Viennese Whirls: The Perfect Biscuit for Your Afternoon Tea

Introduction

When you think of classic afternoon tea treats, the first few options that probably come to mind are delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and, of course, those melt-in-your-mouth biscuits or cookies that everyone seems to love. One such treat is the Viennese Whirl, a light and buttery biscuit with a beautifully smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, often filled with a rich buttercream and a touch of jam for that perfect sweetness. These beautiful biscuits are a staple at any elegant tea party or festive gathering, and once you taste them, it’s easy to see why they’ve been a beloved treat for generations.

The Viennese Whirl is not just a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Their signature swirl shape and delicate layers make them as visually impressive as they are delicious, adding a touch of sophistication to any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a part of a holiday spread, preparing them for a casual afternoon snack, or offering them as a gift, Viennese Whirls are the perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

This recipe will guide you through creating these delightful biscuits with their trademark buttery flavor, crisp yet soft texture, and indulgent filling. Plus, we’ll share tips for variations and ideas for serving them to elevate any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The shortbread-like base combined with the rich, creamy filling creates a delicious, indulgent biscuit that is a joy to eat.
• Perfect for tea time: These biscuits pair wonderfully with a pot of your favorite tea, making them ideal for afternoon tea or as part of a festive spread.
• Impressive presentation: The swirl shape of the Viennese Whirl makes them not only a tasty treat but a beautifully presented one, perfect for impressing guests.
• Customizable filling: Whether you prefer a classic buttercream filling or want to experiment with different flavors like chocolate ganache or fruit jam, this recipe is highly adaptable.
• Great for gifting: Packaged in a beautiful tin or box, these biscuits make for a wonderful homemade gift that’s both thoughtful and delicious.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (including 15 minutes prep, 45 minutes baking and cooling)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 Viennese Whirls, depending on the size of your swirls.

Nutrition Facts (per biscuit):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base:

• 200g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 100g icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 50g cornflour (cornstarch)
• Pinch of salt

For the Buttercream Filling:

• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g icing sugar, sifted
• 1-2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream, for a richer filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Jam (raspberry or strawberry) – optional, for spreading inside the biscuits
• Optional: Edible glitter or a light dusting of powdered sugar for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is important, as it incorporates air into the dough, helping the biscuits have a light texture. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer makes this process quicker, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon.

Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until combined. Next, sift the plain flour, cornflour, and a pinch of salt into the mixture. This ensures your flour is aerated and free from lumps, which will contribute to a smoother dough. Gently fold in the sifted ingredients using a spatula or a spoon. Be careful not to overwork the dough; just mix until the ingredients are incorporated into a soft, smooth dough.

The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Once the dough is ready, it’s time to pipe it into beautiful swirls.

Step 3: Pipe the Biscuits

Using a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle (or a disposable piping bag with the tip cut off), spoon the dough into the bag. Twist the end of the bag tightly to prevent the dough from spilling out.

On the prepared baking sheets, pipe the dough into small rosettes or swirls, about 2 inches in diameter. To form the swirl, begin by piping a small circle and then spiral the dough around itself to create a pretty swirl shape. If you prefer, you can also make traditional round biscuits, but the swirl shape is what gives them their signature look.

Leave enough space between each swirl, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Viennese Whirls

Bake the Viennese Whirls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden at the edges. Be careful not to overbake them; they should still look pale and soft. The key to these biscuits is their delicate texture, and overbaking can make them too crisp.

Once the biscuits are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming too fragile while they’re still warm.

Step 5: Make the Buttercream Filling

While the biscuits are cooling, prepare the buttercream filling. In a clean bowl, beat the butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add the icing sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well between each addition. Once the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla extract and milk (or heavy cream), adjusting the amount to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a firmer buttercream, you can add a little more icing sugar.

Continue to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy. You want the buttercream to be spreadable but not too runny. It should hold its shape when piped onto the biscuits.

Step 6: Assemble the Viennese Whirls

Once the biscuits are completely cool, flip half of them over so the flat side is facing up. Using the same piping bag, pipe a generous amount of buttercream onto the center of each biscuit. If you like, you can add a small spoonful of jam on top of the buttercream before sandwiching the biscuits together.

Gently place the remaining biscuits on top of the buttercream, pressing them down lightly to create a sandwich. Be sure to line up the swirls so they match up perfectly, creating a beautiful finished look.

Step 7: Optional Decoration

For an extra touch of elegance, dust the tops of the Viennese Whirls with a light sprinkle of icing sugar or edible glitter. This adds a festive shine and makes them even more inviting, perfect for special occasions like Christmas or a birthday tea party.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Viennese Whirls are now ready to be served! These delicate, buttery biscuits are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or as part of a holiday spread. Pair them with a cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast Tea, or even a Champagne for a more celebratory touch.

How to Serve

Viennese Whirls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for a few days to allow the flavors to develop. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Afternoon Tea: Serve the Viennese Whirls alongside other traditional tea-time treats like finger sandwiches, scones, and mini quiches for a truly British experience.
• Holiday Gatherings: These biscuits make a wonderful addition to your Christmas or New Year’s Eve spread. Their elegant appearance and sweet, buttery flavor will impress your guests.
• Gift Giving: Package these biscuits in a decorative tin with a pretty ribbon to make a charming homemade gift. They’re sure to be appreciated by anyone who receives them.

Variations

• Chocolate Filling: For a richer twist, replace the traditional buttercream filling with a chocolate ganache or chocolate buttercream.
• Fruit Jam: Instead of the classic raspberry jam, experiment with other jams like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry to customize the flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the buttercream for a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the biscuit.
• Nutty Whirls: For a crunchy twist, add finely chopped pecans or almonds into the buttercream, or sprinkle some on top before baking.

Storing and Freezing

Storage: Once the biscuits are assembled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing: If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the unassembled biscuits. Place the baked and cooled biscuit halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store the biscuits for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply assemble with the buttercream and jam.

Conclusion

These Viennese Whirls are a wonderful combination of rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or just indulging in a delicious treat with your afternoon tea, they’re sure to be a hit. The recipe is simple enough for novice bakers but sophisticated enough to impress your guests, making them the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Give them a try and enjoy the blissful bite of these beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits!

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