Name: Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484957H55M5S
Total time: PT-484957H55M5S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar

These melt-in-your-mouth whipped shortbread cookies are light, buttery, and irresistibly delicate. Their cloud-like texture comes from whipping the butter until it’s perfectly aerated, resulting in a cookie that practically dissolves on your tongue.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These whipped shortbread cookies are a true delight for several reasons. The recipe requires just a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The preparation is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for last-minute baking sessions. Unlike traditional shortbread, these cookies have an exceptionally light and delicate texture thanks to the extended whipping process. They’re versatile enough to be dressed up for holidays with colorful sprinkles or enjoyed in their simple, classic form. The melt-in-your-mouth quality makes them an elegant addition to any cookie platter or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter forms the foundation of these cookies, providing that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes shortbread so irresistible. Make sure it’s properly softened to room temperature for optimal whipping, which creates the signature light texture.

Powdered sugar gives these cookies their delicate sweetness and contributes to their tender crumb. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves seamlessly into the butter, ensuring a smooth dough without any grittiness.

All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies while keeping them tender. For the lightest texture, consider sifting the flour before measuring to remove any lumps.

Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that makes these shortbread cookies extra tender. It reduces the protein content in the dough, resulting in that characteristic “melt-away” quality.

Vanilla extract adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the buttery richness. You could substitute almond extract or even lemon zest for a different flavor profile.

Sprinkles or colored sugar are optional but add a festive touch, especially during holiday seasons. They provide a delightful pop of color and sometimes a slight textural contrast to these otherwise delicate cookies.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Sift the flour and cornstarch together, then gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Optionally, press a sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 delicious shortbread cookies, each containing about 120 calories. The preparation is quick, taking only 10 minutes to mix the dough, followed by 12-15 minutes of baking time. From start to finish, you can expect to have these delectable treats ready in about 25 minutes, making them perfect for when you need a quick homemade dessert.

Variations

Chocolate Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant finishing touch.

Citrus Infused: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon, orange, or lime zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Almond Shortbread: Substitute almond extract for vanilla and top each cookie with a sliced almond before baking.

Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic.

Lavender Shortbread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of culinary lavender to the dough for a sophisticated floral note.

Pecan Sandies Style: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans and a pinch of cinnamon for a nutty variation.

Thumbprint Cookies: Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie before baking and fill with jam.

Storage/Reheating

These whipped shortbread cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for preparing in advance for gatherings or gifting. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months.

If you’re planning to store these cookies for more than a few days, avoid adding sprinkles or decorations that might bleed color or lose their texture. Instead, consider adding those elements just before serving.

These cookies don’t require reheating, but if you’d like to serve them warm, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave will give them a just-baked feel. For frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.

FAQs

Why are my shortbread cookies spreading too much?

Spreading typically occurs when the butter is too warm. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. If your dough feels too soft after mixing, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before baking. Also, be sure your baking sheet is cool between batches.

Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

While an electric mixer helps achieve the light, whipped texture that makes these cookies special, you can make them by hand with a wooden spoon and some elbow grease. Just be prepared to mix vigorously for at least 5-7 minutes to incorporate enough air into the butter mixture.

Why did my cookies turn out too crumbly?

Overly crumbly cookies usually result from too much flour. Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. Also, be careful not to overmix after adding the flour.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping, as cold dough will be quite firm. You can also freeze the shaped dough for up to 3 months.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different from the original recipe.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

These cookies should remain pale with just a hint of golden color around the edges. Over-baking will make them too crisp, so watch them carefully. They’ll be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.

Why add cornstarch to shortbread cookies?

Cornstarch reduces the protein content in the dough, resulting in that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes whipped shortbread so special. It’s the secret to achieving that delicate, tender crumb.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe. Keep in mind that the amount of salt in salted butter varies by brand, so the flavor might be slightly different from the intended recipe.

How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?

For holiday cookies, try adding seasonal sprinkles, pressing a candied cherry in the center, or drizzling with colored icing. You can also use cookie cutters for shaped cookies (though you’ll need to chill and roll the dough first).

Why whip the butter and sugar for so long?

The extended whipping time (3-4 minutes) is crucial for incorporating air into the butter-sugar mixture, which creates the light, airy texture that gives whipped shortbread its name. Don’t skimp on this step!

Conclusion

These whipped shortbread cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Their ethereal texture and buttery flavor make them an irresistible treat for any occasion, while their simplicity showcases the beauty of baking with just a few quality ingredients. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, packaging them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Their versatility allows for endless variations, making them a reliable foundation for creative baking adventures. With their quick preparation time and make-ahead potential, they’re the perfect solution for both planned events and impromptu sweet cravings.