This simple double-whip trick makes whipped shortbread cookies lighter, meltier, and twice as airy — without adding extra ingredients.
These light, buttery whipped shortbread cookies melt the moment they hit your tongue. They’re soft, tender, and surprisingly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. If you love simple holiday treats or need a quick cookie for gifting, this recipe delivers every time.
The secret? Whip the butter twice: first on its own until pale and fluffy, then again after adding the powdered sugar. This builds extra air into the dough and creates the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why You’ll Love It
- Ultra-light texture from whipped butter.
- Only four core ingredients.
- No chilling required.
- Perfect for decorating or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip the butter: Beat softened butter on high for 5 minutes until very pale and fluffy.
- Double-whip: Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and whip again for 2–3 minutes until ultra-light.
- Reduce mixer speed and gradually add flour. Dough will be very soft.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet using a tablespoon or small scoop.
- Decorate with sprinkles or press lightly with a fork.
- Bake 18–22 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
- Cool on the baking sheet 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Tips & Variations
- Chef’s Tip: The double-whip trick adds air and creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Measure flour lightly to avoid crumbly cookies.
- Swap vanilla for almond or peppermint extract.
- Add 2 tbsp cocoa and reduce flour slightly for chocolate shortbread.
Storage
- Room temp: Up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies: 2 months.
- Freeze dough balls: Bake from frozen +1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Why are my whipped shortbread cookies crumbly?
Too much flour or under-whipped butter can cause dryness. Be sure to whip the butter long enough and spoon-and-level the flour.
Can I pipe the dough?
This dough is soft, but depending on your butter temperature, it can sometimes be piped with a star tip for a decorative look.
Do these cookies spread?
They barely spread, which helps them hold their pretty shape.
More to Try
- Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Muffin Recipes Collection
- 4-Ingredient Banana Bread
Conclusion
These soft, buttery whipped shortbread cookies are simple, cozy, and perfect for holiday baking or gifting. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and endless decorating options, they’re a treat you’ll return to year after year. Bake a batch today and share the sweetness!
Print
Whipped Shortbread Cookies (Double-Whip Trick)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These buttery whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth thanks to a simple double-whip trick. Light, tender, and perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip the softened butter on high for 5 minutes until very pale and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and whip again for 2–3 minutes until ultra-light.
- Reduce mixer speed and gradually add the flour until combined. Dough will be very soft.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet using a tablespoon or small scoop.
- Decorate with sprinkles or press lightly with a fork.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes
Whipping the butter twice is key for a soft, airy texture. Measure flour gently. Try almond or peppermint extract for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: shortbread, whipped shortbread, cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies