Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Soft, buttery, and delicately crumbly, Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a timeless treat that melt in your mouth with every bite. Unlike traditional shortbread, which is dense and crumbly, whipped shortbread has a light, airy texture thanks to the extra beating time—giving it a softer, more tender crumb that practically dissolves on the tongue. These cookies are the perfect blend of simple ingredients and elegant results.

With only a handful of pantry staples—butter, flour, sugar, and cornstarch—whipped shortbread is surprisingly easy to make. The magic happens in the mixing: by whipping the butter and sugar until ultra-light and fluffy, you incorporate air into the dough, giving these cookies their signature texture. Whether you decorate them with sprinkles, jam, chocolate, or leave them plain, they’re beautiful and versatile enough for holidays, tea parties, or everyday snacking.

Best of all, these cookies require no chilling or complicated shaping. Just pipe or scoop, bake, and enjoy. Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture make them a perennial favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Ultra-light and tender thanks to whipped butter.
2. Simple Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples needed.
3. Versatile and Customizable – Easy to decorate for any holiday or occasion.
4. No Chill Time – Ready to bake as soon as they’re mixed.
5. Perfect for Gifting – Beautiful and elegant in cookie boxes or tins.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Sprinkles, jam, or chocolate (optional for decorating)

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Dip or drizzle cooled cookies with melted dark or white chocolate.
• Jam Thumbprint: Add a small indent and fill with raspberry or apricot jam before baking.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Top with red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel for Easter.
• Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest and a dash of lemon extract for a citrus version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with good results.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Whip the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes until very light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in flour and cornstarch. Add vanilla extract and beat on low until combined, then increase speed to medium and whip briefly.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a piping bag with a large star tip or a small cookie scoop to place dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space slightly apart.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

Top with sprinkles, nonpareils, or gently press a small thumbprint in the center for jam.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use room-temperature butter for best whipping results.
• Don’t skimp on the beating time—it’s key to the airy texture.
• Use powdered sugar, not granulated, to maintain the delicate crumb.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps.
• Let cookies cool fully before storing to preserve their structure.

How to Serve

• Serve alongside tea or coffee for a classic treat.
• Pair with fresh fruit or light dessert wines.
• Stack in jars or gift tins for holiday presents.
• Include in cookie trays or dessert tables for variety.
• Dust with extra powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed—serve at room temperature for best texture.

FAQs

1. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Butter may be too soft or the dough wasn’t whipped enough. Try chilling the piped dough briefly before baking.

2. Can I use granulated sugar?

Powdered sugar is essential for the light, delicate texture. Granulated sugar will make the cookies heavier.

3. What does cornstarch do in this recipe?

It softens the flour and gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

4. Can I pipe the dough?

Yes! The dough is soft enough to pipe using a large star or round tip.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just make sure your mixer can handle the increased volume when whipping.

6. Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required unless your butter is very soft and the dough is loose.

7. Can I add food coloring?

Yes, add a few drops of gel food coloring to the dough before piping for festive cookies.

8. Why are my cookies dry or crumbly?

Be sure to measure flour correctly and don’t overbake. These cookies should be tender, not crunchy.

9. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe if included.

10. How long will these keep?

Stored properly, they remain fresh for up to a week and freeze beautifully for longer storage.

Conclusion

Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a celebration of simplicity and elegance, made with just a few ingredients and a bit of technique. Their buttery flavor and delicate texture make them an irresistible addition to any cookie tray, tea table, or festive celebration. Whether you enjoy them plain or adorned, these cookies are a timeless favorite that always impress. Whip up a batch and enjoy a sweet moment of indulgence—no special occasion required.

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