Wienerbrød Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes  

   Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Wienerbrød Ingredients

Wienerbrød Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm whole milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt, 2 large eggs (at room temperature), and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Place 1 cup cold unsalted European-style butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound and roll the butter into a 6x8-inch rectangle. Chill until firm but pliable.
  5. Roll the chilled dough into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Place the butter block in the center, with the short side parallel to the short side of the dough. Fold the dough over the butter from both sides to completely encase it, pinching the seams to seal.
  6. Roll the dough into an 8x24-inch rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter. Rotate 90 degrees, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling, folding, and chilling process two more times for a total of three turns.
  7. While the dough chills, make the almond filling by mixing 1/2 cup almond paste, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 large egg until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Roll the laminated dough into a 10x20-inch rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
  9. Roll up the dough tightly from the opposite long edge, forming a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and place them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  10. Cover the pastries loosely with plastic wrap and let them proof at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
  11. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the pastries with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds.
  12. Bake the pastries for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with 1/2 cup strained, warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish. Let cool on a wire rack.
  13. For the glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon whole milk, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled pastries before serving.

Estimated Calories: 370, Servings: 8

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Wienerbrød Quick Mistake Fixes

You ever notice how a good Wienerbrød can go from delicious to "I need a gallon of water" in about two bites? Too much salt in a pastry is like inviting your ex to your wedding: it just ruins the whole vibe. I mean, who's out here thinking, "You know what this sweet, flaky treat needs? A sodium boost!" The best part is when you try to play it cool, like, "Oh, I love a savory twist," but inside you're just praying for a quick rainstorm to wash it down. If you want a healthy heart, maybe skip the salt shaker next time, unless you're training for a marathon and need to replenish your electrolytes with every bite.
Let's talk about dryness. Nothing says "I made this in a hurry" like a Wienerbrød that crumbles into dust the second you touch it. You take a bite and suddenly you're in the Sahara, searching for an oasis, or at least a glass of milk. It's supposed to be a quick, easy treat, not a test of your jaw strength. The best is when you try to pass it off as "rustic" or "artisanal," but everyone knows you just left it in the oven too long. If you want a great pastry, maybe don't use it as a doorstop first.
Now, let's get real about appearance. You ever see a Wienerbrød that looks like it lost a fight with a rolling pin? It's like, "I swear, it tasted good in my head." Presentation is everything, folks. You want it to look inviting, not like a science experiment gone wrong. The best part is when you try to distract people with a quick story about how "ugly food is the most delicious," but deep down you know even your dog is judging you. Remember, a good looking pastry is half the recipe for success, and a great excuse to post it online before anyone takes a bite!

Wienerbrød Story

So, picture this: I bring my version of this dish to a potluck, feeling like the best chef in the room. I am strutting in, thinking, "This is going to be a hit. People will be begging for my recipe." But then, my friend Karen takes one bite, pauses, and gives me that look. You know the look. The one that says, "I am not sure if this is food or a science experiment." She says, "Wow, this is... interesting." That is never a good sign. "Interesting" is what people say when they do not want to hurt your feelings but also do not want to finish chewing.
Now, I am not saying my cooking is always great, but I thought this one was a slam dunk. Karen, though, she is a health nut. She starts asking, "Is this healthy?" I am like, "Well, it is not going to kill you fast, if that is what you mean." She starts dissecting it, like she is on a cooking show, but the show is called "How Not to Eat This." She says, "It is so easy to make something delicious and still keep it healthy." I am thinking, "Yeah, but it is even easier to just eat it and not ask questions." Honestly, I have never seen someone analyze a dish with such suspicion. I half expected her to pull out a microscope.
The best part is, after all that, she goes back for seconds. I am like, "Wait, I thought you were not sure about it?" She says, "Well, it is quick, and I am hungry." That is the greatest compliment I have ever received. Not that it was good, not that it was delicious, but that it was there and it was fast. That interaction stuck with me. Now, every time I cook, I wonder if I am making food or just providing a quick solution to hunger. Either way, I am calling it a win.

Healthy Wienerbrød Tips

Let's talk about making your favorite Danish treat, Wienerbrød, a little more health-friendly-because nothing says "I care about my arteries" like trying to make a pastry healthier without sacrificing that authentic, delicious, homemade taste. You want the best recipe, but you also want to fit into your jeans after eating it, right? Here's the deal: swap out some of that butter (I know, blasphemy!) for a lighter alternative, maybe even Greek yogurt. It's not just about the calories, it's about health, people! Use whole wheat flour instead of white-your digestive system will thank you, and you'll still get that tasty, flaky texture if you follow the right tips. And let's not forget the sugar-try a natural sweetener, because your health deserves the best, even if your sweet tooth protests. Add some fruit for extra vitamins, and suddenly you're not just making Wienerbrød, you're making a health statement.
So, if you're wondering how to make this easy, quick, and simple recipe a little less of a guilty pleasure, remember: health is the new delicious. You can still enjoy the perfect, authentic flavor with a few ingredient tweaks. Who knew that the best way to enjoy Wienerbrød was to sneak in some health benefits? Now, that's what I call a win-win-tasty pastry, happy heart, and you can still brag about your homemade baking skills. Just don't tell your Danish grandma you messed with the recipe, or you'll get a lecture on "authenticity" that lasts longer than the baking time!

About Wienerbrød Recipe

Wienerbrød is the epitome of a delicious, flaky pastry, and mastering this recipe is a true joy for any baker. The best part about making authentic homemade Wienerbrød is the transformation of simple ingredients-flour, butter, yeast, sugar, and eggs-into a pastry that is both light and indulgent. If you're searching for the best recipe, look no further; with my easy and quick method, you'll learn how to make this classic treat with confidence. The key to a perfect result lies in the lamination process, where layers of dough and butter are folded together, creating that signature airy texture and irresistible flavor.
When it comes to crafting the best homemade Wienerbrød, attention to detail is everything. My top tips for success include keeping your ingredients cold, working swiftly, and allowing the dough to rest between folds. This ensures the pastry remains tender and flaky, just as it should be. If you're wondering how to make this recipe even more tasty, consider adding a touch of cardamom or a homemade almond filling for an extra layer of flavor. The beauty of this easy recipe is its versatility-whether you prefer a simple glaze or a more elaborate topping, the result is always delicious and impressive.
For anyone seeking an authentic experience, this Wienerbrød recipe delivers every time. It's quick enough for a weekend project yet yields results worthy of a special occasion. The combination of simple ingredients and expert technique guarantees a pastry that's both beautiful and tasty. With these tips and a bit of practice, you'll soon be sharing the best homemade Wienerbrød with friends and family, delighting in the perfect balance of crispness and softness that defines this beloved treat.

Storage Tips

Let us talk about storage, because if you have got a tray of wienerbrød sitting on your counter, you are basically living in a bakery and that is a dangerous game. The best way to store these delicious treats is in an airtight container at room temperature, unless you want them to turn into a science experiment. Seriously, if you leave them out in the open, they will go from flaky to funky faster than you can say "quick breakfast." And if you are thinking of putting them in the fridge, just know that is like sending your pastry to a cold, flavorless prison. Room temp is the way to go for that easy, grab and go snack.
Now, let us get into shelf life, because nothing says "I am living my best life" like eating pastries for days. Wienerbrød is great for a fast treat, but it is not immortal. You have got about two days at room temperature before things start to get weird. After that, you are playing a dangerous game of "Is this still good?" which is a recipe for disaster. If you want to stretch it out, you can freeze them, but let us be honest, who has the self control to not eat them all in one sitting? If you do, you are basically a healthy eating superhero.
Spoilage signs are where things get interesting, because pastries are sneaky. One day they are delicious, the next day they are plotting against your digestive system. If your wienerbrød starts to smell funky, feel soggy, or grow a beard that is not part of the original recipe, it is time to say goodbye. Trust me, no one wants to be the person who gets taken down by a rogue Danish. So, keep an eye out, and remember, when in doubt, throw it out. That is the best advice for a quick, easy, and safe pastry experience!