If you love delicate, buttery cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, then Wienerstube Cookies are just what you need! Inspired by traditional Austrian baking, these cookies are simple, elegant, and perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or given as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step ensures that the cookies will have a soft and tender texture.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe small, circular shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls, flattening them slightly with your fingers.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake, as these cookies are meant to stay light in color.
- Cool and Dust with Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter will be difficult to mix and may result in dense cookies.
- Piping Bag Tips: Using a piping bag with a star tip will give these cookies a beautiful, classic shape. If the dough is too stiff to pipe, let it rest for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough instead of tender.
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Wienerstube: Once the cookies are cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper for an extra special touch.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist on the traditional recipe.
- Almond Flavor: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before piping or shaping.
2. How should I store Wienerstube Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage; they will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No problem! You can simply scoop the dough and roll it into small balls, flattening them slightly before baking. They won’t have the traditional shape but will still taste delicious.
4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. Typically, reducing the salt by half should work well.
Wienerstube Cookies are a timeless treat that showcases the elegance and simplicity of traditional Austrian baking. With their buttery texture, delicate sweetness, and classic shape, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you keep them simple or add a fun variation like chocolate or lemon zest, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Give this recipe a try, and bring a touch of Austria into your kitchen today!
