The Viennese Special is a rich, buttery cookie closely related to traditional European linzer cookies. These cookies are often made with a combination of ground nuts, like almonds, and flour, giving them a crumbly, tender texture. Adding ground cloves and lemon zest adds a warm, spiced flavor and a citrusy brightness, making these cookies stand out from standard sugar cookies. What truly sets them apart is the jam filling, similar to linzer cookies or shortbread thumbprint cookies, which adds a sweet, fruity layer that complements the richness of the dough.
Viennese Special
Food History
Viennese cookies, particularly those filled with jam or preserves, have a long history in European baking. Linzer cookies originated in Austria, with which the Viennese Special shares many similarities. These cookies typically feature a nut-based dough and are often filled with fruit preserves. The crisscross strips on top of the Viennese Special resemble those found on Linzer tortes, a classic Austrian dessert that predates the cookie version.
The use of ground almonds in European desserts goes back centuries. Almonds were highly prized for their flavor and texture, which gave baked goods a unique, delicate crumb. Adding spices like cloves and lemon rind is also a hallmark of many traditional European recipes, bringing warmth and a burst of citrus to balance the richness of the butter and nuts.
Timeline
- 17th Century: Linzer tortes, the ancestors of linzer cookies and similar European jam-filled cookies, become popular in Austria.
- 19th Century: Linzer cookies, made with almond dough and jam filling, emerge as a popular European holiday treat.
- 20th Century: Variations like the Viennese Special, combining the flavors of almonds, cloves, and lemon rind with a jam filling, begin to appear in home kitchens and cookbooks worldwide.
Recipe Discussion
The Viennese Special is essentially a shortbread-style cookie with a twist. The dough is rich and buttery, made even more flavorful with the addition of ground almonds. The almonds add flavor and give the cookies a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The ground cloves provide a warm, spiced undertone, while the lemon rind offers a subtle brightness that lifts the richness of the cookie.
The crisscross strips on top of the jam are a nod to traditional European Linzer cookies, which often feature a lattice-like design. You can fill these cookies with any jam you prefer, but fruit flavors like raspberry or apricot pair beautifully with the buttery dough and warm spices.
These cookies are best served around the holidays, as the spices and jam filling make them feel festive. However, they’re also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
Preparation Tips
- Chill the Dough: Since this is a rich, buttery dough, chilling it before rolling it out is essential. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to handle when rolling and cutting.
- Wax Paper for Rolling: Rolling the dough between two sheets of wax paper ensures that it doesn’t stick to the rolling pin or the surface, making the process smoother and reducing the need for extra flour, which can toughen the dough.
- Use a Cookie Cutter: A 2-inch round cookie cutter works best for uniform cookies, but if you don’t have one, you can use a glass or any round object to cut the dough.
- Choose Your Jam Wisely: Raspberry or apricot jam are traditional choices for cookies like these, but you can get creative with flavors like strawberry or blackberry. Make sure the jam is thick enough to stay in place while baking.
- Avoid Overbaking: These cookies bake quickly due to their thin dough, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking. They should be lightly golden but not browned.
Recommended Kitchen Items
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- Rolling Pin with Thickness Rings: This helps ensure that your dough is rolled out evenly to the correct thickness.
- Non-Stick Cookie Sheet: A non-stick cookie sheet makes it easy to remove the cookies without the need for extra greasing.
- Pastry Cutter or Lattice Roller: A pastry cutter or lattice roller is useful for creating the crisscross strips on top of the cookies, giving them that traditional look.
Serving Suggestions
- With Hot Tea or Coffee: These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The warmth of the drink complements the buttery richness of the cookies.
- Holiday Dessert Tray: These cookies are ideal for a holiday dessert tray, alongside other festive treats like gingerbread or thumbprint cookies.
- As a Gift: Packed in a decorative tin, these cookies make a wonderful homemade gift during the holiday season.
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A Rich and Festive Cookie
The Viennese Special offers a delicious balance of buttery richness, warm spices, and fruity sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or as a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of almonds, cloves, and lemon rind creates a depth of flavor that makes this recipe stand out from standard sugar cookies, while the jam filling adds a touch of sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Viennese Special Recipe
Viennese Special
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon lemon rind grated
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground
- 1 cup almonds, ground
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and sugar
- Blend in the egg yolks and beat until fluffy
- Add the grated lemon rind, flour, cloves, and almonds
- Mix well and chill
- Roll dough between 2 sheets of wax paper to 1/8" thick
- Cut in 2" rounds
- Spread with jam and top with crisscross strips
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet
- Bake at 400 degrees until done