Viennese Whirls

Introduction

Viennese Whirls are delicate, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. These elegant treats are made by piping a light, airy dough into swirls, which are then sandwiched together with a luscious buttercream filling. Often finished with a dusting of icing sugar, they’re perfect for any occasion, from tea time to special celebrations.

I first made these when I wanted to add a touch of elegance to a gathering, and they were an immediate hit. The combination of the crumbly, buttery biscuit with the smooth, rich buttercream is simply irresistible. What I love most about these cookies is how they look and taste so refined, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make. You can even experiment with the filling by adding flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit jams to switch things up.

Whether you’re serving them at a tea party or bringing them to a special occasion, Viennese Whirls are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Perfect for:

• Afternoon tea
• Special occasions
• Holiday baking
• Gift-giving
• Cookie lovers

Why You’ll Love This Viennese Whirls

Here’s why Viennese Whirls will quickly become your go-to cookie:

• Buttery and Melt-in-Your-Mouth: The combination of butter and cornstarch makes these cookies incredibly light and tender.
• Elegant Appearance: Their beautiful swirl design and creamy filling make them the perfect treat for any celebration.
• Simple Yet Delicious: Despite their sophisticated look, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
• Versatile Filling: The classic buttercream can be customized with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or raspberry.
• Make Ahead: These cookies can be prepared in advance and stored for several days, making them a great option for planning ahead.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 16 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Viennese Whirls:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornflour (cornstarch)
• Pinch of salt

For the Buttercream Filling:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The key ingredient for the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.
• Cornflour: This helps to give the cookies their light, tender crumb, making them delicate and crumbly.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle yet essential flavor to both the cookies and the buttercream filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in both the cookies and the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Sift the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and salt together, then gradually fold it into the butter mixture until just combined. The dough will be thick but soft.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
6. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in swirl shapes, each about 2 inches in diameter, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream Filling:

9. In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon of milk or cream, if necessary, to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Viennese Whirls:

11. Once the cookies have completely cooled, turn half of them upside down.
12. Pipe or spread a generous amount of buttercream onto the flat side of each upside-down cookie.
13. Top each buttercream-filled cookie with the remaining cookies, pressing gently to sandwich them together.

How to Serve Viennese Whirls

Viennese Whirls are best served with tea or as a treat for any occasion. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Afternoon Tea: Serve alongside other light treats like scones and finger sandwiches.
• On a Dessert Platter: Include them with other cookies and sweets for a beautiful dessert display.
• Gift-Giving: Pack them in a decorative tin or box to give as a homemade gift for any occasion.
• As a Celebration Treat: These cookies make a perfect addition to a wedding or birthday party.

Additional Tips for Viennese Whirls

Here are some tips to ensure your Viennese Whirls are perfect every time:

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to create the smoothest dough and buttercream.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough only until it’s combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Piping Tips: If you don’t have a star piping tip, you can use a round one, but the traditional swirl design will be less pronounced.
• Customize the Buttercream: Feel free to add flavors like cocoa powder, fruit purees, or even lemon zest to the buttercream for variation.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies before filling for longer storage.

Recipe Variations for Viennese Whirls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Viennese Whirls: for Viennese Whirls

• Chocolate Viennese Whirls: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough and mix in melted chocolate into the buttercream.
• Lemon Viennese Whirls: Add lemon zest to the dough and lemon juice to the buttercream for a citrus twist.
• Raspberry Viennese Whirls: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam between the cookies and the buttercream for a fruity flavor.
• Hazelnut Viennese Whirls: Stir ground hazelnuts into the dough and add hazelnut spread to the buttercream for a nutty flavor.
• Coffee Viennese Whirls: Add instant coffee granules to the dough and coffee extract to the buttercream for a coffee-flavored treat.
• Rose Viennese Whirls: Add rose water to the buttercream for a floral twist.
• Spiced Viennese Whirls: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Chocolate-Dipped Viennese Whirls: Dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Caramel Viennese Whirls: Mix caramel sauce into the buttercream or add a dollop of caramel in the center before sandwiching.
• Nutella Viennese Whirls: Fill with a mixture of Nutella and whipped cream for a hazelnut-chocolate flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Viennese Whirls

• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies (before assembling) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. Fill and assemble after thawing.
• Storage: Store filled Viennese Whirls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Viennese Whirls

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Viennese Whirls easier: for Viennese Whirls

• Piping Bag: For shaping the dough into beautiful swirls.
• Star Tip: A large star tip gives the cookies their signature swirl shape.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cookies evenly after baking.
• Electric Mixer: For easy creaming of the butter and sugar.
• Sifter: To sift the flour and cornstarch for a light and airy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions for Viennese Whirls

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine can be used, butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still pale in the center.
4. Can I freeze filled Viennese Whirls?
   It’s best to freeze the cookies before filling them, as the buttercream may become too soft when frozen.
5. How can I make these cookies more indulgent?
   Try adding a layer of jam, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream to the filling for an extra indulgent treat.

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Conclusion

Viennese Whirls are an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their delicate texture, buttery flavor, and customizable filling, these cookies offer a sophisticated and delicious twist on traditional baked goods. Whether for a special event or an afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress and satisfy any sweet craving.

This recipe is as charming as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from afternoon teas to festive celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with guests or treating yourself, these whirls are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

I’d love to see how your Viennese Whirls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!