Can You Freeze Viennese Whirls?

4 minutes

Buttery biscuits that sandwich a cream and jam filling… Delicious! But, if you’ve baked too many, don’t force yourself to eat them, as you might be able to store them for the longer term…

How to Freeze Viennese Whirls

If you’ve made more than you can eat at once, freezing them can be a great way to preserve their freshness. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze Viennese whirls with some level of success (more on that below):

1. Cool
   Before freezing, allow your homemade Viennese whirls to cool completely on a wire rack. Freezing them while they’re still warm can lead to condensation, making them soggy.
2. Prepare
   If your Viennese whirls are filled with buttercream and jam, they can be frozen as is. However, consider freezing unfilled whirls and adding the filling after thawing for best results.
3. Flash Freeze
   To prevent the biscuits from sticking together, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. Freeze them for a couple of hours until they’re solid.
4. Pack
   After the biscuits are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. If you’re stacking cookies, use parchment or waxed paper between layers to prevent any sticking.
5. Label and Seal
   Using a marker, write the date and contents on the bag or container. This way, you’ll know when you froze them and can use them while they’re still at their best. Seal the container or bag securely.
6. Freeze
   Place them in the coldest part of your freezer. Properly stored, they will maintain the best quality for up to 3 months.

Remember, the texture of the biscuits may change slightly after freezing, especially if they were filled before freezing. However, the taste should still be delicious.

How Long Can You Freeze Viennese Whirls?

Viennese whirls can be stored in the freezer for between 2 and 3 months while maintaining the best quality. After 3 months, they’re still safe to eat but may show signs of freezer burn, and their flavour and texture could begin to degrade.

Always make sure your Viennese whirls are stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag to maintain their quality.

How Do You Defrost Viennese Whirls?

The best way to defrost Viennese Whirls is to let them thaw slowly at room temperature to preserve their texture and prevent any condensation from forming, which could make them soggy. Here are the steps:

1. Remove
   Remove the amount of Viennese whirls you want to eat from the freezer. This prevents the rest from undergoing unnecessary thawing and refreezing.
2. Place on a Plate or Wire Rack
   Arrange the Viennese whirls on a plate or wire rack in a single layer to allow for even air circulation. This will also stop them from sitting in a pool of water.
3. Thaw
   Leave the cookies to thaw at room temperature. This should usually take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the biscuits.
4. Check
   They’re likely fully thawed once they no longer feel cold to the touch.
5. Fill if Necessary
   If you froze the Viennese Whirls without their filling, now is the time to add it.

Remember, once the Viennese whirls have thawed, they should be consumed immediately for the best taste and texture.

Can You Refreeze Viennese Whirls?

Refreezing Viennese whirls is technically possible, but it’s generally not recommended. F

reezing, thawing, and then refreezing food can degrade its quality and texture. This is especially true for baked goods like Viennese whirls, which can become more fragile and potentially soggy or dry after multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Do Viennese Whirls Freeze Well?

Yes, Viennese whirls freeze quite well. Freezing can be a good way to extend the shelf life of these delicious biscuits and prevent food waste if you’ve made a large batch.

However, there are a few considerations to bear in mind to ensure the best results:

• Freeze Unfilled Whirls
  Viennese whirls are typically filled with jam and buttercream, but for best results, consider freezing them unfilled and adding the filling after they’re thawed. This helps maintain the texture and taste of the biscuits.
• Flash Freeze
  To prevent the cookies from sticking together, flash freeze them by placing them on a baking tray in a single layer until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Proper Packaging
  Make sure the cookies are well wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and the absorption of other flavours from the freezer.

Remember that freezing will always cause slight changes in texture, especially if the biscuits are filled before freezing. However, they’ll still be pretty tasty.