There is something truly magical about the melt-in-your-mouth texture of buttery shortbread, and nothing brings that magic to life quite like this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies are delightfully light and airy thanks to the whipped butter, making them a cheerful classic that’s easy to enjoy any time of year. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a tender crumb, these cookies practically melt on your tongue, bringing nostalgia and happiness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe stands out as a simple but irresistible favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of humble ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. From the richness of softened butter to the delicate balance of cornstarch and flour, every component is essential for that classic shortbread experience.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The base for our dough, butter lends richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): This fine sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender, delicate crumb.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Provides structure without weighing down the cookies.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Key for extra tenderness and that wonderfully soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the buttery flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Sprinkles or maraschino cherries (optional): Perfect for adding a festive pop of color and a little extra fun.
How to Make Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low temperature is crucial because it allows the cookies to bake slowly, preserving their delicate texture without browning too much.
Step 2: Whip the Butter to Perfection
Place your softened unsalted butter in a large bowl and use an electric mixer to beat it until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This whipping step is the secret to that airy texture that sets this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe apart from typical shortbread.
Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar and Flavorings
Next, add the powdered sugar to the whipped butter and continue beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to elevate the cookie’s flavor profile. Each ingredient works together to create a buttery, slightly sweet, and fragrant dough.
Step 4: Gently Mix the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the bowl, mixing on low speed until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix — you want to keep the dough light and airy, which is what gives these cookies their distinctive tender texture.
Step 5: Shape and Decorate Your Cookies
Using a scoop or piping bag, place small rounds of dough about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. If you want, top each cookie with a sprinkle or a small piece of maraschino cherry for a festive touch; this adds color and a dash of whimsy to your cookies.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Golden
Bake the cookies for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges begin to show a faint golden hue. This gentle baking time ensures the cookies stay soft and crumbly rather than becoming hard or overly crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets them set perfectly, so they hold together just right while still delivering that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
How to Serve Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles and maraschino cherries are classic choices to brighten these cookies, but you could also try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a more decadent finish. Each garnish adds a touch of personality and elegance, elevating your treats for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Whipped shortbread cookies are perfect paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For something extra special, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a delightful contrast between warm, buttery cookies and cool, creamy accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with a light spread of jam or chocolate ganache between them for an elegant sandwich cookie. You can also arrange them on a festive platter with seasonal fruits and nuts to create a stunning cookie and dessert board that is sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure they have fully cooled to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save these buttery delights for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container with parchment layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
Though these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can warm them gently in a low oven at 250°F for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their soft texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them overly soft or greasy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or shortening?
While margarine or shortening can be used, butter provides the best flavor and texture for this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Butter’s unique fat content creates that signature rich and tender crumb.
Why is the cornstarch important in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps create a soft, delicate texture by interfering with gluten formation, making these cookies lighter and more tender than traditional shortbread.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! A little lemon zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon can add a fun twist to the cookie dough, perfect for customizing the recipe to your taste.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Using chilled dough helps, but because this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe relies on whipped butter, the dough should hold its shape well if you don’t overmix and handle it gently.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, though the texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a cookie that is light, buttery, and simply melts in your mouth, this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe should definitely be your go-to. It’s an easy and satisfying treat that brings joy with every bite, whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or the highlight of your holiday cookie platter. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite classic!
Print
Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that melt in your mouth. Made with softened unsalted butter whipped to light and fluffy perfection, powdered sugar, flour, and cornstarch, these cookies are subtly flavored with vanilla and lightly golden on the edges when baked. Perfect for holiday celebrations or as an everyday dessert, they can be topped with colorful sprinkles or maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Toppings (Optional)
- Sprinkles
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Whip Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until the butter becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the cookie’s characteristic airy texture.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the whipped butter and continue beating until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch into the butter mixture, beating on low speed to avoid overworking the dough. Continue until the mixture forms a light, airy dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop or pipe small rounds of dough about 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, add sprinkles or place a small piece of maraschino cherry on top of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. This ensures the cookies remain tender and buttery.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Handle delicately as these cookies are fragile once baked.
Notes
- For a festive touch, use colored sprinkles or pipe the dough using a star tip for decorative shapes.
- These cookies are delicate and buttery—handle with care once baked to avoid breaking them.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve freshness.
