Whipped Shortbread Cookies

[maybetoday]

Whipped Shortbread Cookies


Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Chill Time2 hours





Ingredients

¾ cup butter softened, 12 tablespoons or 1 ½ sticks

6 tablespoons powdered sugar spooned and leveled (¼ cup PLUS 2 tablespoons)

1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract

1 ⅓ cup all purpose flour spooned and leveled

6 tablespoons corn starch spooned and leveled, ¼ cup PLUS 2 tablespoons

Decorations

¼ cups Christmas sprinkles nonpareils, Jimmies, etc.


Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer or a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes for a stand mixer, 7 minutes for a hand mixer. You will notice the mixture getting very light in color.


Beat in the almond or vanilla extract until completely combined.


In a small bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour and corn starch. Mix into butter mixture in three separate additions, mixing just until combined each time.


Transfer dough to an airtight container or bowl covered with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours.


Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.


Scoop chilled cookie dough and roll into 1 inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet about 1 to 2 inches apart.


Dip a fork into powdered sugar, corn starch or flour and gently press the tines of the fork onto the top of each cookie dough ball.


Top each cookie with desired sprinkles or leave plain.


Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Bottoms of cookies should be very lightly golden brown. Let cookies rest on baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cookies are very fragile when warm so be careful when moving.


Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up 1 week.


Variations To Try

These cookies are delicious on their own but wow are they easy to jazz up! Here are some yummy ideas:



Thumbprint Cookies. Instead of pressing a fork onto the top of the cookies, make a small indentation and fill with your favorite jam flavor. We love apricot or raspberry preserves with these cookies!


Dip In Chocolate. Cooled cookies can be dipped in white or dark chocolate for a more sophisticated and sweet version. Add some sprinkles to the chocolate after dipping for even more fun.


Keep It Simple. Short on time? After rolling the dough into balls, just place on the cookie sheet and slightly flatten with your hand or the bottom of a glass. The cookies are simple and delicious!


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