Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
softened, 12 tablespoons or 1 ½ sticks
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar)
spooned and leveled (¼ cup PLUS 2 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
or vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cup all purpose flour
spooned and leveled
- 6 tablespoons corn starch
spooned and leveled, ¼ cup PLUS 2 tablespoons
- ¼ cups Christmas sprinkles
nonpareils, Jimmies, etc.
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer or a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes for a stand mixer, 7 minutes for a hand mixer. You will notice the mixture getting very light in color.
- 2
Beat in the almond extract until completely combined.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour and corn starch. Mix into butter mixture in three separate additions, mixing just until combined each time.
- 4
Transfer dough to an airtight container or bowl covered with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours.
- 5
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- 6
Scoop chilled cookie dough and roll into 1 inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet about 1 to 2 inches apart.
- 7
Dip a fork into powdered sugar, corn starch or flour and gently press the tines of the fork onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
- 8
Top each cookie with desired sprinkles or leave plain.
- 9
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Bottoms of cookies should be very lightly golden brown. Let cookies rest on baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cookies are very fragile when warm so be careful when moving.
- 10
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up 1 week.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
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Based on 121 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a classic holiday cookie that's incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious? These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are your answer, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with just five simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. It's the perfect treat to brighten any festive occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the truly tender results it achieves. The secret lies in the 'whipped' technique for the butter and powdered sugar, which incorporates air to create an incredibly light texture that practically dissolves on your tongue. The addition of corn starch works wonders, ensuring each bite is exquisitely tender, preventing a tough or dry cookie.
What truly sets these cookies apart is their delicate, buttery flavor complemented by your choice of almond or vanilla extract. They’re designed to be effortlessly light and tender, making them an instant favorite among Christmas cookies. You'll love how easy it is to achieve such a professional-tasting cookie at home.
What to Expect
Prepare for a delightful sensory experience with these Whipped Shortbread Cookies. Each cookie offers a delicate, crumbly texture that melts beautifully, leaving behind a rich, buttery taste with subtle notes of almond or vanilla. They have a pristine, pale appearance, making them a lovely canvas for festive decorations. The process is straightforward, focusing on careful mixing to achieve that signature lightness. These are not overly sweet cookies; their charm lies in their pure, buttery essence and airy feel, making them irresistible for sharing with loved ones.
Customization & Variations
These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are wonderfully adaptable. While almond extract provides a distinct, classic flavor, you can easily swap it for vanilla extract if you prefer or want to cater to different tastes. For decorating, let your imagination run wild beyond Christmas sprinkles. Try different colored nonpareils or Jimmies to match various holidays or events throughout the year. The recipe is also explicitly designed to be easily doubled or tripled, making it ideal for large gatherings or gifting during the holiday season.
Serving & Context
These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat, perfect for cookie exchanges, festive platters, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Arrange them artfully on a serving dish, perhaps alongside other confections, to create a stunning presentation that's both elegant and inviting.