Viennese Shortbread Biscuits, originating from the skilled hands and cherished recipe collection of my dear friend Fouzia Parkar, are a delightful treat that beckons both novice and seasoned bakers alike to indulge in the art of European baking. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, these biscuits offer a quick yet heavenly journey to culinary satisfaction, perfect for any occasion, be it a festive Christmas gathering or a joyous Ramadan celebration 🎉.
This Austrian delicacy, although hailing from Vienna, carries a touch of Scottish essence, infusing the flavors of tradition and innovation into each delectable bite. As the aroma of butter, caster sugar, and vanilla essence fills your kitchen, you’ll find yourself drawn into a realm of tantalizing scents and mouthwatering anticipation.
Let’s embark on the journey of creating these Viennese Shortbread Biscuits together, shall we?
Ingredients:
- 250g butter
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 3/4 cups plain flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and caster sugar, then cream them together until they achieve a light and fluffy consistency. This step is crucial for imparting that delicate texture to our biscuits.
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Add the Essence: Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add in the vanilla essence, infusing our dough with a hint of aromatic sweetness. Beat the mixture well to ensure the essence is evenly distributed.
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the sifted plain flour and salt, gently incorporating them into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms. This step requires patience and finesse to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Prepare the Piping Bag: Fit a piping bag with a fluted tube, readying it for the piping process. This specialized technique will lend our biscuits their signature Viennese charm and aesthetic appeal.
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Pipe the Dough: With precision and creativity, pipe the dough onto a greased oven tray, forming either straight lengths or various shapes that speak to your culinary imagination. Let your artistic spirit soar as you craft these edible masterpieces.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, then carefully place the tray of piped biscuits inside. Allow them to bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they achieve a glorious golden hue, indicative of their baked perfection.
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Cool and Decorate: Once baked to perfection, allow the biscuits to cool on the tray, allowing their flavors to settle and develop. At this stage, you have the option to leave them plain or elevate their presentation by dipping one end into melted dark chocolate, adding a touch of decadence and visual allure.
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Serve and Indulge: With anticipation and delight, serve these Viennese Shortbread Biscuits to your eager guests, inviting them to savor each bite of buttery goodness and aromatic sweetness. Watch as smiles spread and compliments abound, a testament to your baking prowess and the irresistible allure of Fouzia Parkar’s cherished recipe.
These Viennese Shortbread Biscuits, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor profile, are sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of European baking unfold in your kitchen. With Fouzia Parkar’s expert guidance and a dash of creativity, you’re bound to create a batch of biscuits that will leave everyone craving for more. Enjoy the journey, and savor every delicious moment! 🍪✨
