Whipped Shortbread Cookies (Cookie Press) Recipe
Introduction
Whipped shortbread cookies are delightfully light and buttery, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Made using a cookie press, they come out perfectly shaped every time and are great for adding festive sprinkles or colored sugar. This classic treat is simple to make and sure to please your sweet tooth.

Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Cream the butter in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
- Step 3: Stir in the cornstarch and salt.
- Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Step 5: Fill your cookie press with the dough and press shapes onto an ungreased baking pan. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until they are just set. Transfer them immediately to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a subtle twist, add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a hint of citrus flavor.
- If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into balls and flatten them gently with a fork before baking.
- Use colored sugar or edible glitter to decorate cookies for holidays or special occasions.
Storage
Store cooled whipped shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but maintain their delicate texture well.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
You can shape the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or your palm before baking. While the look will differ, the taste and texture remain delicious.
Print
Whipped Shortbread Cookies (Cookie Press) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delightfully buttery and tender, these Whipped Shortbread Cookies made with a cookie press offer a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly balanced with vanilla and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are easy to prepare and ideal for festive occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter: Using an electric mixer, cream the butter until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes, to create a soft base for your dough.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and mix until well combined, incorporating sweetness and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cornstarch and salt to the wet mixture, which helps give the cookies their characteristic delicate texture and balanced taste.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating just until the dough comes together to avoid overworking and toughening the cookies.
- Press Dough: Load the dough into a cookie press and press it onto an ungreased baking sheet. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar for added festivity.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are just set. Remove immediately from the oven to prevent overbaking.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack right after baking to cool completely, allowing them to firm up and maintain their shape.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure smooth creaming.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- You can add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for decorative effects.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Cookie press with different designs can be used for varied cookie shapes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Whipped shortbread, cookie press cookies, buttery cookies, easy shortbread, vanilla shortbread, holiday cookies

