Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Whipped shortbread cookies are delightfully light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion. With a simple mix of classic ingredients and a touch of vanilla, these cookies offer a tender crumb and a delicate sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 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; I used non-pareils)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer to beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. If using a handheld mixer, beat on high speed. Add the vanilla (or chosen) extract and mix briefly to combine.
2. Step 2: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted flour and cornstarch. Beat only until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain.
3. Step 3: Scoop the dough and roll into 36 equal-sized balls. If the dough feels too soft to handle, cover and chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up, which makes rolling easier.
4. Step 4: Place the dough balls on a pre-lined baking tray or a floured plate to prevent sticking. Gently press the tops with a fork dipped in cornstarch or flour, then sprinkle with your choice of sprinkles.
5. Step 5: Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until very firm to the touch. To speed this up, you can place them in the freezer until firm.
6. Step 6: Keep the dough balls chilled while preheating your oven. Bake in batches of 12 on a tray for even cooking.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the cookies for 19-20 minutes, or until the tops look set but not browned.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking tray before removing them. This helps maintain their delicate texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try swapping vanilla extract with lemon or orange extract.
• Chilling the dough is key to keeping the cookies from spreading and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Use different sprinkles or finely chopped nuts for a fun twist.
• If your kitchen is warm, bake the cookies in smaller batches to keep dough cold.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To refresh, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter but be sure to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling firms up the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helping them maintain their shape while baking.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 81 reviews

Whipped Shortbread Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a light and fluffy texture achieved by thoroughly beating butter and sugar. These cookies are infused with vanilla (or citrus) extract and topped with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for festive occasions or everyday enjoyment. They require chilling before baking to ensure a tender, crumbly finish.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

Decoration

• ¼ Cup Sprinkles (of choice, non-pareils recommended)

Instructions

1. Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer to beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light textured cookie. Add pure vanilla extract (or chosen flavor extract) and mix briefly to incorporate.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add sifted all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture. Beat only until combined and no streaks of flour remain; avoid overmixing to maintain the delicate texture.
3. Form Dough Balls: Scoop the dough and roll it into 36 equal-sized balls. If the dough feels too soft and sticky, cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up, which makes rolling easier.
4. Prepare for Chilling: Place the dough balls on a pre-lined baking tray or a floured plate to prevent sticking. Press each ball’s top gently with a fork dipped in cornstarch or flour. Add sprinkles on top to decorate.
5. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough balls for about 2 hours or until very firm to the touch. To expedite, you may chill the dough balls in the freezer until firm.
6. Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Plan to bake 12 cookies per tray for even baking.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies at 300°F for 19-20 minutes, or until the tops look set but not browned. The low temperature ensures a tender crumb without over-browning.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking tray before removing to maintain their shape and texture.

Notes

• Beating the butter and sugar adequately is essential for light, airy cookies.
• Chilling the dough balls well helps control spreading and ensures a crumbly texture.
• Use a fork dipped in cornstarch or flour to prevent sticking when pressing designs on the dough balls.
• Optional extracts such as lemon or orange can be substituted for vanilla for a citrus twist.
• Sprinkles add a fun decorative touch but can be omitted or replaced with finely chopped nuts for variation.
• Baking at a low temperature is important to maintain the delicate texture of whipped shortbread.

Keywords: whipped shortbread, shortbread cookies, butter cookies, festive cookies, vanilla shortbread, sprinkles cookies