Whipped Shortbread Cookies: A Heavenly Treat for Any Occasion
Indulge in the delicate melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Whipped Shortbread Cookies. These heavenly treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea parties. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create buttery, crumbly cookies that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So, preheat your oven and let’s embark on a journey to cookie bliss!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Butter at Room Temperature, salted
- ¾ Cup Confectioners’ Sugar
- 2 ¼ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- ¾ Cup Cornstarch
Flavorings and Toppings: (optional but delish)
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract or Lemon extract or Orange extract
- ¼ Cup Sprinkles (of choice) (I used non-pareils)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Whip the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the whipped butter, beating until well combined and light in texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add this mixture to the whipped butter and sugar, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Flavor and Shape: Stir in your desired flavor extract (vanilla, lemon, or orange). If using sprinkles, gently fold them into the dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, indulge in the buttery goodness of your Whipped Shortbread Cookies!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Chill the Dough: For easier handling, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with different flavor extracts to create a variety of shortbread cookies. Almond, coconut, or peppermint extracts are also delicious options.
- Decorate Creatively: Get creative with your cookie decorations by dipping half of each cookie in melted chocolate or drizzling with icing.
- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts into the dough.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make gluten-free shortbread cookies.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
- Keto Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly option. Use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia instead of confectioners’ sugar.
- Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of cornstarch in the recipe and increase the proportion of almond flour or coconut flour. Use a low-carb sweetener in place of confectioners’ sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? Yes, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the salt according to your taste preferences.
- How do I store Whipped Shortbread Cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
- Can I omit the cornstarch? The cornstarch helps create the delicate, crumbly texture of shortbread cookies. However, you can experiment with replacing it with additional flour if needed.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of cookies for sharing or gifting.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a timeless classic that never fails to delight. With their buttery richness and delicate texture, these cookies are a true indulgence for any cookie lover. Whether you enjoy them plain or jazz them up with your favorite flavorings and toppings, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the irresistible charm of Whipped Shortbread Cookies today!
Get ready to savor the simple pleasures of homemade cookies with this delightful recipe. Happy baking!
