Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Indulge in buttery, melt-in-your-mouth whipped shortbread cookies with a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe. Perfectly soft and easy to make, these cookies will be a delight for any occasion.
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Servings: 36 cookies
Equipment
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking tray lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups salted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour sifted
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract lemon extract, or orange extract (optional)
- ¼ cup sprinkles such as nonpareils, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and confectioners' sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. If desired, add your choice of vanilla, lemon, or orange extract and mix briefly.
- Gradually add the sifted flour and cornstarch to the mixture, beating only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Shape the dough into 36 evenly sized balls. Arrange these on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly floured large plate. Gently press each cookie ball with a fork dipped in cornstarch or flour and top with sprinkles if desired.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours or until firm. To expedite, freeze the dough balls until they become firm.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) while the cookies chill. When ready, bake cookies for 19-20 minutes or until the tops are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking tray before serving or storing.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extended freshness, refrigerate for an additional week and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing:
- Unbaked Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. No need to thaw before baking; simply add an extra minute to the bake time.
- Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Flavor Enhancements: These cookies have a delicate sweetness, but for a more pronounced flavor, consider topping each cookie with melted chocolate, a Hershey’s Kiss, or a cherry. Press candy or chocolate onto warm cookies to ensure they adhere. Alternatively, make a small indentation in each cookie and fill with your favorite jam or preserve before baking.