These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies are buttery and crumbly, with a lovely hint of spicy cardamom. Topped with a bright orange glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Honestly, these cookies are so good that one is never enough! I love serving them with tea for a cozy treat. Just make some, and you’ll immediately feel like a baking star! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cookies a rich flavor. If needed, you could use margarine or a dairy-free spread. However, using real butter will give the best taste!
Cardamom: This spice is what makes the cookies unique! If you can’t find cardamom, you could substitute with cinnamon or nutmeg, but it will change the flavor slightly. I strongly recommend sticking with cardamom for the most authentic taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but for a gluten-free option, you could use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture!
Powdered Sugar: This is used for both the cookie and the glaze. If you need a sugar alternative, you can try powdered coconut sugar, but it might affect the glaze’s color and sweetness.
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh is best for both juice and zest. If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled juice can work, but it may not have the same vibrant flavor. Lemon juice can also be used for a different but tasty citrus twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the right dough consistency is key for shortbread cookies. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for easy creaminess.
- Mix until your sugar and butter are fluffy, which adds air for lighter cookies.
- Add the flour gradually: this helps the dough come together smoothly without overworking it.
- The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but hold its shape when pressed. If it’s too crumbly, mix in a teaspoon of milk.
Don’t forget to chill the dough! This step makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape when baking. Happy baking!
Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake, plus 30 minutes for chilling the dough and 30 minutes for the glaze to set. So, you’re looking at just over 1 hour in total to get delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat it until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Flavor:
Next, mix in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor to your cookies!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; just combine until it looks uniform.
5. Chill the Dough:
Now, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently to bring it all together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape.
6. Roll and Cut Shapes:
After chilling, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cut cookies on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them—remove them when the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Make the Orange Glaze:
While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and slightly runny. You can adjust the consistency by adding more juice for thinner glaze or sugar for thicker glaze.
9. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can spread or drizzle the orange glaze over each cookie. Make them as fancy or simple as you like!
10. Garnish:
For an extra burst of color and flavor, sprinkle additional orange zest on top of the glaze.
11. Let it Set:
Allow the glaze to set before serving, which should take about 30 minutes. Then, they’re ready to enjoy!
Pair your delicious Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the perfect treat! Enjoy! 🍊☕️
Can I Substitute the Cardamom?
Yes, if you can’t find cardamom, you can substitute it with cinnamon or nutmeg. Although it will alter the flavor, it can still provide a lovely spiced note to the cookies.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store your finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, it may need a few minutes to soften at room temperature before rolling out.
What if My Glaze is Too Thick?
If your glaze ends up being too thick, simply add a teaspoon of fresh orange juice at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, mix in more powdered sugar until it thickens up.
