I will be honest, I didn’t have the highest expectations for these cookies. They came recommended by an Austrian friend and I thought I would at least give them a go to be nice. I whipped up the dough and took a little nibble. Whoa, was it unbelievably tasty! These Wienerstube cookies instantly won me over with their deep chocolate flavor and subtle kick from black pepper, cayenne, and warm spices. I heard someone compare the flavor to a spicy oreo and that’s pretty much dead on. I know they sound a little strange, but don’t knock ‘em til you take a bite. They’re going to surprise you!
The warm and chocolatey flavor would make these a perfect treat for the holiday season, but I will most definitely be making them all year long. Since the dough is frozen before it’s sliced, they’re a great cookie to whip up on a moment’s notice since you can keep a batch in the freezer. Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Cut off a few cookies and pop them in the oven. Easy as that.
The cookies may seem a little soft when you take them out of the oven, but it’s important to avoid overbaking. They will continue to firm up as they cool and are just delightful with a slight chewiness to them. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or a late night treat. This Austrian speciality is sure to hit the spot on any occasion.