Easy Strawberry Whirls – Buttery Biscuits with Jam and Icing

Homemade Strawberry Whirl Biscuits: Buttery, Jam-Filled Perfection

Introduction

Few things beat the charm of a classic biscuit, especially when it’s sandwiched with buttercream and a dollop of strawberry jam. These Homemade Strawberry Whirl Biscuits are a delightful copycat of the beloved store-bought variety, but made even better in your own kitchen. With buttery shortbread-style cookies, sweet and tangy jam, and a swirl of smooth icing, these treats are ideal for gifting, holidays, or afternoon tea.


Why I Love This Recipe

These strawberry whirls take me straight back to childhood—delicate, crumbly cookies with that signature window peek of glossy jam. What makes this version special is the texture: light from the rice flour, rich from the butter, and beautifully soft without being overly sweet. They hold their shape well, look bakery-worthy, and taste even better than the packaged kind.


Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

  • 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 2 tbsp golden syrup
  • ¼ cup rice flour
  • 1 cup cake wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • Strawberry jam (about ¼–⅓ cup, for filling)

For the Buttercream Icing:

  • ¼ cup (62.5g) butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup icing sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla essence

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

  • Golden syrup: Adds a rich, caramel note. If you can’t find it, light corn syrup or honey can be used, though the flavor will vary slightly.
  • Rice flour: Creates a more tender crumb. You can omit it and increase the all-purpose flour if necessary, but texture will be slightly firmer.
  • Jam: Strawberry is classic, but raspberry or cherry also work beautifully for a flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make the Biscuit Dough:
    • In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy.
    • Mix in the golden syrup until smooth.
    • Sift in the rice flour and cake flour gradually. Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms. If it feels sticky, add a tablespoon or two of extra flour as needed.
  2. Roll and Cut:
    • Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to just under ½ cm thickness. Thin is key—thicker cookies will be too bulky once sandwiched.
    • Cut out an even number of cookies using a round cutter or your desired shape.
    • For half the cookies, cut out a smaller hole in the center to create a “window.”
  3. Chill:
    • Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during baking.
  4. Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
    • Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
    • Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
  5. Prepare the Buttercream:
    • Beat butter until smooth. Add in icing sugar gradually and beat until light and fluffy.
    • Mix in vanilla essence.
  6. Assemble the Biscuits:
    • Spread a thin layer of buttercream onto the base cookie (the one without the hole).
    • Add a small spoonful of jam in the center.
    • Top with the cookie that has the hole, gently pressing down to sandwich.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the chill time before baking—the dough needs to firm up to avoid spreading.
  • Roll dough evenly for uniform baking and sandwiching.
  • Use a piping bag to neatly pipe in the buttercream if you want a cleaner look.
  • Dust with icing sugar after assembly for a beautiful bakery finish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These strawberry whirl biscuits pair wonderfully with a hot cup of English breakfast tea or a frothy latte. They also look lovely on a dessert platter next to:


Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.
  • If you’re planning ahead, bake the cookies and store them separately from the filling. Assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.
  • You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to a month and thaw before icing.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re into old-fashioned sweets with a twist, try:


Final Thoughts

These Homemade Strawberry Whirl Biscuits are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or just want a sweet project with a beautiful payoff, this recipe delivers. Bake them for tea time, holidays, or to impress someone with something from the heart.

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