If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth treats that feel both delicate and delightfully buttery, then you are in for a real treat with this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies come together beautifully with a heavenly light texture achieved by whipping up the butter and sugar until fluffy, resulting in a shortbread that practically dissolves on your tongue. Perfectly crisp around the edges yet tender inside, they’re as versatile as they are scrumptious. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a holiday gathering or just craving a comforting homemade snack, this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is fundamental to nailing this recipe. The simplicity of these few staples shines through because each one plays a crucial role. From the creamy butter that forms the rich base to the delicate cornstarch that contributes to the tender crumb, every ingredient matters in creating that iconic texture and flavor profile.
- Butter (1 and ½ cups, salted, at room temperature): Using room temperature butter allows for better whipping, helping to create the light, airy texture essential for these cookies.
- Confectioners’ sugar (¾ cup): This finely powdered sugar dissolves quickly, blending smoothly with the butter to form a creamy mixture without grit.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 and ¼ cups): The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure while allowing the cookies to hold their shape without toughness.
- Cornstarch (¾ cup): Adds a delicate softness and prevents the cookies from becoming too dense or crumbly.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warm aromatic sweetness; you can also swap for lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist.
- Sprinkles (¼ cup, optional): Non-pareils or any small sprinkles add a playful pop of color and a bit of texture on top, making the cookies visually irresistible.
How to Make Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Beat Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
The secret to that perfect light texture starts here. Beat the room temperature salted butter with confectioners’ sugar for 4 to 5 minutes on medium-high speed using a stand mixer. This process incorporates air, turning the mixture into a creamy, luscious base. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a handheld mixer on high speed works just fine—just don’t rush the process. Adding the extract at this stage ensures the flavor is evenly distributed throughout.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients Carefully
Next, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted flour and cornstarch. The key here is to mix just until there are no streaks of flour visible. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tougher cookies, so take it slow and gentle.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough
Scoop the dough into 36 equal-sized balls. If the dough feels too soft and sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes—it makes rolling easier and cleaner. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly floured plate, and gently press each cookie with a fork dipped in cornstarch or flour to create pretty fork marks. Top with your choice of sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Step 4: Firm Up Before Baking
This chilling phase, which takes about 2 hours in the refrigerator or until the dough is very firm, is essential for the cookies to hold their shape during baking. If you’re pressed for time, pop the dough balls in the freezer to speed things up. The firmer the dough, the lighter and more delicate your cookies will turn out.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange about a dozen cookies on a baking tray at a time, maintaining enough space between them. Bake for 19 to 20 minutes, or until the tops look set and just beginning to take on a gentle golden hue. Avoid overbaking to keep the signature melt-in-your-mouth softness intact.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool right on the baking tray. This resting period allows them to firm slightly without losing their tender crumb. You’ll find them delicate yet sturdy enough to hold in your hand for enjoying alongside an afternoon tea or coffee.
How to Serve Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe is that it pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple garnishes. Dusting with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of melted chocolate elevates their elegance instantly. You could also roll the edges in finely chopped nuts or colored sugar for a festive flair.
Side Dishes
Whipped shortbread cookies make a fantastic accompaniment to hot beverages. Serve alongside a rich cup of coffee, a delicate tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a show-stopping dessert plate, consider pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a perfectly balanced sweet treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your cookies and securing them with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a spread of raspberry jam or chocolate ganache for a delightful twist. These ideas add a personal touch that’s sure to impress any recipient or guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left (and it’s rare that you will!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to a week, retaining their delicate texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked shortbread cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to prevent odor absorption. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed soft and tender, gently warming them in a 250-degree Fahrenheit oven for just 5 minutes can revive their freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving as it can make them greasy or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the dough to ensure the flavors stay balanced and your cookies aren’t bland.
What if I don’t have cornstarch; can I substitute it?
Cornstarch is key to the cookies’ tender texture, but if you don’t have it, you can try replacing it with an equal amount of potato starch or a bit more flour, though the texture might be slightly less delicate.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Definitely! This Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe is versatile. Lemon or orange extract work beautifully for a citrus twist, or consider almond extract for a nutty note.
Why do I need to chill the dough balls before baking?
Chilling firms the dough, which prevents spreading during baking and helps maintain the cookies’ buttery, crumbly texture, resulting in that classic shortbread feel.
Can I decorate the cookies after baking?
Yes, once cooled, you can dip them halfway into melted chocolate, sprinkle with additional sprinkles, or pipe on royal icing for decorative flair.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible to resist the charm and deliciousness of this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Once you try making these light, buttery treats at home, you’ll see why they quickly become a beloved classic in any cookie collection. Whether for gifting or simply indulging, these cookies offer pure joy in every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the satisfying pleasure of homemade whipped shortbread cookies!
Print
Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth treats made with a perfect balance of butter, confectioners’ sugar, and a tender blend of flour and cornstarch. Enhanced with vanilla extract and festive sprinkles, these cookies are chilled to firm up before baking, resulting in a delicate texture and delightful bite. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet snack, these cookies are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 and ½ Cups Butter (at Room Temperature, salted)
- ¾ Cup Confectioners’ Sugar
- 2 and ¼ Cups All Purpose Flour
- ¾ Cup Cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract (or Lemon extract or Orange extract)
- ¼ Cup Sprinkles (of choice) (e.g., non-pareils)
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and confectioners’ sugar for 4-5 minutes on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This is essential for creating a light texture. Add the vanilla or your preferred extract during this step and mix briefly to incorporate.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Switch the mixer to low speed and gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and cornstarch into the butter mixture. Beat just until combined and no streaks of flour are visible, avoiding overmixing.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop and roll the dough into 36 equal-sized balls. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, cover it and place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up, which makes rolling easier and prevents sticking.
- Prepare on Tray: Place the dough balls on a lined baking tray or a large plate dusted lightly with flour, to prevent sticking. Press the tops gently with a fork dipped in cornstarch or flour, then sprinkle with your choice of sprinkles to decorate.
- Chill the Dough Balls: Refrigerate the dough balls for about 2 hours until they are very firm to the touch. To accelerate this process, you may chill them in the freezer until firm.
- Preheat Oven: While chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the cookies in batches, typically 12 at a time.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 19-20 minutes or until the tops look set and the cookies are firm but not browned.
- Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking tray before removing or serving to maintain their delicate texture.
Notes
- Beating the butter and sugar adequately is crucial for the light texture of these cookies.
- If the dough is too soft to work with, chilling it is necessary to avoid sticky hands and misshapen cookies.
- Chilling the dough balls before baking results in better texture and shape retention during baking.
- Using different extracts like lemon or orange can add a unique flavor twist.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a fun decorative touch and slight crunch.
- Baking at a lower temperature (300°F) helps achieve a tender, crumbly texture without browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
