugar
• 20g cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp milk (if needed)

Preparation and Cooking Times:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Chilling time: 20-30 minutes
• Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
• Assembling time: 15 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

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Preparation

1. Make the Biscuit Dough:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Syrup and Dry Ingredients:
   Stir in the golden syrup. Sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, and mix until it comes together into a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp of milk, a little at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. You want a dough that holds together well but isn’t too sticky.
3. Chill the Dough:
   Wrap the dough in cling film or place it in a plastic bag and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut.

2. Shape and Bake the Biscuits:

1. Preheat Oven:
   While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan), or 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of about 3-4mm. Cut out small rectangles (roughly 6cm x 3cm) using a ruler for accuracy or a template. Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Dock the Biscuits:
   Use a fork to poke holes across the surface of each biscuit, mimicking the traditional bourbon biscuit look. This will also prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
4. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The biscuits should feel firm to the touch but will crisp up further as they cool.
5. Cool:
   Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Chocolate Cream Filling:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Sift in the icing sugar and cocoa powder, and mix until combined. Add a little milk if needed to loosen the mixture and make it spreadable.
2. Fill the Biscuits:
   Once the biscuits are completely cool, spread a layer of the chocolate cream filling on the flat side of one biscuit and sandwich it with another biscuit, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly to the edges.

4. Serve:

Once all the biscuits are sandwiched, they are ready to be served. Store the biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

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Nutritional Information (per sandwich biscuit):

• Calories: 120-150 kcal
• Fat: 6-8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4-5g
• Carbohydrates: 18-22g
  • Sugars: 10-12g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Protein: 1-2g
• Sodium: 5-10mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.