Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave something light, buttery, and sweet. Here’s an expanded version of the recipe you provided:
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (room temperature)
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup (also known as confectioners’ sugar, for a smooth texture)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups (for structure)
- Cornstarch: ¼ cup (makes the cookies tender)
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (balances the sweetness)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (for flavor)
- Sprinkles: For decoration (choose festive colors or designs)
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature helps the cookies to bake evenly without browning too quickly.
- Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of cookies after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial; it makes the cookies light and airy. The mixture should become very fluffy, almost like whipped cream, and pale in color.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gently mix in the flour, cornstarch, and salt into the butter mixture. Add these gradually to avoid clumping and ensure even mixing.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for a nice aroma and flavor.
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- Forming Cookies:
- Lightly dust your hands with cornstarch to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Take small amounts of dough (about 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon in size) and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, ensuring enough space between them for slight spreading.
- Decorating:
- Gently press down the top of each cookie using a fork. Dip the fork in cornstarch between presses to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with your choice of decorative sprinkles.
- Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes. Watch for the tops to look set but not browned; these cookies should remain light in color.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
- Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Flavorings: Experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon for a twist.
- Decorations: Use colored sugar, chocolate chips, or a cherry half for different looks.
Enjoy these light, crumbly, and delicious Whipped Shortbread Cookies, a perfect accompaniment to your holiday festivities or a cozy evening at home! 🎄🍪