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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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