Introduction

There’s something truly magical about Christmas baking, and these Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies perfectly capture the season’s festive charm. Light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this recipe has stood the test of time, bringing joy to countless holiday tables. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, these cookies are incredibly simple to make with only a handful of ingredients.

What makes this recipe a standout? It’s versatile—ideal for gifting, cookie swaps, or sharing with family around the fireplace. Plus, with festive decorations like sprinkles or maraschino cherries, they look as delightful as they taste. If you’re looking to start a new holiday tradition or impress your loved ones with a homemade treat, this is the recipe you need. Let’s dive in and whip up some holiday magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

1. Effortlessly Simple: With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, this recipe is a breeze. Even beginners can master it!
2. Perfect Texture: The whipped butter gives these cookies their signature light and airy texture, while the cornstarch ensures a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
3. Festive Versatility: Dress them up with holiday sprinkles or cherries for a stunning look, making them a hit at any gathering or a thoughtful edible gift.

Suitable For

• Beginner Bakers: The straightforward steps make it a fantastic choice for those just starting their baking journey.
• Family Fun: Get kids involved with rolling the dough and decorating for a fun holiday activity.
• Holiday Occasions: Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or creating festive gift boxes for neighbors and friends.

Ingredients for Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Core Ingredients

To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need just a few pantry staples:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is whipped to create the fluffy base for these cookies. Its rich, creamy flavor is the star of the show.
• Powdered Sugar: Contributes to the cookie’s light sweetness and ensures a smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookies. The proportion ensures they’re sturdy yet tender.
• Cornstarch: This secret ingredient gives shortbread its signature delicate texture and keeps the cookies soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and enhances the buttery flavor.
• Holiday Sprinkles or Maraschino Cherries: These aren’t just for looks—they add a festive, cheery touch that elevates the presentation.

Substitutions and Tips

• Butter Substitutes: If you’re out of unsalted butter, use salted butter but reduce the pinch of salt in the recipe.
• Flour Alternatives: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blends for a GF-friendly version.
• Sugar Swaps: If powdered sugar isn’t available, blitz granulated sugar in a food processor until fine.
• Decorations: Try chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or nuts instead of sprinkles or cherries for a unique twist.

Tip: For the best results, ensure your butter is softened (not melted). Cold butter won’t whip properly, and melted butter will make the dough greasy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

• Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer is essential for whipping the butter and achieving that fluffy texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookies for even baking.
• Baking Sheets: Non-stick sheets or those lined with parchment paper work best to prevent sticking.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Silicone Baking Mats: These reusable mats ensure even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
• Cooling Racks: Allow cookies to cool evenly, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Decorating Tools: If you want to get creative, piping bags or small molds can add a personal touch.

Pro Tip: While these tools make the process easier, don’t worry if you don’t have them—improvisation works just as well. A spoon can replace the cookie scoop, and parchment paper works wonders if you don’t have a silicone mat.

How to Make Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you dive into mixing up your ingredients, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower baking temperature ensures your cookies bake evenly and maintain their delicate texture. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. Trust me, this simple step makes cleanup a breeze later!

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Here’s where the magic begins! In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on high speed for about 2-3 minutes. The goal is to achieve a light, creamy consistency that looks fluffy and pale.

Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on this step—it’s what gives your cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. If it’s too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add your dry ingredients. Gradually mix in 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to the whipped butter mixture. Use a low speed to avoid overworking the dough.

Overmixing can make the dough tough, so stop as soon as everything is just combined. The dough should feel soft and smooth—easy to shape without being sticky.

Tip: If your dough feels crumbly, don’t panic! Gently knead it with your hands to bring it together.

Step 4: Shape and Decorate

Now comes the fun part—shaping and decorating your cookies! Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough, rolling each piece into a 1-inch ball. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.

Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the back of a fork. Then, decorate the tops with festive sprinkles or a small piece of maraschino cherry. This is a great step to involve kids—they’ll love adding their creative touch!

Decoration Idea: For a modern twist, try drizzling cooled cookies with white chocolate or dusting them with edible glitter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cookies—they should remain pale with just the slightest golden edges.

You’ll know they’re done when they feel firm to the touch but still tender. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip: Every oven is different, so if you notice the cookies browning too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly or rotate the baking sheet halfway through.

Tips for Success

1. Soft and Fluffy Texture:
   The key to achieving the perfect whipped shortbread texture is whipping the butter and sugar long enough. Aim for a fluffy, almost mousse-like consistency before adding the dry ingredients.
2. Avoiding Common Mistakes:
   • Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the dough tender.
   • Dough Spreading: If your cookies spread too much while baking, the butter might have been too soft. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
3. Seasonal Decoration Ideas:
   • Use crushed peppermint candies for a festive and minty touch.
   • Top with a small piece of candied orange peel for a citrusy twist.
   • Swap holiday sprinkles for colorful nonpareils or even edible gold leaf for a luxurious look.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll end up with perfectly soft, buttery, and festive Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies every time. So, gather your ingredients, warm up your oven, and let’s get baking! These cookies are bound to be the star of your holiday celebrations.

How to Store Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies

At Room Temperature

Storing these cookies at room temperature is easy and keeps them tasting fresh for up to 5-7 days. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing moisture from the air. For extra freshness, layer the cookies with parchment paper to protect their delicate texture. Keep the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

In the Refrigerator

If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate these cookies. Store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, with parchment paper between layers, to prevent sticking. Refrigerated cookies will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving, as chilling can slightly firm up their buttery texture.

Freezing Tips

These cookies are perfect for freezing, whether baked or as raw dough. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

For freezing dough, shape it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, salted butter works too. Just skip the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. The taste will still be deliciously buttery and festive!

How do I prevent cookies from spreading?

If your cookies spread too much during baking, the butter might have been too soft, or the dough wasn’t chilled. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature—not melted. For extra precaution, refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking. Also, double-check your ingredient measurements to ensure accuracy.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Keep it wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make shaping easier, or bake directly from chilled for firmer cookies.

What are other decoration options?

Get creative with your toppings! Swap holiday sprinkles for crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. You could also drizzle melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Let your imagination run wild to make these cookies uniquely yours!

Related Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies recipe, try these festive treats:

• Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A delightful mix of cherries and chocolate.
• Easy Divinity Candy: A classic holiday candy treat.
• Coconut Cupcakes: A tropical twist perfect for holiday parties.

Conclusion: Make Your Holiday Extra Sweet

These Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit. Their buttery softness, festive appearance, and delightful flavor make them an instant favorite for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking them for your family, gifting them to friends, or bringing them to a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to spread joy. So, gather your ingredients, put on some Christmas tunes, and get baking! Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences in the comments—your festive cookies might inspire others to try this recipe too! Happy holidays and happy baking!

Print