Ingredients:
1 ½ cups butter, room temperature (preferably salted)
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup cornstarch
Optional Flavorings and Toppings:
2 teaspoons pure vanilla, lemon, or orange extract
¼ cup sprinkles (your choice, non-pareils recommended)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar together for 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving light-textured cookies. Add your chosen flavorings here and blend well.
Sift in the flour and cornstarch, beating just until combined.
Roll the dough into 36 equal-sized balls and place them on a pre-lined baking tray or a floured plate to prevent sticking. Flatten the tops slightly with a fork dipped in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, then add sprinkles.
Chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 2 hours, or until they're firm to the touch. For a quicker process, you can firm them up in the freezer.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (about 150°C). Place up to 12 cookies on a tray for baking.
Bake the cookies for 19-20 minutes or until the tops are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray before serving.
These whipped shortbread cookies, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and optional flavorings, are a delightful addition to your holiday festivities. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
