Viennese Butter Cookies (Sablés Viennois) – The Ultimate Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat
If you’re searching for a cookie that is buttery, delicate, and absolutely irresistible, look no further than Viennese Butter Cookies, also known as sablés viennois. These classic holiday biscuits originate from Germany or Austria and are adored for their incredibly soft, melt-away texture. Their iconic piped shapes—often styled as elegant “W” curves—give them a charming, festive look, making them perfect for Christmas trays, homemade gifts, or an afternoon coffee moment.
What sets these cookies apart is their high butter content and silky dough, which produces a crumb so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue. With simple ingredients and a pastry piping bag, you can create bakery-style cookies right in your own kitchen. This is the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a family tradition—one batch is never enough!
Ingredients (and Why Each One Matters)
- Softened Unsalted Butter (200 g / 1 cup) – The heart of the recipe. Butter provides richness, structure, and that signature melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar (80 g / ⅔ cup) – Dissolves quickly for an ultra-smooth dough and prevents graininess.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the buttery flavor with warm, aromatic depth.
- Egg White (1 large) – Adds needed moisture and helps create dough soft enough to pipe while keeping cookies light.
- All-Purpose Flour (200 g / 1 ⅔ cups) – Provides structure. Just enough to hold shape without making the cookies firm.
- A pinch of Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances buttery notes.
- Optional: Melted Chocolate – For dipping ends of the cookies for a decorative, delicious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until very light, creamy, and pale. This step is essential—the more air you incorporate, the softer your cookies will be.
2. Add Vanilla and Egg White
Mix in the vanilla extract and egg white until fully combined. The mixture should become smooth, silky, and pipeable.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and salt. Fold gently to avoid overworking the dough. The result should be a soft, thick dough that can pass through a piping tip without breaking.
4. Pipe the Cookies
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. On a baking sheet lined with parchment, pipe elegant “W” shapes, spirals, or straight lines—whatever style you prefer.
5. Chill the Tray
Refrigerate the piped cookies for 20–30 minutes. This helps them keep their beautiful shape in the oven.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges begin to lightly color. Do not overbake—these cookies should remain pale and soft.
7. Optional Chocolate Dip
Once cooled, dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate and let set. This adds a gorgeous finishing touch and extra richness.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
- Buttery and delicate texture that melts instantly when eaten.
- Stunning presentation thanks to the piped shapes.
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for holidays, gifting, or tea time.
Pro Tips for Perfect Viennese Cookies
- Use very soft butter. Cold butter makes the dough too firm to pipe.
- Don’t skip chilling. This prevents spreading and helps cookies keep detail.
- Pipe slowly and evenly. This gives you clean, professional shapes.
- A large star piping tip works best for classic designs.
- Keep cookies pale. Overbaking ruins their melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicate sablés viennois with:
- A cup of espresso or cappuccino
- Hot chocolate during the holiday season
- A glass of cold milk for kids
- As part of a holiday cookie platter
You can also sandwich two cookies with chocolate ganache or jam for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion
These Viennese Butter Cookies are proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most unforgettable results. With their soft, buttery crumb, beautiful piped design, and delicate sweetness, they outshine ordinary cookies every time. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday baking—or anytime you want a touch of European elegance in your kitchen. Make a batch today and experience the magic of a truly melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.