Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe | The Bewitchin' Kitchen (2024)

posted by The Bewitchin Kitchen on December 15, 2019

It’s that time of year! Time for Christmas baking and cookie exchanges. I’m apart of a Christmas cookie exchange and have been looking for a classic: whipped shortbread.

I’ve been searching for the perfect shortbread recipe and a dear friend of mine shared this one with me.

Whipped Shortbread

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Update: Nov 2014.

I have made these cookies every year sinceposting it way back in 2012.It’s been 3 years of Whipped Shortbread when it comes to my holiday baking and that will probably never change.

I love the tradition that my friends and I share: since 2012 we do a cookie exchange.

Since we all live in separate towns and cities, we don’t see each other as often (especially around the holidays) this is our way to stay connected for the Christmas Season.

How to Make Whipped Shortbread

Anyway, back to the recipe.

I love how easy this recipe is. It’s truly a no-fuss Christmas cookie recipe that tastes great and hits you right in the Christmas feels.

I don’t know about you, but I’m the messiest baker.

I tend to get flour everywhere and this recipe (for me) is a messy one. Cornstarch, powdered sugar, and flour? My kitchen never stood a chance.

This is what the batter looks like in the beginning. Every year I trick myself that this is wrong because I always remember the fluffy end result. Keep beating, the batter should go on medium high for at least five minutes until you get the look you want.

That’s more like it. I have always thought that once the batter is whipped to perfection that it resembles (and smells like) vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Christmas baking recipes

Here are a few more Christmas baking recipes I think you’ll enjoy:

• Maple Butter Cinnamon Rolls
• Christmas Meringues with Eggnog Buttercream
• Peppermint White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

What’s the difference between shortbread and butter cookies?

I always thought that shortbread and butter cookies were the same thing, I was wrong.

Butter cookies have more sugar than shortbread and hold their shape better.

Shortbread cookies, traditionally, are not as sweet (although this recipe has a sweet factor to them).

Can you use a cookie press with shortbread?

I’ve been asked if I have used a whipped shortbread cookie press, I haven’t. If you try it, please leave me feedback on how it worked for you.

I’m the first to admit that I’m a lazy baker. I simply spoon the cookie dough onto parchment and press it down with a fork.

How to Decorate Whipped Shortbread

As I said before, I’m a lazy baker. I like to get to the point because I get a little too excited and just want to eat them. I often envy those who have beautifully decorated cookies (I can’t even decorate a pre-made gingerbread house nice – haha).

Shortbread Decoration Ideas

• Bake with colored sprinkles for a flecked appearance.
• Top with sprinkles while fresh out of the oven.
• Top with buttercream or royal icing (and use it to press in mini gingerbread men or cookie decorations).
• Press your thumb at the top and top with your favorite jam for a shortbread thumbprint cookie.
• Press your thumb at the top and top with red or green candied cherries (my grandma used to do this).

Can you freeze shortbread cookies?

Yes! I do it all the time.

I mostly do it so I don’t eat them all (it provides me some portion control) but if you want to know a secret…they’re amazing frozen.

Is that weird?

I absolutely love frozen cookies dipped in coffee.

I simply stack them in a cookie ton and freeze them. Since shortbread is delicate, you will have to be careful. You can lay them on a baking sheet, flash freeze them, and then place them in a freezer bag but I never have freezer room for the sheet pan this time of year.

Butter Shortbread Cookies

The key to this recipe is the butter. The butter makes this a delicious, melt in your mouth cookie recipe that is perfect for the holidays.

Equipment Needed:

• A mixer (I use this KitchenAid Stand Mixer) but a hand mixer works well too.
• Baking sheet
• Parchment Paper

I’m curious, what’s your favorite Christmas cookie recipe? Let me know in the comments.

Do you do a bunch of holiday baking? What’s your favorite Christmas cookie recipe?

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