Short Description
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth treats that are incredibly light and buttery. The simple yet elegant cookie dough is whipped to perfection, giving these cookies a delicate texture that is sure to impress. They’re perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or just as a sweet indulgence with a cup of tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a breeze to make and always a crowd favorite. Their light, crumbly texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible. The dough is incredibly easy to work with and can be piped into beautiful shapes, making them both fun to prepare and gorgeous to serve. The addition of sprinkles or chopped nuts on top adds a touch of festive flair, but they’re just as delightful when left plain.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (plus more for dusting, optional)
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (only if using unsalted butter)
- Sprinkles or finely chopped nuts for topping (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until it becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract (if using) and continue to beat for another 1-2 minutes until fully combined and light.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch into the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Shape the dough: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, or roll it into small balls if you prefer. Pipe or shape the cookies onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with optional sprinkles or finely chopped nuts, or leave them plain if you prefer.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 20-24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Flavored Shortbread: Add a bit of lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon for a flavor twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies are baked and cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Use colored sprinkles to give the cookies a fun and festive look, perfect for holidays or parties.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but if you use salted butter, skip the pinch of salt in the recipe.
2. Can I make these cookies without cornstarch?
Cornstarch gives the cookies a light and tender texture. If you don’t have any, you can replace it with an additional 2 tablespoons of flour, though the texture may be slightly different.
3. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine. Just make sure to beat the butter thoroughly to achieve the light and fluffy texture.
4. Do I have to pipe the dough?
No, you can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork or your fingers for a more rustic look.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls or pipe them out onto a baking sheet, then freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container, and bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
6. How can I prevent my shortbread from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure to chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking, which will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to this dough?
Yes! You can fold in chocolate chips for a chocolatey version of these shortbread cookies.
8. Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you could try using gluten-free all-purpose flour if you need a gluten-free option.
9. Why are my cookies not as fluffy as expected?
Ensure that you’ve beaten the butter long enough to get it light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar. If the butter is too soft, it might not achieve the right texture.
10. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough to make colorful cookies, especially fun for holidays or themed parties.
Conclusion
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that anyone can make, even beginners. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create these light, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth. Customize them with sprinkles, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate, and they’ll become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the delicate flavor and delightful texture of these classic cookies!
Print
Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth treats that are incredibly light and buttery. The simple yet elegant cookie dough is whipped to perfection, giving these cookies a delicate texture that is sure to impress. They’re perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or just as a sweet indulgence with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (plus more for dusting, optional)
1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (only if using unsalted butter)
Sprinkles or finely chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until it becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract (if using) and continue to beat for another 1-2 minutes until fully combined and light.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch into the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Shape the dough: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, or roll it into small balls if you prefer. Pipe or shape the cookies onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with optional sprinkles or finely chopped nuts, or leave them plain if you prefer.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Flavored Shortbread: Add a bit of lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon for a flavor twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies are baked and cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Use colored sprinkles to give the cookies a fun and festive look, perfect for holidays or parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
