Ingredients
- For the Biscuits:
- 250g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 50g (1/4 cup) icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 50g (1/2 cup) cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the Filling:
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200g (1 1/2 cups) icing sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g (1/3 cup) raspberry jam
Introduction
Step into the delightful world of Viennese Whirls—a quintessentially British biscuit with its roots tracing back to the elegant patisseries of Vienna. These delicate, buttery biscuits are filled with luscious buttercream and tangy raspberry jam, making them a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee. Whether they bring fond memories or you’re discovering them anew, Viennese Whirls are a treat for the senses—rich in texture and dripping with charm.
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Electric Mixer
- Piping Bag with Star Nozzle
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and continue to mix until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating continuously until you have a smooth, soft dough.
Step 3: Pipe the Biscuits
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Pipe 5cm (2-inch) circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each biscuit for expansion.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Let the biscuits cool slightly on the sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Transfer the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a smaller star nozzle.
Step 6: Assemble the Viennese Whirls
Once the biscuits are completely cool, turn half of them upside down. Pipe a swirl of buttercream onto each overturned biscuit and top with a small spoonful of raspberry jam. Sandwich with the remaining biscuits, pressing gently.
Conclusion
Bravo! You’ve mastered the art of crafting elegant Viennese Whirls. Enjoy the symphony of buttery biscuits, velvety buttercream, and sweet-tart raspberry jam. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or savoring them solo with a steaming cup of tea, these whirls promise to elevate any occasion. Experiment with different jams or explore alternative jam flavors for a new twist on this classic delight.
Additional Tips
- Consider adding a hint of lemon or almond to the buttercream for a twist on the classic flavor.
Sharing these delightful treats with friends and family is not just about offering them a sweet bite, but also about spreading joy and affection through the care put into baking. Enjoy the process, and relish the smiles they bring to your loved ones’ faces.
