British Bourbon Cookies, A Sweet Finale to Cookie Week - VLOGMAS DAY 20

Day 21 of #VLOGMAS2021.

It’s the last day of Cookie Week, and I’m telling you right now, we are going out with a bang. No timid shortbread or polite little sugar cookies today. Oh no, we’re bringing in the big guns: British Bourbon Cookies. Chocolatey, crispy, and aromatic, they’re the perfect sweet bite to close this week’s cookie celebration on a high note. Imagine this: two delicate, crisp biscuits with just the right snap when you bite into them, sandwiching a smooth, cocoa-rich filling that melts into the buttery crunch. It’s the kind of treat that begs for a hot drink, tea if you’re feeling proper, coffee if you need the caffeine, or even a mug of hot chocolate if you want to go all-in on indulgence.

Bourbon biscuits are a British classic, beloved since their creation in the early 20th century. Fun fact: despite their name, they contain no bourbon whiskey. The name “Bourbon” actually comes from the French royal House of Bourbon, a little nod to elegance, though these biscuits are the everyday hero of tea breaks rather than a fancy soirée dessert. They were first made in 1910 by the biscuit company Peek Freans in London, and since then they’ve become a staple in biscuit tins across the UK. For many Brits, bourbons are a childhood memory, the kind of treat your gran would serve with a cuppa, or the snack you’d find in your lunchbox, slightly softened from sitting next to a sandwich.

Bourbon biscuits have that special mix of festive and familiar that makes them ideal for this point in December. The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on, and there’s something incredibly comforting about pulling out a tray of fresh, warm biscuits while the lights on the tree twinkle in the background. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to impress. Just a few steps, a little patience while they bake, and you’re rewarded with a batch of rich, chocolatey treats that make the whole house smell like a cozy bakery.

Let’s not overlook the magic in their texture. A good bourbon biscuit is crisp, but not hard. It should have enough bite to hold together when dunked in tea, yet be delicate enough to crumble in the mouth without a fight. The cocoa in the biscuit layers gives them a subtle bitterness, perfectly balanced by the sweet, creamy filling.

Fresh from the oven, they have a warmth and aroma that packaged versions can’t compete with, that buttery-cocoa scent wrapping around you like a blanket. If you’ve only ever had store-bought bourbons, homemade will feel like an upgrade you didn’t know you needed. While I’m not giving you the recipe here (you’ll have to check the vlog for that), I will share a few insider tips that make all the difference:

1. Chill the dough – A short rest in the fridge before rolling helps the biscuits keep their shape and ensures a crisp texture.

2. Even thickness is key – Use spacers or guides when rolling so all biscuits bake evenly.

3. Don’t overbake – They should come out firm but not darkened; they’ll crisp as they cool.

4. Pipe or spread filling carefully – A consistent layer means each bite is perfectly balanced.

5. Store airtight – If you somehow have leftovers, keep them sealed to preserve that fresh crunch.

Classic bourbons are perfect as they are, but if you like to play around, here are a few fun variations:

Peppermint Bourbon Biscuits – Add a drop of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive twist.

Salted Caramel Layer – Spread a whisper of salted caramel under the chocolate cream for indulgence squared.

Nutty Delight – Add finely ground hazelnuts or almonds to the biscuit dough for a richer flavor.

Festive Dips – Half-dip the finished biscuits in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

These little changes can make the biscuits feel fresh and exciting, especially if you’re gifting them or adding them to a holiday cookie platter.

The charm of bourbon biscuits lies in their simplicity. They’re not flashy. They don’t demand a dozen specialty ingredients. They’re reliable, familiar, and quietly elegant. That makes them the perfect bridge between everyday treats and something a bit more special for the holidays. For many people, they’re also nostalgic. Food has a way of carrying memories, and a bite of a bourbon biscuit can transport you back to childhood, maybe sitting at your grandmother’s kitchen table, swinging your feet while the kettle boiled.

Ending Cookie Week with bourbons feels right. We’ve explored sweet, chewy, spicy, and nutty cookies over the last few days, and now we’re closing with something that has stood the test of time. There’s no better finale than a biscuit that’s been loved for over a century. And while I’m feeling a little bittersweet about wrapping up this theme, there’s comfort in knowing I’ll be carrying this momentum into the last stretch of #VLOGMAS2021. Christmas is just days away, and the kitchen is still buzzing with activity, roasts, sides, cakes, and maybe even one more cheeky batch of biscuits before the big day.

Of course, the best way to enjoy these is with a drink in hand. Bourbons are made for dunking, and while I’ll always recommend a strong cup of English breakfast tea for authenticity, they’re equally good with coffee or hot cocoa. There’s a simple pleasure in the dunk, that moment when the biscuit softens just enough, the filling warms slightly, and you take a bite before it collapses. It’s a little messy, but isn’t that half the fun?

If you’ve been following my #VLOGMAS journey, you’ll know that the kitchen has been my happy place this month. There’s a rhythm to baking that feels especially right during the holidays, measuring, mixing, shaping, baking. It’s a process that slows you down, even just for a little while, and lets you be fully present in the moment. Bourbon biscuits embody that spirit. They’re unfussy yet deeply satisfying, the kind of bake that rewards you with both flavor and a sense of accomplishment. And when you share them, whether with family, friends, or the neighbors down the street, you’re not just giving them a snack, you’re giving them a little piece of warmth from your kitchen.

So here we are, the end of Cookie Week, the kitchen smelling faintly of chocolate and butter, a tin of fresh bourbon biscuits cooling on the counter. Outside, the December air is crisp, the lights are glowing, and the countdown to Christmas feels both exciting and a little surreal.

This #VLOGMAS has been a whirlwind of flavors, textures, and stories. And while there’s still more to come before Christmas Day, I’m already feeling grateful for the chance to share these recipes, and these moments, with you. So, pour yourself a cup of something warm, grab a bourbon biscuit, and take a minute to savor this cozy pause in the holiday rush. After all, it’s not just about the baking or the eating,  it’s about creating little pockets of joy along the way.

Who Will Love These Bourbon Biscuits? This recipe is perfect for:

Baking Enthusiasts: If you love spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors, and creating homemade treats, these Bourbon Biscuits are a great addition to your repertoire.
Chocolate Lovers: The combination of cocoa powder and a luscious chocolate filling makes these biscuits a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth and a penchant for chocolate.
Party Planners: Bourbon Biscuits are fantastic for entertaining guests. They look and taste like they came from a high-end bakery, making them a showstopper at any gathering.
Family Fun: Baking with kids can be a memorable experience. Get your little ones involved in making these biscuits, and watch them enjoy every moment of it.

What Makes Bourbon Biscuits Great?
1. A Perfect Chocolate Fix
The combination of cocoa powder in the biscuit and the cocoa-rich filling ensures that every bite delivers a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor. It's a chocolate lover's paradise!
2. Buttery Bliss
The addition of butter and golden syrup in the biscuit dough gives these treats a rich, buttery taste that melts in your mouth. It's the perfect complement to the chocolatey goodness.
3. Customizable Filling
While our recipe includes a classic chocolate filling, you can get creative. Try variations like peanut butter, mint, or even fruity jams for a unique twist on the traditional Bourbon Biscuit.
4. Impressively Homemade
These biscuits look and taste like they're straight from a fancy bakery, yet you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you made them yourself.
5. Great for Gifting
Looking for a thoughtful homemade gift? Package these Bourbon Biscuits in a cute box or tin, and you have a delightful present that anyone would appreciate.

INGREDIENTS 

For the Biscuits:

• 175g All-Purpose Flour
• 25g Cocoa Powder
• 75g Butter or Margarine
• 50g Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Golden Syrup
• 1 Egg, lightly beaten
• Granulated Sugar for sprinkling

For The Filling:

• 100g Butter
• 175g Icing Sugar
• 25g Cocoa Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Boiling Water

Equipment You'll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Baking trays
• Baking parchment
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (optional)
• Wire rack for cooling

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
• In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder.
• In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the golden syrup and beaten egg to the creamed mixture. Mix well.
• Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until you have a smooth dough.
3. Roll and Cut:
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thickness.
• Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut out rectangular biscuit shapes.
• Place them on the prepared baking trays, leaving some space between each.
4. Bake and Cool:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm but not hard.
• Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Filling:
• In a bowl, mix the butter, icing sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
• Add the boiling water and stir until you have a glossy, spreadable consistency.
6. Assemble Your Bourbon Biscuits:
• Once the biscuits are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the filling onto one biscuit and sandwich it with another.
• Repeat until all the biscuits are filled.
7. Finishing Touch:
• Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of each biscuit for that classic Bourbon Biscuit look.
8. Let Them Set:
• Allow the biscuits to set for at least an hour before indulging.

Tips and Shortcuts

• Chill the Dough: If you're short on time, you can pop the biscuit dough in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm it up quickly.
• Store Properly: Keep your Bourbon Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
• Variations: Experiment with different fillings like peanut butter, hazelnut spread, or even a fruity jam to add your own twist to these biscuits.

Bourbon Biscuits – FAQs

1. What are Bourbon biscuits?

Bourbon biscuits are classic chocolate sandwich cookies made of two rectangular chocolate-flavored biscuits filled with a chocolate buttercream or fondant filling.

2. Do they contain bourbon whiskey?

No. Despite the name, Bourbon biscuits do not contain any alcohol. The name likely comes from the Bourbon dynasty or a brand naming decision—nothing to do with whiskey.

3. Are they crunchy or soft?

The outer biscuits are crisp and crunchy, while the filling is smooth and creamy. When stored properly, they maintain a nice contrast in texture.

4. Can I make them at home?

Yes! Homemade versions typically use cocoa powder, flour, butter, sugar, and a chocolate buttercream or icing sugar filling. They’re rolled, cut, baked, and then sandwiched.

5. How long do they last?

Homemade Bourbon biscuits can last up to 5–7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition Card – Approx. per 1 biscuit (~20g)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)	Notes
Calories	95 kcal	—	Varies based on filling and size
Protein	1.2 g	2%	From flour and cocoa
Carbohydrates	13 g	5%	Mainly from sugar and flour
Sugars	7 g	—	Primarily from the filling
Fat	4.5 g	7%	From butter or shortening in biscuit & filling
Sodium	40 mg	2%	Low, depending on added salt
Cholesterol	5 mg	2%	From butter in homemade versions

Dietary Compatibility & Notes

Diet Type	Compatible?	Suggestions
Gluten-Free	❌ No	Use gluten-free flour to substitute
Dairy-Free	❌ No	Use dairy-free butter substitutes for both biscuit & filling
Keto/Low-Carb	❌ No	High in flour and sugar
Paleo	❌ No	Contains processed ingredients
Whole30	❌ No	Contains grains, sugar, and dairy
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Traditional recipes are vegetarian
Vegan	✅ With changes	Use plant-based butter/milk and vegan icing sugar

Serving Tip:

Serve with tea, coffee, or as part of a biscuit tin assortment. For extra indulgence, chill briefly for a firmer bite or enjoy warm for a softer texture.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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