There’s something truly magical about a cookie that feels like it just dissolves on your tongue.
Whipped shortbread is that cookie, a cloud-like confection that’s deceptively simple to make from scratch.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Since this recipe relies on so few components, each one plays a starring role in the final result.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin.
- Unsalted Butter: This forms the rich, creamy base of the cookie; using a high-quality butter, like a European style, will make the flavor sing.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioner’s sugar, this is key for that airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture you just can’t get with granulated sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of good vanilla adds a warm, aromatic depth to the otherwise simple, buttery flavor.
- Table Salt: A bit of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cookie its structure; be sure to measure it correctly to avoid a dry, crumbly dough.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret weapon, working with the powdered sugar to create that uniquely tender, melting quality.
- Sprinkles: While completely optional, a sprinkle on top adds a festive pop of color and a little bit of joyful crunch.
The Story of Whipped Shortbread
This isn’t your grandmother’s dense, crumbly shortbread, though it certainly shares the same proud heritage.
The “whipped” method is a modern twist that incorporates air into the dough, transforming it into something incredibly light and delicate.
How to make Whipped Shortbread Cookies?
The process is straightforward, but a few key techniques make all the difference.
Just follow these steps for cookie perfection.
Step 1- Cream the Butter and Sugar
Combine the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl.
Now, beat them together with an electric mixer for a full five minutes, or until the mixture is incredibly pale, fluffy, and light as a cloud.
Step 2- Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until they are fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, gently whisk together your flour and cornstarch to ensure they are evenly combined.
Step 3- Combine Gently
With your mixer on a low speed, gradually add the flour and cornstarch mixture to the butter base.
Mix only until the flour disappears, being careful not to overwork the dough at this stage.
Step 4- Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough by the tablespoon and roll it briefly between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
Place these dough balls about two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5- Flatten and Decorate
Use the tines of a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating a simple, elegant pattern.
If the fork sticks, just dip it in a bit of extra powdered sugar, then go ahead and add your sprinkles.
Step 6- Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for exactly 12 minutes.
They will remain pale in color, so trust the timer, and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before you move them.
Tips
A few small details can elevate your cookies from good to absolutely sublime.
Keep these pointers in mind for the best results every single time.
- Don’t rush the creaming process; whipping the butter and sugar thoroughly is non-negotiable for that airy texture.
- For a delightful flavor variation, try swapping half of the vanilla extract with a quarter teaspoon of almond extract.
- If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a quarter teaspoon.
- Always use softened butter straight from the countertop, never melted, for the perfect consistency.
Storing and Gifting Your Creations
These delicate cookies deserve to be stored with a little bit of care.
Once completely cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat.
Their elegant appearance also makes them a wonderful gift; just tuck them into a decorative tin or box for a truly heartfelt present.
Common Questions Answered
It’s natural to have a few questions when trying a new recipe.
Let’s clear up some of the most frequent curiosities bakers have.
What’s the difference between this and a butter cookie? The main distinction is texture.
Butter cookies are rich and tender, while whipped shortbread is defined by its airy, dissolving quality.
Why the extra cornstarch? It’s a brilliant little trick.
The additional cornstarch prevents the cookies from spreading too much and intensifies that sought-after melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Description
With only six ingredients (plus sprinkles, of course), these Whipped Shortbread Cookies may be the easiest recipe you’ll make this holiday season. They take less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish—NO chilling required! These cookies are airy, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, making them a standout at cookie exchanges or a cozy treat with hot cocoa any time of year.
ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a stand mixer or large bowl with hand mixer, beat softened butter and powdered sugar on medium-high speed for at least 5 minutes until very light, fluffy, and pale yellow. Scrape sides and bottom as needed.
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Add vanilla extract and salt; mix until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
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With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place 1–2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
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Gently flatten each cookie with a fork (dip fork in powdered sugar if dough sticks).
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Top with sprinkles if desired.
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Bake for 12 minutes until edges are just barely golden. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 36
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 95kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5.3 gg9%
- Saturated Fat 3.3 gg17%
- Trans Fat 0 gg
- Cholesterol 14 mgmg5%
- Sodium 60 mgmg3%
- Potassium 25 mgmg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 11 gg4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2 gg1%
- Sugars 4.5 gg
- Protein 1 gg2%
- Calcium 8 mg
- Iron 0.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Butter matters: For best flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter. European butter adds extra richness.
- No chilling needed! These cookies are ready to bake immediately after mixing.
- Don’t overbake: Remove cookies when they’re still pale—overbaking makes them dry and crumbly.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
