These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are light and tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Made with only 5 ingredients, they're easy to make and perfect for holiday baking! Sprinkles are optional but recommended.
Looking for more easy cookie recipes? Try my Gingerbread Cookies or Thumbprint Cookies next!
About This Recipe
WARNING: these are super addictive. They're small compared to other cookies, so it's easy to grab a handful without thinking. The calories can add up! I accidentally ate 8 of these last night while prepping dinner.
Christmas time is almost here, and whipped shortbread cookies are one of my favorite cookies to make this time of year. They fit in perfectly into any cookie box, and who doesn't love the buttery texture of shortbread?
These cookies are a little different than your standard shortbread. They're much softer and lighter in texture (because of cornstarch). You still get a gentle crisp on the outside, but the inside stays incredibly soft and melts like butter in your mouth. I think of all the cookie recipes on my blog, this one has to be my favorite!
Key Ingredients
Butter: You want your butter to be at room temperature so that it's soft enough for beating in the stand mixer. If your butter is cold, you can try beating it by itself in the stand mixer for a few minutes to soften it.
Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is preferred over granulated sugar because it gives the cookies an even softer texture.
Vanilla extract: For a delicious, warm flavor.
Flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup (instead of scooping directly from the flour bin, because doing that will compact the flour and cause you to overmeasure)
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is what makes these shortbread cookies incredibly light in texture.
Sprinkles: This is optional for decorating!
Instructions
STEP 1: In a large bowl, or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
STEP 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch.
STEP 3: Gradually beat in the flour mixture on low speed until JUST combined.
STEP 4: Roll the dough into smooth 1-tablespoon balls. Place 1-2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a fork to gently, slightly flatten each cookie. Add sprinkles if desired. Chill the dough balls in the fridge for at least 1 hour (this prevents the cookies from spreading when baking). You can speed this up by putting them in the freezer.
STEP 5: Bake at 325ยฐF for 12-14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them chill on the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
๐ Recipe
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cups butter (room temperature)
- ยพ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ยผ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ยพ cup cornstarch
- sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch.
- Gradually beat in the flour mixture on low speed until JUST combined.
- Roll the dough into smooth 1-tablespoon balls. Place 1-2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a fork to gently, slightly flatten each cookie. Add sprinkles, if desired.
- Chill the dough balls in the fridge for at least 1 hour (this prevents the cookies from spreading when baking). You can speed this up by putting them in the freezer.
- Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on the baking sheets.
Karen Morrell
Iโm not an experienced bakerโฆbut thought these turned out good. They were slightly brown on bottom, but not edges, but turned out tasty. Other recipes I tried were dry.
Grump
Yay so happy to hear that!