Dreamy Cloud-Like Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Delicate and melt-in-your-mouth whipped shortbread cookies dance with pure buttery elegance.

These classic shortbread cookies blend simplicity and rich flavor in every delightful bite.

Generations of bakers have cherished this treasured recipe passed through kitchens with love and care.

Soft, crumbly, and impossibly light, these cookies require just a few basic ingredients to create magic.

The secret lies in whipping the butter until it becomes airy and smooth, creating a texture that practically dissolves on your tongue.

Each cookie promises a moment of sweet comfort and nostalgic warmth.

Your taste buds will thank you for trying this irresistible treat that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

How to Bake Light and Buttery Whipped Shortbread Cookies

• Warm Up the Oven

Create a cozy space for your cookies by heating the oven to a toasty temperature. Cover your baking trays with parchment paper for a smooth cookie adventure.

• Whip the Butter and Sugar

Grab your mixer and transform butter and powdered sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy mixture. Beat until the ingredients dance together smoothly and look irresistibly light.

• Blend in Delightful Flavors

Introduce vanilla and almond extracts to your buttery base. Gently fold in flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until a soft, tender dough emerges.

• Shape Your Sweet Treats

Dust your hands with cornstarch to prevent sticky situations. Roll small portions of dough into adorable little balls. Place them on the baking sheet with plenty of breathing room.

• Add a Cherry Surprise

Press a vibrant maraschino cherry right into the center of each cookie. Use a glass bottom to give them a gentle, welcoming press.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the cookies into the warm oven and let them bake until the edges look set but not too dark. After baking, let them rest briefly before transferring to a cooling rack for their final transformation.

Flavor Variations for Whipped Shortbread Cookie Dough

• Add colorful sprinkles or melted chocolate drizzle for extra festive flair.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking, or freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Experiment with different extracts like orange or lemon to create unique taste profiles that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Replace powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version that still delivers delightful sweetness.

Serve These Cookies at Tea Time or Holidays

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these delicate shortbread cookies on a beautiful ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh mint or holly for a stunning holiday presentation that will wow your guests.
• Cherry Chocolate Companion: Serve these cookies alongside a rich hot chocolate or pair with dark chocolate truffles to create a decadent dessert experience that elevates the sweet cherry flavor.
• Tea Time Elegance: Perfect for afternoon tea, display these shortbread cookies on a vintage china plate with a selection of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, creating a sophisticated and delightful treat for friends and family.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack these cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon, making them an ideal homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or holiday gatherings that will showcase your baking skills.

Store Whipped Shortbread Cookies to Stay Crisp

• Stack cooled cookies between layers of parchment paper inside a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling. Keep at room temperature for optimal texture.
• Extend cookie shelf life by storing in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Place in a rigid container with tight-fitting lid to block moisture and preserve delicate texture.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to retain original soft consistency.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 2-3 days before baking. Alternatively, shape and freeze unbaked cookie balls, then bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 minutes to original baking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14-16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 24

What’s Needed for Whipped Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that creates melt-in-your-mouth texture and delivers luxurious flavor to cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures ultra-smooth, delicate sweetness and contributes to the light, tender cookie consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting aroma that deepens overall taste profile.
• Almond Extract: Introduces subtle nutty undertone that elevates cookie's complexity.
• Maraschino Cherries: Delivers vibrant pop of color and sweet-tangy burst in each bite.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates essential cookie structure and provides necessary protein for binding ingredients.
• Cornstarch: Guarantees exceptionally tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture and helps prevent toughness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth in the cookie.

Tools for Making Whipped Shortbread Cookies Easily

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheets: Non-stick surfaces for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Glass: Used for gently flattening cookie dough.
• Wire Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.

Heavenly Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful whipped shortbread cookies melt effortlessly on hungry palates, creating pure holiday magic. Buttery, light, and impossibly tender, these classic treats invite sweet moments of pure comfort and joy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 24 maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 325F (160C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring smooth surface.
2. Mixing Foundation: Combine butter and powdered sugar in mixing bowl, whipping with electric mixer until texture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3 minutes. Incorporate vanilla and almond extracts, creating aromatic base.
3. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour, cornstarch, and salt into butter mixture. Blend until cohesive dough develops, avoiding overmixing to maintain delicate texture. Dust hands with cornstarch for easier handling.
4. Shaping and Decorating: Roll dough into uniform spheres, positioning them evenly across prepared baking sheets. Delicately flatten each cookie using cornstarch-dusted glass bottom. Nestle maraschino cherry into center, pressing softly to secure.
5. Baking Process: Transfer sheets to preheated oven, baking for 14-16 minutes until edges appear set but not darkened. Cookies should maintain pale, tender appearance. Remove from oven and allow brief resting period directly on baking sheet.
6. Cooling and Serving: After 5 minutes, carefully transfer cookies to wire cooling rack. Let shortbreads reach complete room temperature, enabling them to firm and develop characteristic melt-in-mouth consistency.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted, as this impacts the cookie’s texture and structure.
• Use cornstarch generously when handling dough to prevent sticking and create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Mix ingredients on low speed to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough and dense.
• Press cherries gently but firmly to ensure they stay embedded during baking without sinking completely.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg