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Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Whipped Shortbread Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are simple to make and a joy to share. Perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Holiday Recipe
Keyword: Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Servings: 15
Calories: 170kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups Flour
  • ½ cups Powdered Sugar
  • Optional: Christmas Sprinkles and/or Preserves for Thumbprint cookies

Instructions

  • In a large bowl or standing mixer cream softened butter until fluffy, about one minute.
  • Add the flour and powdered sugar to the bowl and beat on low-medium, with a paddle attachment, for 10 minutes. This is important because it gives the cookie dough a whipped consistency.
  • Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour so it's workable and not too sticky.
  • Take the dough out and slightly knead it to form a ball. From here you can pinch off and make 1-inch cookie dough balls or roll out the dough to cut cookies.
  • To make Shortbread Cookies: Flatten each round dough ball slightly and press a fork into the top to create lines and add sprinkles.
  • To make Thumbprint Cookies: Keep the ball shape and press a dome (using your thumb or a ½ tsp measuring spoon) into the center and fill with thick preserves.
  • Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees F until set and golden around the edges. Let cookies sit on the pan 2-3 minutes and then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack.
  • This recipe will yield 15-20 cookies depending on how large you make the cookies!

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Whipped Shortbread Cookies:

Keeping these cookies as fresh as the day you baked them is easy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Frozen?

Absolutely! Freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well or store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving - they'll taste just as great!

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Definitely! You can make the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just take it out, let it come to room temperature, and you’re ready to bake!

Substitutions & Variations:

Looking to mix things up?
  • Try almond extract instead of vanilla
  • Add a dash of lemon zest for a citrusy twist
  • For a gluten-free version, use your favorite GF flour blend.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Remember, the key to perfect shortbread is in the whipping - the longer, the better. Also, keep an eye on the oven, as these cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly.

Nutrition

Serving: 15g | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 378IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg