Chocolate Viennese Biscuits

Chocolate Viennese Biscuits Recipe from Austria

Region / culture: Austria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chocolate Viennese Biscuits are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cocoa and butter in a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. These biscuits are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or for gifting to friends and family.

History

Viennese biscuits originated in Austria and are known for their light and buttery texture. The addition of cocoa in this recipe gives these biscuits a rich chocolate flavor that is sure to please any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

225 g of self-rising flour
90 g of cocoa
30 g of cornflour
225 g of unsalted butter, softened
90 g of icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp of vanilla extract
icing sugar, for dusting
115 g of melted chocolate

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Grease two large baking sheets.
Sift together the flour, cocoa, and cornflour into a bowl.
In another large bowl, beat the butter and icing sugar until fluffy.
With the beater on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and vanilla extract until it forms a soft dough.
Shape the dough into 'bar' shapes, approximately 10 cm long by 5 cm wide.
Bake for about 15–20 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through.
Keep an eye on them as they should only be slightly firm, and all ovens vary.
Cool the cookies on a wire cooling rack until they are cool and firm.
Dust the cookies with icing sugar.
Dip one end of each cookie into melted chocolate, then place it back onto greaseproof paper and allow the chocolate to set.
Store the cookies in a container with waxed paper between layers.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dipped end of the biscuits for a decorative touch.
Use different flavored extracts, such as almond or orange, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth dough.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.

- Keep an eye on the biscuits while baking, as they can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone.

- Allow the biscuits to cool completely before dipping them in melted chocolate to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Chocolate Viennese Biscuits with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Chocolate Viennese Biscuits is to mix the dough until just combined and to bake them until they are slightly firm but still soft.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to every cup of all-purpose flour.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Chocolate Viennese Biscuits ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chocolate Viennese Biscuits on a decorative platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Viennese Biscuits with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Viennese Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Viennese Biscuits contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Viennese Biscuits contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Viennese Biscuits contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Viennese Biscuits contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Viennese Biscuits are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Viennese Biscuits contain dairy and gluten. They may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Chocolate Viennese Biscuits are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Chocolate Viennese Biscuits are a decadent and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their rich chocolate flavor and delicate texture, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or gift them to friends and family for a special treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold winter's day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Chocolate Viennese Biscuits. The name alone sounded so elegant and decadent that I couldn't resist giving it a go.

I had always been a lover of all things chocolate, and the thought of a delicate biscuit filled with a rich chocolate filling was too tempting to pass up. I read through the ingredients and instructions carefully, making a mental note of everything I would need to make these delectable treats.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The recipe called for butter, sugar, flour, and of course, plenty of cocoa powder. I creamed the butter and sugar together until it was light and fluffy, then added in the flour and cocoa powder. The dough came together beautifully, and I rolled it out into small rounds before baking them in the oven.

As the biscuits baked, my kitchen filled with the most delicious aroma of chocolate. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. Once they were cooled, I carefully sandwiched them together with a generous dollop of chocolate filling. The result was a melt-in-your-mouth biscuit that was simply heavenly.

I shared the biscuits with my family, and they were an instant hit. My children begged me to make them again and again, and soon enough, they became a staple in our household. I loved the way the biscuits brought us all together, gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter over a plate of delicious treats.

Over the years, I continued to make the Chocolate Viennese Biscuits, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would add a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a savory kick. Each batch was slightly different, but always just as delicious.

As time went on, I started to experiment with different variations of the recipe. I tried adding nuts for extra crunch, or drizzling them with a dark chocolate ganache for a more indulgent finish. I even once made a batch with a hint of coffee for a sophisticated twist that was met with rave reviews from my friends and family.

One day, while chatting with a dear friend over a cup of tea, she mentioned that she had a recipe for Chocolate Viennese Biscuits that had been passed down through her family for generations. Intrigued, I asked her to share it with me. As she described the ingredients and method, I realized that it was quite different from the recipe I had been using all these years.

I decided to give her recipe a try, curious to see how it would compare to my own. The result was astonishing. The biscuits were lighter and more delicate, with a subtle hint of almond that added a lovely depth of flavor. I was amazed at how two recipes for the same dish could be so different yet equally delicious.

From that day on, I made it a point to seek out new recipes and techniques from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each one had their own unique twist on classic dishes, and I loved learning from them all. I found that cooking was not just a means to an end, but a journey of discovery and creativity that brought me endless joy and satisfaction.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my loved ones, enjoying a plate of Chocolate Viennese Biscuits that I made with my own hands, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. I may not have invented the recipe, but I have made it my own through years of love and dedication to the craft of cooking. And for that, I am truly thankful.