The best biscuits in Glasgow

Nicola Sturgeon said of Plant Blonde’s signature item: “This is the best empire biscuit I’ve ever tasted.” And with such an endorsement from the country’s First Minister, this relatively new (opened in 2020) vegan bakery is making waves in the biscuit world. And she’s certainly not the first to declare a love of the local brand’s products – famed Glaswegian comedian Kevin Bridges is also a fan. Based on Hyndland Street in Partick, the pretty, on-trend venue, that’s as Instagrammabe as its biscuits, is owned by Jennifer Walls and Marc Sorbie. Don’t miss the Biscoff Cream biccies and cruelty-free cookies, all baked in-house daily.

Afternoon tea at this charming vintage tearoom is a truly pampering experience. The cute little venue is ‘hidden’ in the bohemian and arty Argyle Court and while it’s easy to miss, it’s unmissable. Order a tiered stand of sandwiches, scones and cakes and you’ll also receive the biscuits of the day. These vary, but we’ve spotted heart shapes for Mother’s Day, green iced fir trees for Christmas and double-layered creations sprinkled with icing sugar and lemon curd baked in. It’s all very indulgent and arrives along with tea in an antique china pot with cups and saucers. The Hidden Lane Tearoom is certainly excellent at presenting diners with the fanciest of biscuits, that have a pleasing crunch, yet melt in the mouth.

Like The Hidden Lane Tearoom, The Hyndland Cafe includes biscuits as part of its afternoon tea, served on a traditional stand. It has a preference for shortbreads half-dipped in chocolate, the classic Empire Biscuit (one TripAdvisor proclaimed it was the “best ever”) and nutty varieties, laced with rich dried fruits. Owned by couple Stewart and Kim Bisley, this venue is both a family and community interest, that’s especially popular with Hyndland residents.

Now widely regarded as one of the top cafes in the city (and beyond), Single-end has expanded to two spaces: one in Garnethill and the other in the Merchant City. It’s brilliant for those on a gluten-free diet – we know that finding baked goodies that you can eat is often a challenge, but not here. Holidays see special biscuits appearing on the lavishly laden home-baked counter of wonder; the heart-shaped iced biccies for Valentine’s Day were especially cute. You’ll always find a range of gorgeous, gooey cookies and iced creations to go with some of the best freshly roasted coffee in town.

If stunning and artful aesthetics are what you’re after, take a wander down to G4 and the Broken Clock Cafe, which opened in 2019. More of a patisserie than a bakery, the experimental sweet goods here are tasty, but they’re almost too good to eat. Peruse the counter for the biscuits, cakes and pastries made daily. You’ll find high-end varieties, like madelaine shaped chocolate covered delights, pistachio cookies with pistachio praline, walnut cookies with walnut praline, colourful French macarons and biscuits topped with lush green ‘apples’ made from sugar. Wash it all down with a pot of fine loose leaf tea or an artisan coffee.

Glasgow’s gluten-free bakery may be small, but it’s mighty. Pop in to take away or on a nice day, take a seat outside in the venue’s garden, with a Tin Donkey hot beverage. You’ll often find offers on the cookies here and be sure to sample Wild Flours’ own take on the humble jammie dodger. The team works with white and brown rice flour, tapioca, potato starch, sorghum, millet and oat, to ensure those allergic to wheat, still get top standard baked goods. Wild Flours is in Hillpark, just beyond Shawlands, handy for those who live in the southern suburbs of the city. But if you’re seeking GF biscuits, it’s well worth hopping on a bus from the centre.