Wienerstube Cookies are a delicious treat inspired by traditional Austrian flavors. These buttery cookies are made with a hint of almond and vanilla, giving them a delicate texture and rich taste. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This helps make the dough easier to handle and roll out.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut the Cookies
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes and place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Even Rolling: Roll the dough as evenly as possible to ensure uniform baking. Using rolling pin guides can help with even thickness.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Wienerstube Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted chocolate and let it set for an added touch of decadence.
- Jam-Filled Cookies: Cut out small shapes from the center of half of the cookies before baking. Once baked and cooled, sandwich them with your favorite jam.
- Spiced Wienerstube Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a hint of warm spice.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle finely chopped almonds on top of the cookies before baking for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roll out and bake.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
3. Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?
If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
4. Can I Add Food Coloring to the Dough?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the dough if you’d like to create festive, colorful cookies. Gel food coloring works best to avoid adding too much liquid.
Wienerstube Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, almond, and vanilla. These tender cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with chocolate or jam, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the classic taste of homemade Austrian-inspired cookies!
