If you’ve ever wandered through a midwestern church basement after a Sunday service, odds are you’ve seen these simple yet irresistible cookies on a folding table beside Jell-O salads and bundt cakes. These nostalgic cookies — often lovingly referred to as Wienerstube Cookies — are soft, buttery, and delicately sweet with a whisper of almond and a sweet glazed finish. They are easy to make, deeply satisfying, and a true classic that never goes out of style.
What Are Wienerstube Cookies?
“Wienerstube” is a German-inspired name meaning “Vienna room” or “Viennese café,” and while these cookies may not be 100% authentic Austrian fare, they certainly carry that charming Old World elegance. Popularized by church potlucks, community fundraisers, and grandma’s favorite recipe cards, these cookies have found a permanent home in American kitchen traditions.
They’re known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture, subtle almond flavor, and that signature glossy sugar glaze, sometimes topped with colorful sprinkles or finely chopped nuts.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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¾ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
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1 large egg
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract (essential for that signature flavor)
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2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
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¼ tsp salt
For the Almond Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk (start with 2 and add more for thinner consistency)
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½ tsp almond extract
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Optional toppings:
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Rainbow sprinkles (for a church-bake-sale look)
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Finely chopped pecans or walnuts
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Sanding sugar or edible glitter
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Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
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