Whipped Shortbread Cookies are the airy, buttery treat that feel like a warm holiday hug, no matter the time of year. Their delicate texture and perfect sweetness make them a beloved classic across Canadian kitchens and beyond. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll create cookies that quite literally melt on your tongue—making them equally perfect for an afternoon tea, festive gatherings, or just a quiet evening with your favorite mug in hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how effortless it is to create Whipped Shortbread Cookies with just a few everyday ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the cookie’s signature taste, texture, and wonderful simplicity.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for both flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture; make sure it’s truly room temperature for easy whipping.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds the sweetest touch while keeping the crumb delicate and smooth.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure without overwhelming the tender bite.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): This secret ingredient gives Whipped Shortbread Cookies their toothsome, light crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle aromatic warmth that makes each bite special.
- Pinch of salt: Just a hint to bring out the buttery flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Holiday sprinkles or maraschino cherries (optional): For that festive, cheery finish—decorative and delicious.
How to Make Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F, ensuring that low, gentle bake that these cookies love. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for an easy cookie transfer. Gather all your ingredients so nothing gets left behind—this is the time to set out your butter so it’s perfectly softened and ready for a proper whipping.
Step 2: Whip the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is pale, light, and remarkably fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t rush this step! The longer you whip, the lighter your Whipped Shortbread Cookies will become. This simple action creates that legendary meltaway texture everyone craves.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients
With your butter mixture ready, pour in the vanilla extract and mix just until combined. Now, sift the flour, cornstarch, and salt into the bowl. Sifting helps keep everything feathery and lump-free, which is exactly what you want for these delicately tender cookies.
Step 4: Mix Until Airy and Smooth
Beat the dough on medium speed until it’s very smooth and almost cloud-like. Your dough will be soft and creamy—never dense or sticky. This is your sign that the cookies will bake up beautifully airy.
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized rounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little apart. Gently flatten each dough mound with a fork or the bottom of a glass. Now’s the fun part: sprinkle your favorite festive sprinkles over the tops or press a maraschino cherry half into the center of each cookie for that classic bakery look.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 18 to 20 minutes until the bottoms turn a delicate golden hue, but be careful—they should stay pale on top. After removing them from the oven, let them cool for five minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This little rest helps them set, creating that signature light-as-air bite.
How to Serve Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Garnishes
A classic touch is always a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or a bright maraschino cherry pressed into the center before baking. Alternatively, try a dusting of extra powdered sugar once cooled for a snowy finish that feels straight out of a winter wonderland.
Side Dishes
Pair your Whipped Shortbread Cookies with a hot cup of tea, fresh coffee, or warm cocoa for the ultimate treat. If you’re making a cookie platter for a gathering, set these alongside other crumbly favorites or citrusy curd for a joyful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in a tin lined with festive paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. Or, arrange them in tidy rows on a vintage serving tray with edible flowers for a stunning dessert table centerpiece. You might even layer them between pieces of parchment and tie with a ribbon for an effortless and heartfelt hostess gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your Whipped Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their perfect texture for up to a week—just be sure to store them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their pure, buttery flavor.
Freezing
These cookies freeze spectacularly! Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, with layers separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste nearly as fresh as the day you baked them.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat, but if you want to revive that just-baked feel, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 275°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes. Let them cool for a moment so they crisp back up before diving in.
FAQs
Why do I need to whip the butter and sugar for so long?
The air you incorporate while beating butter and sugar is what gives Whipped Shortbread Cookies their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumble. Skipping this step leaves you with flatter, denser cookies that miss the magic.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you use salted butter, just omit the pinch of added salt. Your cookies will have a slightly saltier, but still delicious, flavor—just as delightful for any shortbread lover.
Do I have to decorate the cookies?
Not at all! Whipped Shortbread Cookies are just as tasty undecorated, but adding a sprinkle or a cherry makes them extra festive and fun. Decorate according to the occasion or your mood.
Will these cookies spread in the oven?
Nope, these cookies hold their shape nicely thanks to the ratio of butter to flour and the gentle, low-temperature bake. Just flatten them a bit before baking for that classic look.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Of course! The recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Just make sure you have enough baking trays and that you whip your butter mixture in batches if your mixer is on the smaller side.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the spirit of the season—or honestly, just everyday magic—these Whipped Shortbread Cookies are ready to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Invite some friends, brew your favorite drink, and share the joy one buttery, tender crumb at a time. Happy baking!
Print
Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a holiday favorite with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are easy to make and perfect for Christmas baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Holiday sprinkles or maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add vanilla extract, then sift in flour, cornstarch, and salt. Beat until smooth and airy.
- Shape and decorate: Drop dough onto baking sheet, flatten, and decorate with sprinkles or cherries.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Cool and serve: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Notes:
- Whipping the butter and sugar well is key to a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
