Viennese Whirls

Viennese whirls are delicate, buttery cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, sandwiched with luscious cream and fruity jam. Each bite reveals the perfect balance of rich buttery dough, smooth cream, and tangy sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for tea time or special occasions.

Behind the Recipe

This classic cookie brings elegance to any dessert spread. The inspiration comes from traditional European baking, where light, airy biscuits are paired with rich fillings. Creating these whirls at home allows you to experience the same refined flavors and textures that have delighted generations.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Viennese whirls originated in Austria and became popular in the UK as an elegant tea-time cookie. Known for their distinctive piped swirl shape, these cookies are a favorite for gifting, special occasions, or simply as a luxurious homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love Viennese Whirls

Versatile: Serve them at tea time, parties, or as a delightful snack.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients for a gourmet result.

Quick and Easy: With the right piping technique, they come together efficiently.

Customizable: Fill with your favorite jam or flavored cream.

Crowd-Pleasing: Light, buttery, and elegant, perfect for sharing.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Cookies can be baked ahead and stored.

Great for Leftovers: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Chill the dough before piping to maintain swirl shape.
2. Use quality butter for the richest flavor.
3. Pipe evenly sized whirls for uniform baking.
4. Allow cream to set slightly before sandwiching cookies.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls: For combining dough ingredients.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements.

Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment for easy removal.

Piping Bag with Star Tip: For creating the signature swirl shape.

Spatula: For folding and transferring dough.

Ingredients in Viennese Whirls

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups, forms the delicate cookie structure.
2. Cornstarch: 1/2 cup, creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened, provides richness and flavor.
4. Powdered Sugar: 3/4 cup, sweetens and lightens the dough.
5. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the buttery flavor.
6. Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup, for the filling’s smooth texture.
7. Jam: 1/2 cup, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a fruity layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter: Vegan butter or margarine for a plant-based version.

Heavy Cream: Coconut cream or plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.

Jam: Any fruit preserve of choice.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cornstarch: Ensures cookies remain tender and delicate.

Vanilla Extract: Elevates the subtle buttery sweetness.

Instructions for Making Viennese Whirls

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Oven at 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Combine Ingredients: Beat butter and powdered sugar until light, then add vanilla. Gradually fold in flour and cornstarch.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Use lined baking sheets to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Dish: Fill a piping bag with dough and pipe evenly sized swirls onto the sheets.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake 12-15 minutes until lightly golden but still pale.
6. Finishing Touches: Allow cookies to cool completely. Whip cream and spread a layer on half the cookies, add jam, and sandwich with remaining cookies.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Perfect with tea or as an elegant dessert treat.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Crisp edges with a soft, buttery center, paired with creamy filling and tangy jam create a multi-layered flavor and texture experience.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Chill dough before piping to maintain shape.
• Use a large star tip for classic swirls.
• Avoid overbaking to keep centers soft.

What to Avoid

• Piping dough that is too soft, which loses shape.
• Overfilling cookies with cream or jam, which can leak.
• Overbaking, leading to dry, crumbly cookies.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cookies

Calories per serving: 180

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Bake cookies ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Assemble cream and jam just before serving for best texture.

How to Serve Viennese Whirls

Serve elegantly on a dessert platter with tea or coffee. Great for afternoon treats or gifting.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Chop and sprinkle over yogurt or ice cream.
• Use as a base for layered desserts.
• Crumble into truffles or energy bites.

Additional Tips

• Use high-quality jam for best flavor.
• Chill sandwiched cookies before serving for a neat presentation.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for extra elegance.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange on a tiered dessert tray and pipe extra decorative cream swirls on top for visual appeal.

Variations to Try

1. Chocolate-dipped bottoms for extra indulgence.
2. Use lemon curd instead of jam for a tangy twist.
3. Add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts in the cream layer.
4. Use colored buttercream for festive occasions.
5. Fill with mascarpone cream for a richer flavor.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these vegan?
A1: Yes, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.

Q2: Can I freeze them?
A2: Yes, freeze baked cookies without filling; assemble after thawing.

Q3: How do I prevent the swirls from flattening?
A3: Chill dough slightly and pipe onto cold sheets.

Q4: Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
A4: Yes, for convenience, but homemade offers better stability.

Q5: How long do they stay fresh?
A5: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Q6: Can I use other jams?
A6: Any fruit preserve works beautifully.

Q7: How do I keep cookies soft?
A7: Don’t overbake and store in an airtight container.

Q8: Can I pipe different shapes?
A8: Yes, use different piping tips for creative designs.

Q9: Can I add flavor to cream?
A9: Vanilla, lemon, or almond extract enhances the cream.

Q10: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
A10: Yes, adjust baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Viennese whirls are elegant, buttery cookies with creamy and fruity fillings, perfect for tea time or special occasions. Each bite melts in your mouth, combining delicate texture with rich flavors, making them a timeless homemade treat.

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