Hey there, fellow bakers! It’s that magical time of the year when our kitchens turn into cozy little workshops, filled with the warmth of butter, sugar, and spices. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s about to become your new holiday favorite: Whipped Christmas Shortbread. These buttery, sweet, and oh-so-easy cookies are perfect for your festive gatherings or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. So, grab your mixer and let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients? Yes, please! This recipe is simplicity at its finest.
- Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings—sprinkles, nuts, or even candy pieces.
- Perfect for quick family dinners or as a sweet treat for weeknight dinner ideas.
- No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these scrumptious Whipped Christmas Shortbread cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened (salted or unsalted works fine)
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toppings of your choice (sprinkles, nuts, candy, etc.)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get baking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delicious cookies:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set it aside for now.
- Whip the Butter: Add the softened butter to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, whip the butter until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for that airy texture we’re aiming for!
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour, corn starch, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Blend everything together until it’s fully incorporated—about 2 minutes. You’ll end up with a smooth, pliable dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or a small ice-cream scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures each cookie is evenly sized.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll each portion into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Flatten and Decorate: Dip a fork into confectioner’s sugar to prevent sticking, then gently press the fork down on each ball to flatten it to about 1/2 inch thickness. Now’s the fun part—top each cookie with your favorite sprinkles, candies, or nuts!
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your Whipped Christmas Shortbread turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Softened Butter: This is key for achieving that light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to a dense cookie.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before scooping.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Use seasonal sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
How to Serve
These cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As a sweet treat with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
- As part of a holiday cookie platter alongside other favorites like the best traditional holiday fruit cake.
- Wrapped in decorative tins or jars for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Shortbread cookies are perfect for making ahead:
- Unbaked Dough: You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Baked Cookies: Once baked, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
And there you have it—Whipped Christmas Shortbread that’s as easy as it is delicious! Whether you’re looking for easy pasta recipes or 30-minute meals, this recipe fits right into your weeknight dinner ideas or holiday menu. So go ahead, bake a batch, and let the festive cheer begin!
Whipped Christmas Shortbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened (salted or unsalted will work fine!))
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toppings of choice (sprinkles, nuts, candy, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- Add the butter to a bowl and using a hand-held mixer, whip until light and fluffy - about 3 minutes.
- Add the flour, corn starch, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla. Blend together until fully incorporated - about 2 minutes.
- Portion about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll into small balls. Place on the lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each ball.
- Dip a fork into confectioner's sugar and flatten each ball to 1/2 inch. Top with sprinkles, candies, or nuts.
- Bake for 14 minutes. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
