This Whipped Shortbread Cookies recipe is the ultimate guide to achieving melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delicate crumb, perfect for any occasion. These cookies are light, buttery, and require minimal ingredients, making them a timeless treat for the holiday season or whenever you’re craving something subtly sweet. The key to their signature lightness lies in whipping the butter to create an airy dough that bakes to perfection. Here’s an in-depth recipe, with detailed tips to help you make these classic shortbread cookies come out flawless every time.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened – Softened butter is essential here; the better the butter quality, the richer the flavor.
  • ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar – Powdered sugar dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, which helps create a smooth, creamy dough.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a subtle hint of warmth that complements the butter.
  • ¾ teaspoon table salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the butter and vanilla.
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for these delicate cookies.
  • 2 tablespoons (17g) cornstarch – Cornstarch is the secret to a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For Decoration (Optional):

  • Nonpareils, jimmies, or colored sanding sugar – Add a touch of color and festivity to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

  1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for a gentle bake that helps the cookies maintain their pale color while cooking through.
  2. Line a Baking Sheet – Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking. Parchment also allows for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whip the Butter and Sugar

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar – In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on medium-high speed. This is a crucial step, as whipping the butter will incorporate air, making the cookies light and fluffy.
  2. Whip Until Light and Fluffy – Continue mixing for about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be pale and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

  1. Mix in Vanilla – Add the vanilla extract and mix on low speed until well incorporated. Vanilla adds a lovely hint of sweetness without overpowering the buttery flavor.
  2. Incorporate Salt – Add the salt, mixing gently to blend. If you’re using salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to avoid an overly salty taste.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

  1. Whisk Flour and Cornstarch Together – In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Cornstarch is essential for achieving a soft, tender crumb.
  2. Gradual Addition – Slowly add the flour mixture to the whipped butter mixture, about a third at a time, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

  1. Portion the Dough – Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Keeping the dough portions uniform ensures even baking.
  2. Place on Baking Sheet – Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1–2 inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten and Decorate

  1. Flatten with a Fork – Dip a fork in powdered sugar to prevent sticking, and gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly, creating a delicate, textured imprint.
  2. Add Sprinkles or Sugar (Optional) – Decorate the tops with nonpareils, jimmies, or colored sanding sugar for a festive touch.

Step 7: Bake

  1. Bake for 12 Minutes – Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; shortbread cookies should remain light in color.
  2. Cool on Baking Sheet – Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them. This resting period allows the shortbread to firm up and prevents crumbling.

Additional Tips for the Best Shortbread Cookies

  1. Butter Quality – High-quality butter, such as European-style butter, makes a noticeable difference in flavor. The higher fat content contributes to a richer taste and texture.
  2. Proper Softening – Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter whips better, creating a light, airy dough. To soften, let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  3. Cornstarch for Texture – Cornstarch is key for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t skip it. It gives these cookies their classic, soft bite.
  4. Chilling the Dough (Optional) – For a more controlled shape, you can chill the dough for 15–20 minutes after shaping. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

How to Store and Serve Shortbread Cookies

  1. Storage – These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks. The flavor and texture improve over a couple of days as the cookies settle.
  2. Serving Suggestions – Whipped shortbread cookies are a versatile treat. Serve them with tea, coffee, or alongside holiday spreads. They also make excellent gifts, as they travel well and stay fresh.

Common Variations

  1. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread – Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let set. Sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles for a decorative touch.
  2. Add Citrus Zest – For a twist, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a hint of citrus flavor.
  3. Vanilla Bean – For an enhanced vanilla flavor, add scraped vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste to the dough along with the extract.

Nutrition Information Per Cookie

  • Calories: 85
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 5g

Website Content Addition: The Story Behind Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Whipped shortbread cookies are a beloved classic known for their delicate, tender texture. By incorporating air into the butter during the whipping process, these cookies achieve a cloud-like softness that melts in your mouth with every bite. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and elegance, making it a timeless choice for bakers of all levels. Whether enjoyed during the holiday season or on a cozy afternoon, whipped shortbread cookies bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any setting. Decorate them with festive sprinkles or keep them plain to savor the buttery goodness in each bite.

For those who enjoy customizing their treats, this versatile recipe is perfect as a base for a variety of flavors and decorations. Add a hint of zest for a citrusy twist, dip in chocolate for extra indulgence, or keep them plain for a purist’s approach. However you choose to enjoy them, these whipped shortbread cookies are sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies from Sugar Spun Run:
Ingredients:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar (plus extra for imprinting cookies)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon table salt
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (17g) cornstarch
Nonpareils, jimmies, or colored sanding sugar for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat the butter and powdered sugar in a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer) on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, for about 5 minutes.
Add vanilla extract and salt and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1–2 inches apart.
Flatten each cookie gently with a fork, dipping it in powdered sugar to avoid sticking, and add sprinkles, if desired.
Bake for 12 minutes. The cookies should be light in color when done. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.
Tips:
Butter quality: European butter enhances the flavor.
If using salted butter, reduce salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
Nutritional Info (per cookie):
Calories: 85
Carbs: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth cookies during the holiday season or anytime!