Whipped Shortbread Cookies : A Buttery Christmas Classic Made Easy

Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of buttery shortbread baking in the oven. These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are light, delicate, and melt in your mouth with every bite. Their crumbly, tender texture and rich buttery flavor make them a timeless holiday favorite.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or pairing with a warm drink, these cookies are as simple as they are elegant. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned Christmas baker, this recipe is foolproof and endlessly versatile. Add festive sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, or jam centers—each version turns out heavenly.

If you enjoy classic holiday bakes, you’ll also love the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies and Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies. Both are cozy Christmas baking cookies that pair beautifully with this buttery treat.

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Why You’ll Love These Classic Shortbread Cookies

There’s a reason shortbread has stood the test of time. Its rich, buttery flavor and soft crumb make it irresistible. These Christmas baking cookies come together quickly with only a few pantry staples and no fancy equipment.

Here’s why these cookies deserve a spot on your holiday tray:

• Simple Ingredients: Butter, sugar, and flour—three essentials create magic.
• No Chill Time: Ready to bake right away.
• Perfect for Gifting: Beautiful, easy-to-package treats that last for days.
• Festive and Customizable: Add toppings, flavors, or shapes for any theme.
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The hallmark of a true shortbread.

For more melt-in-your-mouth inspiration, try Pumpkin Truffles—another elegant bite-sized dessert perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Whipped Shortbread Cookies

This recipe follows the traditional Scottish shortbread formula—rich butter, a touch of sugar, and soft flour—but with the “whipped” technique that makes them extra light and tender.

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)

Optional Add-ins and Variations

• Add mini chocolate chips for a chocolate twist.
• Press candied cherries or jam into the centers before baking.
• Dust with powdered sugar after cooling for a snow-like look.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate for elegance.

If you’re a fan of creative Christmas sweets, check out the Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark for a mix of salty and sweet perfection.

How To Make Shortbread Cookies Step-by-Step

This recipe couldn’t be easier—and the results are bakery-worthy.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. The key to “whipped” shortbread is beating enough air into the butter to make it pillowy and light.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Add in the vanilla extract, followed by the flour and cornstarch. Mix until a soft, cloud-like dough forms. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press lightly with a fork or your thumb for decorative texture.

For festive fun, you can decorate them like the sparkling Snake Charmer’s Pretzels—simple, colorful, and holiday-ready.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are pale golden (not brown). Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. They will firm up as they cool, keeping that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Step 4: Decorate and Cool

Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with white chocolate, or add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for an extra Christmas sparkle.

If you love winter baking, pair these cookies with Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl for the ultimate holiday dessert platter.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

These basic tools make holiday baking effortless. For even more cozy recipes that require simple kitchen gear, try the Pumpkin Fluff Dip.

Tips for Perfect Whipped Shortbread Cookies

1. Use room-temperature butter—too cold and it won’t whip; too warm and it’ll be greasy.
2. Beat long enough—fluffier butter means lighter cookies.
3. Don’t overbake—shortbread should stay pale, not brown.
4. Use a low oven temperature to preserve that delicate texture.
5. Decorate before baking so sprinkles adhere beautifully.

For more texture-perfect results, take inspiration from the buttery goodness of Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping cornstarch: This ingredient makes them melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Using margarine: Only real butter gives the true flavor.
• Overmixing: Stop once flour disappears for tender cookies.
• High oven heat: Burns edges before centers set.

If you’re new to baking, start with something simple like the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies before moving to shortbread perfection.

Festive Variations and Christmas Cookie Ideas

Turn your shortbread into a Christmas cookies masterpiece with these easy variations:

• Classic Vanilla: Keep it pure and dust with sugar.
• Chocolate Dipped: Half-dip cooled cookies in dark or white chocolate.
• Peppermint Crunch: Add crushed candy canes for festive flair.
• Thumbprint Cookies: Fill the centers with raspberry or apricot jam.
• Spiced Shortbread: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.

If you love creating visually stunning treats, you’ll also enjoy the Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips—a festive dessert that’s both easy and fun to serve.

Serving Suggestions and Dessert Pairings

These cookies shine on any Christmas baking table. Serve them with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat. You can also pair them with other Christmas snacks like Pumpkin Truffles or a refreshing drink like Lavender Lemonade.

They’re also a lovely addition to dessert boards alongside fudge, bark, or brownies.

How To Store and Gift Shortbread Cookies

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully—store in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

Gifting: Stack cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or fill decorative tins for neighbors, teachers, and friends. Add a personalized tag for a sweet, homemade touch.

If you love preparing ahead, explore the Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls for time-saving inspiration in the kitchen.

Christmas Baking Inspiration

Christmas baking is all about warmth, comfort, and creativity. Mix and match your cookie tray with:

• Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Pumpkin Truffles

Together, they make a stunning variety of textures and flavors for your Christmas cooking lineup.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough slightly next time.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I make them extra festive?
Add food coloring, festive sprinkles, or a chocolate drizzle.

What’s the difference between whipped and regular shortbread?
Whipped shortbread has more air, making it lighter and more delicate in texture.

Final Thoughts – Why Whipped Shortbread Cookies Belong in Every Christmas Kitchen

Few cookies capture the spirit of Christmas like these Whipped Shortbread Cookies. Their buttery aroma, soft crumble, and melt-in-your-mouth flavor bring instant nostalgia to every kitchen. Easy to bake, easy to love, and endlessly versatile, they’ll become a cherished part of your Christmas baking recipes year after year.

So preheat your oven, turn on your favorite carols, and whip up a batch of these classic cookies. Share them with loved ones, gift them beautifully wrapped, or enjoy them with a mug of cocoa by the tree—it’s pure, edible Christmas joy.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it and subscribe for more easy, heartwarming holiday recipes from Lyndy’s Kitchen!

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