Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Whipped shortbread cookies are wonderfully light and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. This simple recipe combines buttery goodness with a touch of vanilla, perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or baking mats.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until very fluffy and aerated, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Mix in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Step 4: Dust your hands with cornstarch and form the dough into balls about 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon in size.
5. Step 5: Place the dough balls on the lined cookie sheets and gently press down the top of each cookie with the tines of a fork dipped in cornstarch to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Add a few sprinkles on top of each cookie for decoration.
7. Step 7: Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the tops look set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or finely grated lemon zest to the dough.
• Replace sprinkles with chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best texture.
• If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping.

Storage

Store whipped shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a low oven if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.

Why do I need to dust my hands and fork with cornstarch?

Dusting with cornstarch prevents the dough from sticking to your hands and the fork, making it easier to shape and create the fork marks on the cookies.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews

Whipped Shortbread Cookies are delightfully light and tender buttery cookies with a delicate crumb, made by whipping butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, then combining with flour, cornstarch, and vanilla. They’re pressed into cookies, topped with colorful sprinkles, and baked at a low temperature until just set – perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacking.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• Sprinkles, for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Whip Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together vigorously for at least 5 minutes until the mixture becomes very fluffy and aerated, providing the light texture for the cookies.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract to the whipped butter mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated, forming a soft dough.
4. Form Cookie Balls: Dust your hands lightly with cornstarch to prevent sticking, then scoop portions of dough about 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon in size and roll into smooth balls.
5. Shape and Decorate Cookies: Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Press down the top of each cookie gently with the tines of a fork dipped in cornstarch to prevent sticking. Add a few sprinkles on top of each cookie for a colorful finish.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the tops look set but not browned, maintaining their tender texture.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicate whipped shortbread cookies!

Notes

• Make sure to thoroughly whip the butter and sugar to achieve the light and airy texture essential for whipped shortbread.
• Dipping the fork in cornstarch before pressing keeps the dough from sticking and creates a nice decorative pattern.
• Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; adjust added salt if using salted butter.
• Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within a week for optimal freshness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Keywords: whipped shortbread cookies, buttery cookies, delicate shortbread, Christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade shortbread