Description
A lighter, cloud-like take on classic shortbread that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for aeration)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch or rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)
- Finely grated lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9 or 8×8 baking pan with parchment; leave an overhang.
- In a stand mixer bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and slightly pale, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add powdered sugar and granulated sugar (if using). Start on low and increase to medium-high, beating for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale, voluminous, and light.
- Add vanilla and salt, mixing on low speed just to combine.
- Sift together flour and cornstarch. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in two additions, scraping the bowl between additions. Mix just until combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan evenly. Dock the surface with a fork or score lines with a knife.
- Chill for 20-30 minutes if the butter is very soft.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until edges are slightly golden and the top is just set.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang. Cut while warm into squares or wedges.
- Dust with powdered sugar or finish as desired.
Notes
Ensure the butter is at room temperature but not overly soft. Chill the dough if it seems too greasy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: whipped shortbread, cookies, dessert, easy baking, holiday treats