Description
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are delightfully tender and buttery treats made by creaming softened butter and powdered sugar to create a light, fluffy base. These cookies are easy to prepare, featuring a soft dough of all-purpose flour and cornstarch baked to a perfect golden edge. They can be customized with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for decoration, making them an ideal homemade snack or gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture, enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, mixing gently just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Decorate (optional): If desired, gently flatten each cookie slightly and top with sprinkles or chocolate chips for added flair and flavor.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, monitoring closely until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, ensuring a crisp edge and soft center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and prevents breaking.
Notes
- For a softer texture, avoid overmixing once dry ingredients are added.
- You can substitute cornstarch with rice flour for a gluten-free alternative, though texture may vary slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor if using unsalted butter without salt.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest or almond extract along with vanilla.
