Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe Ever Made

My grandma’s whipped shortbread cookies dance between delicate and decadent with their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Crisp edges hint at the buttery magic waiting inside each delightful morsel.

Whispers of vanilla and a light dusting of powdered sugar create an irresistible charm.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these cookies promise a moment of pure comfort and sweet indulgence.

Soft peaks of whipped butter form the foundation of this classic treat that feels both nostalgic and elegant.

Rich and crumbly, these cookies practically disappear the moment they touch your tongue.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this timeless recipe that connects generations through its simple, delicious magic.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies Everyone Loves to Bake

• Create delicious memories with these beautiful cherry-topped cookies that appeal to both kids and adults, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or casual weekend baking.
• Impress guests with a classic cookie that requires only a few pantry staples and offers elegant presentation without complicated techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Whipped Shortbread Cookies

• Butter, Powdered Sugar: The heart of the shortbread, creating a rich and tender cookie texture. Softened butter ensures smooth mixing and creamy consistency.
• Flour, Cornstarch: Provide structure and delicate crumb. Cornstarch helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add depth and aromatic complexity to the cookie. Pure extracts deliver the best flavor profile.

• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a festive pop of color and sweet fruity accent. Bright red cherries create visual appeal and provide a delightful center.

Directions for Making Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 325F (160C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your delicate cookies.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar into Clouds

Grab a large mixing bowl and unleash your electric mixer. Blend softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy cloud that looks like pure happiness.

Step 3: Introduce Magical Flavor Enhancers

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Gently mix these ingredients on low speed until a soft, dreamy dough emerges.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Delights

Dust your hands with cornstarch to prevent sticky situations. Scoop out dough portions and roll them into perfect little balls. Place each ball on the baking sheet, giving them room to breathe about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Create Cookie Masterpieces

Take a glass dusted with cornstarch and delicately press down on each cookie ball, flattening them slightly. Crown each cookie with a vibrant maraschino cherry, gently nestling it into the dough.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. Look for edges that are set but not browned – we want elegant, not burnt! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Shortbread Baking Tips for Light and Airy Results

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve the ideal creamy texture for whipping, ensuring a light and fluffy cookie base.
• Handle Sticky Dough Smoothly: Dust hands and utensils with cornstarch to prevent the delicate dough from sticking, making cookie shaping much easier and less messy.
• Prevent Crumbly Cookies: Don't overmix the dough; mix just until ingredients combine to maintain the signature melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
• Customize Cherry Topping: Swap maraschino cherries with other decorative options like colored sprinkles, chocolate chips, or sliced almonds for a personalized touch.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate structure.

How to Store Whipped Shortbread Cookies Without Losing Texture

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.
• If serving within 1-2 days, keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, ensuring they remain crisp and fresh.

Treats and Beverages That Pair with Whipped Shortbread Cookies

• A chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti complements the buttery, light texture of these whipped shortbread cookies, enhancing their delicate vanilla and almond notes with its soft, sweet profile.
• Brew a warm cherry tea or a cherry-infused hot chocolate to mirror the maraschino cherry's sweet flavor, creating a harmonious taste experience that echoes the cookie's fruity accent.
• A cold glass of whole milk or a smooth vanilla latte provides a rich, creamy backdrop that balances the cookies' airy texture and brings out their subtle sweetness.
• A strong, bold espresso cuts through the cookie's richness, offering a sophisticated contrast that cleanses the palate and highlights the shortbread's delicate butter and sugar notes.

Whipped Shortbread Cookie Ideas to Try Out

• Gluten-Free Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicate texture.
• Vegan Butter Cookies: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, using powdered sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a dairy-free and lower-sugar option.
• Chocolate Drizzled Shortbread: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cookies, or dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate for an elegant, rich variation.
• Nutty Cherry Shortbread: Replace maraschino cherries with toasted chopped almonds or pecans, or add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Whipped Shortbread Cookie FAQs for Curious Bakers

• Why use cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the shortbread cookies. It also makes the dough less sticky and easier to handle during shaping.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges that are not browned. The cookies should look slightly soft in the center but not wet. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• What if I don't have maraschino cherries?

You can substitute with other decorative options like colored sprinkles, sliced almonds, or a small piece of chocolate. The cherries add a festive touch but aren’t mandatory for the cookie’s success.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delicate and melt-in-your-mouth whipped shortbread cookies bring a cloud-like texture to classic holiday baking. Crisp edges and powdery centers promise pure buttery bliss that melts into sweet memories with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar

Binding/Texture Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 24 maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by aligning two parchment-lined baking trays and setting the oven temperature to 325F (160C), ensuring an ideal baking environment for delicate shortbread cookies.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to combine softened butter and powdered sugar, whipping the mixture until it transforms into a voluminous, airy texture that appears pale and fluffy.
3. Gently introduce vanilla and almond extracts into the creamed mixture, followed by gradually incorporating flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing at low speed until a cohesive, tender dough forms.
4. Apply a light dusting of cornstarch to hands to minimize stickiness, then carefully shape the dough into uniform spheres approximately the size of a tablespoon, positioning them methodically across the prepared baking sheets with sufficient spacing.
5. Employ the bottom of a cornstarch-dusted glass to delicately compress each cookie, creating a gentle indentation, then strategically place a vibrant maraschino cherry at the center, pressing softly to embed it within the dough.
6. Transfer the cookie-laden trays into the preheated oven, allowing them to bake for 14-16 minutes until the edges achieve a set appearance without developing excessive browning.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, facilitating initial cooling, before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to complete the cooling process and develop their signature delicate texture.

Notes

• Gentle handling is key when working with this delicate shortbread dough to maintain its light, airy texture.
• Keep butter at room temperature for optimal creaming, ensuring a smooth and fluffy cookie base.
• Use cornstarch strategically to prevent sticking and create an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
• Experiment with different extracts or decorative toppings like colored sprinkles or alternative fruit garnishes to personalize the cookies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg