These whipped shortbread cookies are rich and buttery and melt in your mouth. Just 3 ingredients (no cornstarch) and 15 minutes are all it takes to make these light and tender cookies that everyone will rave about!

A plate of whipped shortbread cookies with gold sprinkles.

 Why this recipe is so great:

This recipe is just butter, powdered sugar, and flour. These 3 simple ingredients put together in the right ratio transform into the most tender and buttery little cookies you’ll ever eat. It’s also made in just one bowl recipe and in 4 easy steps that take no time at all to make. The vanilla extract and decorative sprinkles are optional but something I like to add. Here are some reviews:

“Wow, these cookies just crumble and totally melt in your mouth! You can’t stop at just one. They are incredible and easy to make. I’ve made it now a dozen times for every family gathering and holiday party. It’s always requested! Thanks for the recipe!!!” – Donna

“What I love about this recipe is that these cookies are tender but not so fragile that they break easily when you transport them. They are buttery but not too rich and not too sweet which I like. They really are perfect for gifting.” – Monica

Whipped shortbread cookies scattered on a gold cooling rack.

How to make whipped shortbread cookies:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

  1. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract if using and beat for another minute.
  2. Stir in the flour on low speed until just combined. Give a few final stirs by hand to gather the dough.
  3. Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar and roll the dough into 1″ balls (about a tablespoon each). Dip the tines of a small fork in powdered sugar and use to flatten the cookie dough slightly.
  4. Top with sprinkles if desired and bake in a 300F preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
A picture collage of how to make whipped shortbread cookies.

 Expert tips:

  • Properly softened butter â€“ If your butter is too soft or warm, it will not be able to retain the air incorporated during the creaming process and the cookies won’t have that airy texture that whipped shortbreads are known for. It also might cause the cookies to spread too much in the oven. Softened butter should still be cool, but malleable. It should be able to hold its shape and still firm enough that if you press your finger into it, the impression is clean. It should not be oily or squishy. (source: TheKitchn.com)
  • Scrape the bowl as needed â€“ Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl at least once or twice, especially if you are using a stand mixer, so all of the butter gets evenly aerated.
  • How to tell when shortbread is done â€“ As soon as the edges are lightly golden, remove the cookies from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet. The surface of the cookies is supposed to be light and pale in color.
  • If your cookies spread too much â€“ It’s probably because there wasn’t enough flour or the butter was too warm. Chill the cookie dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking and that should help.

FAQ:

How long to bake whipped shortbread cookies?

At 300F, it can take up to 25 minutes depending on the size of the cookie, the oven, and the thickness of the cookie sheet. From my personal experience, a 1 tbsp size cookie takes about 12-15 minutes and a 1.5 tbsp size cookie takes about 15-18 minutes.

How long do whipped shortbread cookies last?

Whipped shortbread cookies can last for 1-2 weeks if properly stored in a dry cool place in an airtight container.

Can you freeze whipped shortbread cookies?

Yes, place the cookies in a freezer-safe ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Whipped shortbread cookies on a white plate with a bite taken out of one of the cookies.

You might also like:

Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

3-Ingredient Whipped Shortbread Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 dozen
  • Category: dessert, snack
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These whipped shortbread cookies are rich and buttery and melt in your mouth. Just 3 ingredients (no cornstarch) and 15 minutes are all it takes to make these light and tender cookies that everyone will rave about!


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (65g) powdered sugar plus more for dusting
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract (optional but highly recommended)
  • 1 3/4 cups (225g) all-purpose flour
  • sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla if using and beat for another minute.
  3. Stir in half the flour until just combined. Repeat with the rest of the flour.
  4. Lightly dust your hand with powdered sugar and roll the dough into 1″ balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Use the tines of a small fork dipped in powdered sugar to slightly flatten the cookie dough. Add some sprinkles on top if desired.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges just start to brown. Depending on the size of your cookies, it could take up to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on baking sheets.

Notes

Leftover cookies can be placed in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week.

How to freeze – Place the cookies in a freezer-friendly container or ziplock back, label and date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

This post was originally published on Dec 15th, 2017 and has been recently updated with new pictures and more information.

Every bite of these rich and buttery cookies will melt in your mouth! #shortbreadcookies #whippedshortbread #buttercookies #Christmascookies