Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats, then you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer that perfect delicate crumb and just the right hint of sweetness, making every bite a little moment of bliss. What makes this recipe stand out is the way the butter and sugar get whipped to creamy perfection, creating a cookie that’s unbelievably tender yet holds its classic shortbread shape beautifully. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or an elegant tea party, these cookies bring a homemade touch that feels both timeless and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe calls for simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in crafting that signature soft and crumbly texture. The butter provides richness, while the powdered sugar sweetens without grit. Flour forms the cookie’s structure, and cornstarch gives it that delicate melt-away feel. A hint of vanilla ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Use softened butter to help the dough whip up light and airy, which is critical for the texture.
- Powdered sugar: Gives a silky smooth sweetness, replacing granulated sugar for a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The main structure builder in your cookies for that classic shortbread bite.
- Cornstarch: Essential for adding a bit of softness and melt-in-the-mouth tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch to deepen the flavor and keep things irresistibly aromatic.
- Optional decorations: Sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a fun or elegant finishing touch.
How to Make Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low baking temperature ensures the cookies bake slowly, preserving their delicate texture and preventing browning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This whipping process is key—it aerates the batter, giving the cookies their wonderfully tender crumb.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly. This little addition is what elevates these shortbread cookies from simple to utterly irresistible with a burst of warm, sweet aroma.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Cornstarch
Sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch gradually into the butter mixture. Gently fold and mix just until combined. Overmixing here can develop gluten and make the cookies tough, so aim for a soft, delicate dough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about an inch apart. Optionally, gently flatten them slightly and add sprinkles or chocolate chips for a colorful and tasty touch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes. The edges should just start to turn golden while the center remains pale. Keep a close eye here—these cookies are delicate and can go from perfect to too brown quickly.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up just right, so you get that perfect crumbly bite.
How to Serve Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though the cookies themselves shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant snowy touch. For a festive vibe, colorful sprinkles or miniature chocolate chips pressed gently into the top before baking bring an extra bit of fun and flavor.
Side Dishes
These whipped shortbread cookies are a perfect companion for a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them alongside a creamy hot chocolate or even a chilled glass of milk to balance their buttery sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, arrange the cookies in decorative tins lined with parchment paper or stack them in clear jars tied with ribbon. You can even sandwich them with a smear of jam or chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, keep your whipped shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crumbly for up to a week, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, the dough can be shaped into logs and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This gently revives their buttery softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be mindful that salted butter can alter the flavor, making the cookies slightly saltier. It’s best to reduce any added salt in other recipes or just embrace the subtle saltiness as part of the cookie’s charm.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch helps soften the texture by inhibiting gluten formation, which creates those tender, melt-in-the-mouth crumbs that make this Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe so delightful.
How long can I store these cookies?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will last up to one week without losing their delicate texture or flavor.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Almond extract or citrus zest like lemon or orange can add a fresh twist. Just use sparingly so the flavors don’t overpower the buttery base.
What is the best way to make the cookies look prettier?
Using a cookie stamp or pressing a fork gently on the tops before baking creates charming patterns. Adding sprinkles or mini chocolate chips also adds a festive and inviting look.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking a batch of Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe from scratch. The simplicity of these buttery cookies combined with their melt-in-your-mouth texture is a taste experience worth sharing again and again. Whether you’re treating yourself or delighting friends and family, I encourage you to dive in, whip up a batch, and enjoy every crumb of this classic delight.
Print
Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for any occasion. Lightly sweetened and delicately flavored with vanilla, they feature a tender crumb thanks to the combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Simple to prepare and bake at a low temperature, these cookies are ideal for a cozy afternoon snack or elegant dessert plate. Customize with sprinkles or chocolate chips for added fun and flair.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This process incorporates air to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until it is fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture, infusing the dough with flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, mixing gently to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a delicate crumb.
- Portion the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Decorate: Optionally, flatten each dough portion slightly and decorate with sprinkles or chocolate chips to add color and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch carefully for the edges to begin turning a light golden color, which indicates they’re done baking.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix once the flour and cornstarch are added to avoid tough cookies.
- For a decorative touch, gently press sprinkles or chocolate chips onto the dough before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can also be lightly dusted with powdered sugar after cooling for a classic look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
