The moment I piped that first swirl of chocolate dough onto the baking sheet, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. Chocolate Viennese whirls, with their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich ganache filling, have become my go-to indulgence whenever I crave something sweet yet sophisticated. Inspired by the traditional British biscuit, these treats elevate a simple recipe into a tantalizing delight that’s perfect for sharing—or sneaking off to enjoy all by yourself!
When those fragrant swirls come out of the oven, it’s hard to resist their inviting aroma. Pairing a cup of tea with these delectable bites adds just the right touch for a relaxing afternoon. Best of all, the process of creating them is as enjoyable as savoring each sweet mouthful. Ready to treat yourself to these irresistible Chocolate Viennese Whirls? Let’s get started!
Why are Chocolate Viennese Whirls so special?
Irresistible combination: Each bite features rich chocolate shortbread and silky ganache that chocolate lovers crave.
Simple to create: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bake like a pro!
Elevates any occasion: These biscuits add a touch of elegance to tea time or special gatherings.
Versatile variations: Experiment with different fillings or flavorings to make them uniquely yours!
Perfect snack: Their delicate texture makes them a satisfying treat anytime, whether shared or savored alone.
Indulge yourself and explore more delicious delights like these, perfect for any chocolate lover!
Chocolate Viennese Whirls Ingredients
For the Shortbread
• Margarine (or very soft butter) – Provides fat for moisture and richness; you can substitute with unsalted butter if preferred.
• Icing sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth dough; feel free to use powdered sugar in its place.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor profile with a hint of sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
• Plain flour – Forms the structure of the biscuits; for a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cocoa powder – Adds chocolate flavor to the shortbread; Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a deeper taste.
• Milk – Hydrates the dough and helps achieve the desired consistency; non-dairy milk is a great substitute if needed.
For the Ganache
• Dark chocolate – Forms the ganache filling, providing richness; choose chocolate with 40-50% cocoa for a perfect balance of sweetness.
• Double cream – Creates the ganache’s silky texture; whipping cream can also be utilized as an alternative.
Dive into making these delightful Chocolate Viennese Whirls and enjoy the perfect blend of rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
How to Make Chocolate Viennese Whirls
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens) and prepare a large baking tray by lining it with baking paper.
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Cream the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together margarine, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming a delightful base.
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Combine dry ingredients: Sift in the plain flour and cocoa powder. Add in the milk, mixing well to create a rich, thick dough that holds together nicely.
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Pipe the swirls: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Pipe 2-inch swirls onto the prepared tray, aiming for about 18-20 swirls in total.
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Bake the biscuits: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits feel firm to the touch. Allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the ganache: While the biscuits cool, heat the double cream in a saucepan until it starts to bubble. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate, let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
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Whisk the ganache: Let the ganache cool to room temperature (about 1 hour). Then, whisk it until it thickens and becomes fluffy, creating a perfect filling.
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Assemble the whirls: Pipe the ganache onto half of the cooled biscuits and gently place the other half on top, creating delightful sandwiches. Dust with icing sugar before serving for that elegant finish.
Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exactly quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Viennese Whirls
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Perfect Consistency: Ensure your dough is thick enough to hold its shape when piped. If it’s too soft, add a little more flour or cocoa.
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Cooling Time: Let your ganache cool completely before whisking. If it’s too runny, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
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Piping Technique: Use a strong piping bag with a star nozzle for best results, but if you’re in a pinch, a ziplock bag with a corner cut off works too.
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Swirl Size: Aim for uniform 2-inch swirls to ensure even baking. Using a template under your baking paper can help with consistency.
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Dough Storage: Don’t refrigerate the dough, as it holds its shape well at room temperature, making piping easier.
Enjoy creating these delightful Chocolate Viennese Whirls with these helpful tips!
Chocolate Viennese Whirls Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful treats in various ways!
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Milk Chocolate Ganache: Substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for added texture and a delightful crunch in every bite.
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Flavored Extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract in the dough for a unique twist that elevates the flavor profile.
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Spiced Swirls: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of espresso powder to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the chocolate.
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Minty Freshness: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the ganache for a refreshing mint chocolate treat that is perfect for celebrations.
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Fruity Fusion: Press dried raspberries or cherries into the ganache before assembling the biscuits for a fruity surprise with every bite.
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Dairy-Free Option: Replace double cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a deliciously rich vegan variant.
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Zesty Lemon: Add lemon zest to the ganache for a zesty contrast that brings a bright flavor to the decadent chocolate.
What to Serve with Chocolate Viennese Whirls?
Elevate your indulgent experience by pairing these delightful treats with flavors that complement their rich chocolate essence.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries balances the sweetness, adding a refreshing touch to each bite.
- Classic English Tea: A warm cup of Earl Grey or Assam tea enhances the experience, offering a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth creaminess of vanilla ice cream serves as a lovely contrast to the dense whirls, creating a luscious dessert experience.
- Espresso or Coffee: The robust flavors of espresso or a mild cup of coffee complement the sweet and rich taste beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the biscuits intensifies their chocolate flavor, making them even more decadent for true chocoholics.
- Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy almond or hazelnut biscotti provide a satisfying contrast to the soft whirls, perfect for dipping into coffee or tea.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of rich caramel adds a sweet buttery element, highlighting the biscuits’ lavish chocolate—an indulgence worth savoring!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Viennese Whirls
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Room Temperature: Keep unfilled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and taste.
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Fridge: Store filled Chocolate Viennese Whirls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours to keep the ganache fresh and creamy.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled biscuits for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature before adding the ganache.
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Reheating: If they have been frozen and filled, consume them fresh to enjoy the best taste; avoid reheating as it can alter the texture of the ganache.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Chocolate Viennese Whirls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shortbread cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge, well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Alternatively, bake the cookies and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. The ganache filling can also be made up to 2 days ahead; just refrigerate it and ensure it’s brought back to room temperature before whisking and piping it onto the cookies. When you’re ready to serve, simply sandwich the cookies with your ganache, and you’ll have these indulgent treats ready with minimal effort!
Chocolate Viennese Whirls Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting ingredients like margarine or butter?
Absolutely! When choosing margarine or butter, opt for a product that’s very soft at room temperature for easy mixing. You want it to be pliable, not hard or cold, which can make it challenging to cream with the icing sugar. If you’re using butter, unsalted is preferred to control the saltiness of your treats.
How should I store my Chocolate Viennese Whirls to keep them fresh?
To maintain their delightful texture, store unfilled Chocolate Viennese Whirls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they’re filled with ganache, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 48 hours, ensuring they don’t dry out or lose their creaminess.
Can I freeze Chocolate Viennese Whirls? If so, how?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the unfilled biscuits for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure they’re fully cooled. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before filling with ganache.
What can I do if my ganache is too runny?
If your ganache turns out too runny, don’t worry! Refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. Once it starts to thicken, whisk it again until fluffy. This should achieve the ideal consistency for filling your biscuits. If all else fails, you can add a bit more chopped chocolate to thicken it up, warming gently until combined.
Are Chocolate Viennese Whirls suitable for people with allergies?
Be cautious! This recipe contains gluten (from the plain flour), dairy (from butter and cream), and chocolate, which can contain allergens like nuts. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Always check labels on chocolate and cream alternatives to avoid any allergic reactions.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the dough in advance. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop further. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before piping for the best results.
Decadent Chocolate Viennese Whirls for Indulgent Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) and prepare a large baking tray lined with baking paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together margarine, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Sift in plain flour and cocoa powder. Add milk and mix well to create a thick dough.
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Pipe 2-inch swirls onto the prepared tray, aiming for 18-20 swirls.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to touch. Cool on tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Heat double cream in a saucepan until bubbling. Pour over chopped dark chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Let ganache cool to room temperature (about 1 hour), then whisk until thick and fluffy.
- Pipe ganache onto half of the cooled biscuits and place the other half on top. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
