I met my wife at the bakery where I got my daily Schnecken fix. We discovered that a couple that Schneckens together, stays together! (29 years and still going strong) I'm glad to see that you're picking up the Schnecken baton and passing it on!!

My doctor used to tell me that if people would just eat two Schneckens in the evening and call him in the morning, life would be better for all!

Most Excellent!!! What Perfection, an Exact Replica to Tom Thie's Masterpiece!!! Bringing back the Schnecken just makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over. Best of all its BIGGER!!!

Wow! I can't believe you guys are doing this. This is cool! ...Who would believe - a Schnecken Blog!! :)

schnecken reminds me of grandmas house on sunday mornings. thats about as good as it gets

I am a SWPM, 29, and new to Cincinnati and have never heard of Schnecken, but it looks good! Is there a SWPF interested in introducing me to this delicacy? I’m 6’2”, 200lbs, black hair and blue eyes. I run 25 miles a week and look good in a tux and great in jeans! I work downtown in a suit and could meet almost any morning or lunch at any Busken. You pick. I’ll buy. If you’re SWPF, wear a suit, and feel like sharing a Schnecken with a newbie, hit me up!

ok i'm a swpf how do we meet without everyone else joinging us?

I would like to meet you for a schnecken some morning, but first I have a few questions.... Do you like blondes or brunettes? What is your favorite color?

When the Virginia Bakery used to open their doors to sell Schnecken before Christmas, I would go down and get in line to get the three or four loaves that they'd allow each customer (for those of you that know where the Virginia Bakery was - Ludlow Ave - the line was WAY past the Subway up the street, at least thirty or forty deep). Some of the real fiends would walk up and down the line and find people who weren't getting Schnecken and they'd pay those people to get extra loaves for them because they had already gotten the maximum allowed per person and weren't allowed to get any more. For those of you that haven't had this stuff yet, it's baked, buttery, CRACK!! From the first time you have it, all other pastries will be judged against it...and they'll lose.

I live in Ft. Worth TX and my sister surprised me with a Schnecken via UPS overnight! It's awesome, just like I remember. I'm 42 now and I remember my dad taking us to Virginia Bakery at Christmas for those awesome little tea cookies and Schnecken. I've been gone from Cincy since 1988 and this is an awesome tradition that I'm thankful has been revivied!

Thanks to Tom for sharing his secrets!

My business partner wanted some schnecken. I went to the bakery and got two schneckens. I lied and told him there was only one left. And then I ate a whole schnecken in my car. Happy Holidays!

lolol - very funny

Hello Cincinnati -- Why I Came Back To You

Yes, I admit, I've been unfaithful to you, Cincinnati. I've left you twice now, but I'm back. And I'm back for good, my love. I hope you can see that our time apart has made me wiser and that I now appreciate you for exactly what you are and what you have to offer.

Sure, the glittering lights, warm beaches, and palm trees of Miami called. But, you know what, Miami is a fickle, corrupt, dirty, violent, pathetic city full of aging Don Johnson wanna-bes and J-Lo-esque fakes. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I thought about coming back to you then, but I got a job offer in San Francisco. So, I moved to San Francisco.

Now there's a great city. It's beautiful. Its got the bay, its got great architecture, its got style. Its got mountains and oceans, and interesting politics. Also, it's bloody expensive, high maintenance, and there's no goddamn place to park. It's pretentious, too, probably for a good reason, but still, nobody really likes a snob. Plus, the men. Don't get me started. But let's just say that dating sucked there. You can check it out for yourself. If you see a nice looking, articulate, well-groomed man--he's gay. See that slob over there who hasn't bathed or shaved in a week, communicating in grunts? Yeah, he's straight. (Note to SF men: Consider a shower, a haircut, a little deodorant, a shirt that has only been worn once or twice. Take a page from the hot gay men all around you. Thanks.)

So, Cincinnati baby, I'm back. And I love you. I love Schnecken and Busken’s iced cookies. I love Montgomery Inn. I love Skyline Chili – Gold Star, too. I love the Ohio River and the stadiums. You even have parks where I can take my dog without it being some kind of political statement. I love Fountain Square. I love Party in the Park! I like that I can just be myself here, and nobody is going to lecture me about my coney as I scarf it down in Eden Park. I love your trees--really, your best feature. Especially all the freaking elms. I love the live music scene. I love your restaurants. I love your summer nights with the sultry breezes. I love that you are sexy and cool, without being showy or pretentious. I love that *nobody* outside Cincinnati gets you. Oh, I've heard it all and I say pshaw! Let 'em stay away and never discover your true worth. I have. And it's good to be home!

The person who referred to Schnecken as "baked, buttery, CRACK!" was dead-on for me. Two years ago at Christmas our lone Cincinnati employee drove to Chicago for the company holiday party -- he brought me a Schnecken and it was love at first bite. By the time I was able to track down the magical kingdom from whence it came they had closed. I can't tell you how disappointed I was not to repeat that singular gastronomic experience. As you can see I periodically check the internet to see if anyone brought it back and today I found the Busken website. Now, if they ship, I will be the happiest girl in the world. Peace (and pieces of Schnecken) to all!

I think they do ship - you're in luck!

Schnecken in German means treat or snack - I'm almost positive (at least that's what my stupid boyfriend said, and he apparantly minored in German, but who knows, he could be lying -- only been dating 8 months). What is schnecken? A fancy word for cinnamon roll? I love cinnamon rolls and I love the word schnecken. Ok, I guess I'll give it a whirl -- which is the best Busken to get schnecked?

Schnecken in German means snail.

So you're telling me that Busken's holiday campaign (Schtock up on Schnecken) was telling all of us clueless Americans that we should be putting creepy, slimy snails in our stockings? That's hilarious!!

Schnecken means snails auf Deutsch, but no matter, they are exquisite under any name

Schnecken means snail in german and your boyfriend is not too stupid, he chose you. Anyway, when you look at a schnecken from the top you will see the coils resemble a snail's shell. Therefore, any bakery can make a schnecken, but there is only one original Virginia Bakery Schnecken and now you can only get them at Busken Bakery.

awww..aren't you sweet? And, now that you mention it, the swirls do look like snails! Yummy snails, that is.

you didn't have to get nasty to her!

Heor she wasn't, he was saying that her boyfriend was kinda smart for choosing someone as great as her. Or something to that effect anyway. (Sorry I'm off topic, I just felt an urge to clarify.)

Schnecken has been a tradition in our family since 1962. My parents used to take it every year to the Indianapolis 500. The 'kids' carried on this tradition until VB went out of business! We are thrilled! Lady and gentleman, start your engines!

I have loved schnecken's since the very first time I ate one. I have even taken it all the way to Racine Wis. to my family. I purchased one of your schnecken, the top was nice and googy and buttery, but the bottom of the schnecken was very dry. It was also to thick for my taste. A schnecken is suppose to be nice and googy and buttery from top to bottom and just the right size and height. I also think the price of $9.00 is a little high. But thanks any way for trying.

You're crazy!! If this schnecken was any more 'googy' (gooey is what I think you were trying to say), it would be a liquid! There is a fine line between enjoying a pastry that is warm, gooey, and buttery while still sticking to its 'doughy' roots --- and the Busken Schnecken lies perfectly along that line! If you're looking for something more 'googy' than the Schnecken, I suggest a tub of Country Crock for your pleasure.

I just arrived home from work, saw the package and without hesitating for a minute, tore open the box, sliced a piece and popped it in the microwave. The question was, "could it possibly be even as remotely as good as I remembered as a child (which often isn't the case as we grow up) and could they have possibly made it as well as the Virginia Bakery?" The answer - a resounding YES! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I think you should have a schnecken of the month club!

Greetings and salutations!

We're the crew behind the scene - we host Busken's site and this Blog.

The Busken boys were kind enough to shoot over a Schnecken for us to enjoy - what a treat!! Now we understand first-hand what all the talk is about.

The Schnecken arrived late in the afternoon and we tore open the box right then (it's packaged very nicely). We were going to wait and save the Schnecken until the following morning to enjoy with our coffee, but our will-power failed us. We couldn't resist; it looked so good we ate it right then. :) mmmm WHAT A TREAT!! Each bite was like little bombs of buttery flavor bursting in our mouths.

Now we understand!! ...So, our first Schnecken was at our desks in the office - and only one of us Schnecked up their keyboard.

Is it just me or do most of these replies seem like they are completely made up? It's almost as if this is some kind of a crappy attempt at a marketing scam or something. I have never known anyone to talk about something as stupid as a stinking cinnamon roll with such passion and weirdness.

I call bullshit.

You have clearly never had Schnecken. I'm not from Cincinnati and I couldn't believe the hype either, until I had some. Melts in your mouth.

seems like everbody is having fun cept you. peace out

I agree, life is short. The guy doesn't know what he's missing. It's the delectable and enjoyable things like Scneckins that make those moments special times.
We need more of that and the simplicity of enjoying something down-to-earth GOOD, with so many bad things going on in the world and maybe too many new technologies. If we all had our famililies sit down for schneckins in the morning, just once a week we might get to know them again.

When you're bound to have a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day
all it takes is a schnecken to wipe that away!

Oh my God! This is wonderful ... It will feel like Christmas again. I was born in Cincinnati, my grandfather worked for years for AM Kenny and would walk to Virginia Bakery and get Schnecken's. Even after my family moved away we would order Schnecken every year. It was such a blow when the Virginia Bakery closed down. If the Reds will just win the pennant again I can finally die in peace. Thank you Busken's!!!!

I remember moving out of Cincinnati in the 1st Grade! It was hard then and it still hard now to leave after every visit! I remember the last time that I smelled the sweet gooey goodness that is SCHNECKEN!!! It was three days before the Virginia Bakery was to close it doors, and I just happend to be in town visiting my family for my last day before heading back to New England! I waited in long line that went on for blocks, and waited, and waited finally I was at the door, then I was inside, the excitement just grew and grew! Then it was my turn, and I heard the most awful words...... we are sold out!!!!!! You mean to tell me that I waited over 3 hours to see the person in front of me get the last two???? I was afraid that I would never have Schnecken again!
THANK YOU to the Busken Bakery and the family at the Virginia Bakery for now giving me the opportunity to have my Childhood dream of having that wonderful gooey, buttery, sweet goodness again. My mother has to be the most amazing person! I was suprised with a UPS Box overnight delivery from her with non other than SCHNECKEN!!!!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Schnecken!

When I was newly married, we were stationed in San Diego for two years with the Navy. Each year when my father asked what we wanted for Christmas, I told him SCHNECKEN! He sent us two each year. We carefully divided each into their 3 sections and froze them. Then for the next 6 weeks, we would warm a section and each have a half with our Sunday breakfast! What a treat from home! (And what discipline we exercised!) That was over 30 years ago!

My first glorious experience with schnecken was not in Cincinnati, but in Luxembourg. A few years ago, I was studying abroad in Luxembourg and down the hill from our school was the best bakery in town, called Girard's. Among the shelves of beautiful pastries, I always chose a schnecken, something I never had heard of, despite being a lifelong Greater Cincy resident. Fifteen pounds and five months later, I was on a plane home and lamenting my separation from my beloved schnecken.
On the way, I happened to be talking to a fellow Cincinnatian and ex-Luxembourger discussing the things we'd miss about Europe. Among the fabulous experiences, I mentioned my favorite pastry to her. I nearly did cartwheels down the airplane aisles when she told me that I could get them here at home.
Now every time I bite into a schnecken, I am reminded of all of the great times in we had in Luxembourg and how greatful I am to live in Cincinnati!

It had to be 20 - 25 years ago. My sister was going to UC and brought a Schnecken home. It's a flavor I would never forget.
Last night I pulled in to Greaters Ice Cream shop and to my disbelief, there it was "The illusive Schnecken" I thought to my self, could this be it? Could it actually be as good as the original Virginia Bakery?
We immediately bought one. It was good but unfortunately they missed the mark. It was missing the buttery taste with that hint of salt hiding in the sweetness. It was also missing that caramelized chewy glaze. The glaze was absorbed into the Schnecken more like a glazed donut left out on a humid day. This all led me to search online for Schnecken and that's when I found the original recipe Schnecken on the Busken's webpage. I am eager to find out if Busken's have really done it. For the record, the Greaters Schnecken is $8.95, $4.00 less than the Busken Schnecken. I have to say $13.00 seems a bit over the top but when you are the only one who makes the real thing, they have you over a barrel.
I plan to send one to my sister in Savannah Georgia for the Holidays.

Busken's schnecken is good, but I've found the best schnecken at Artrageous Desserts in Montgomery. I just happened to stop in on the day they made the pecan schnecken and the smell alone was all I needed to buy and try one. It was absolutely fabulous! Next time I'm going to try the other three flavors.

I remember when Lisa would bring schnecken to the Digi-office, how we waited for that morning break! I have since moved to Tampa, but rest assured, as soon as I return this holiday, I shall hope to find some still available, and will savor it along with the memory of long lost friends.

Mine was over priced and frozen!

I've moved away from Cincinnati, but many years ago I used to live around the corner from Virginia Bakery, on Senator Place.
I used to lie in bed with the window open and usually smelled Skyline chili at night from the Skyline on the corner of Clifton and Ludlow. I hated Skyline chili then and now, but I kept my window open anyway, because the morning would occasionally bring the wafting aroma of freshly made schnecken. On Saturdays that I didn't have to work, that was enough to get me up out of bed, and over to Virginia Bakery for a schecken, which I would slice and savor in bits over the course of the week. Fortunately I also used to run to Mt Storm Park or through Burnet Woods. Otherwise I would have blimped out.
-- It's $13 now? I used to pay $3, and I thought that was a lot.

Mine is a bittersweet story. I was about 10 years old and visiting an ENT doctor with my mother near the place where we used to buy Schnecken in Cincy. We were at the doctor because I had never been able to smell and we wanted to get me checked out to see if it might be reversible. Unfortunately the doctor confirmed that I'd never be able to smell and that nothing else seemed to be wrong with me. As we left the doctor's office I so vividly remember my mother (who had an AWESOME sense of smell) turning to me and saying, "mmmmm smell that Schnecken!" I had to laugh since even the people who knew best that I couldn't smell (like my mother) were always forgetting while they were around me. My mom felt terrible but all was forgiven once we bought the Schnecken and I got to enjoy it with my mouth, if not with my nose.

My mother passed away 13 years ago and I miss her every day. This weekend I remembered the above experience and decided to check out the internet to see if I could once again enjoy Schnecken and thereby spend some time with my mother's memory. I'm excited to buy some and see if it's as good as I remember. :)

I was introduced to Schnecken back in the '70s by a cute classmate I had a crush on in high school. We used to skip school and drive all the way to Clifton to get it. I only had it once or twice but those were some good memories.

One of my fondest childhood memories was spending the night with my dear friend Gaye and her mom would always have Schenecken for breakfast. As I grew older it was such a treat to drive from Norwood to Virginia Bakery in Clifton to get our Schenecken. I now live in Cumming, GA and am so excited to see I can once again enjoy my Schnecken!!!

Thanks Busken Bakeries!!!

I used to live in the building above the Virginia Bakery and my favorite part of the holidays was walking out the front door of the building in the morning to go to the bus and seeing the line of people backed up outside the door waiting to go in and buy schnecken and other holiday goodies. To me that is the mark of a great product and a strong tradition. Even funnier were the odd looks I used to get from people standing in line who wondered why I was coming out of the building and why! I am thrilled that Busken has taken the reins of this Cincinnati tradition. Thank you!

I second Atatude's 12 Dec 2006 comment. I have a feeling we were probably in one of those long lines together. I hope that I was not the one who purchased the last two schnecken!
My most memorable experience went like this...got up and was down at the bakery by the 7 AM opening. The line was way down the block but I had no idea that I would wait over an hour and barely get close enough to see the door before word passed they were sold out. Got up the next morning and was down on line with a friend by 6:30. The line went to just past the parking lot. Got to the door but then had to leave empty handed. Okay the next day we were determined to get schnecken. I was down at the bakery by 6 AM. To my amazement a line with six people had already formed. Approximately 7:05 we entered the bakery and within five minutes were headed out with the allotted schnecken! The line was way down the block and I knew the disappointment that awaited most of the people.
After Virginia Bakery closed another "schnecken lover" and I tried many other bakeries but all that they had in common with Va Bakery was the snail shape.
Have moved away and tell anyone coming to Baltimore to bring me at least two. The recipe is probably as close to the original as possible but the price! Oh well schnecken is like gold to my family. Will see my son this weekend in NY and we will be having a piece of "gold".
PS It does ship but be prepared for the shipping cost-this stuff is heavy!

My story is a little different. I grew up in Hamilton, OH in the early 70's. My mother used to buy pre-packaged schneckens at Kroger. These & Mama's Cookies were the best things I had ever eaten. After growing uo & getting married I moved to Indiana where I drove 30 miles to the closest Kroger store every couple of weeks to stock up.

I don't remember the brand at Kroger so if any of you from the Cincy area know let me know. BTW, it wasn't Royal Viking or something like that. That was another brand they sold at the same time & it was awful.