What’s the difference between whipped shortbread and regular shortbread?

Regular shortbread is firmer and a bit crumbly. Whipped shortbread is lighter and softer thanks to all that air from whipping and the added cornstarch.

What are whipped shortbread cookies?

They’re a softer, lighter take on classic shortbread. Made by whipping butter and sugar until fluffy, then gently folding in flour and cornstarch for a soft, tender cookie.

What is the 3:2:1 rule for shortbread?

It refers to the classic shortbread ratio: 3 parts flour, 2 parts butter, 1 part sugar. This whipped version tweaks it slightly and adds cornstarch for texture.

What’s the secret to perfect shortbread?

Start with room-temp butter, whip it thoroughly with sugar, avoid overmixing, and always chill the dough before baking. It’s all about gentle handling and simple ingredients.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Remarkably Soft and Buttery

Name: Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Remarkably Soft and Buttery
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-488639H5M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups butter, room temperature, salted; ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted; ¾ cup cornstarch; Optional: 2 tsp vanilla, lemon, almond, or orange extract; Optional: ¼ cup sprinkles, jam, cherries, or Hershey’s Kisses

Description

Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with just a few pantry staples. These whipped shortbread cookies are a simple yet magical holiday favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups butter, room temperature, salted

¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

2¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted

¾ cup cornstarch

Optional: 2 tsp vanilla, lemon, almond, or orange extract

Optional: ¼ cup sprinkles, jam, cherries, or Hershey’s Kisses

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Instructions

1. Beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

2. Mix in your chosen flavoring (vanilla, citrus, etc.).

3. Sift the flour and cornstarch together. Slowly add them on low speed, mixing until just combined.

4. Scoop and roll dough into 36 equal balls. Chill if too soft.

5. Gently press the tops with a fork dipped in cornstarch or flour. Add sprinkles or toppings now.

6. Chill the shaped dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

7. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake cookies for 19–20 minutes until tops are set and bottoms are lightly golden.

8. Cool on baking sheet before serving. They are delicate when warm.

Notes

Do not skip the whipping step—this gives the cookies their airy texture.

Always chill the dough before baking to help them keep their shape.

Add sprinkles before chilling for better stick.

These freeze well, both baked and unbaked. Bake directly from frozen if needed.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 66
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg