Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The warm, spicy notes of cardamom pair beautifully with the bright citrus glaze, making these cookies a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (for the glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a dough.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Step 6: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Step 7: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger cardamom flavor, lightly toast and grind whole cardamom pods just before mixing.
• Swap orange zest and juice in the glaze for lemon or lime to change the citrus profile.
• Chilling the dough overnight enhances the texture and flavor of the cookies.
• Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on each cookie before baking for added visual appeal.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The orange glaze may soften over time, so it’s best to consume them within a few days. To refresh, warm cookies slightly in a low oven before serving.

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 prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

If the glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. Conversely, add a few drops of juice if it becomes too thick.

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze offer a delightful blend of warm spices and citrusy sweetness. The buttery shortbread is infused with aromatic ground cardamom and fresh orange zest, then perfectly complemented by a smooth, tangy orange glaze. Ideal for festive occasions or as a flavorful everyday treat.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and salt throughout the flour.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring a light texture for the cookies.
3. Add Flavorings and Combine: Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest into the butter mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined to form a dough.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and enhancing the cookie texture.
5. Preheat Oven and Shape Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, then cut into your desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown, indicating they are done.
7. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to firm up and avoid breakage during glazing.
8. Prepare the Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and slightly runny. Adjust consistency with more juice or powdered sugar if necessary.
9. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.

Notes

• For a more intense cardamom flavor, you can toast the whole cardamom pods and grind them fresh.
• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best dough consistency.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of orange juice or add more powdered sugar.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• These cookies freeze well; freeze before glazing, then glaze and thaw before serving.

Keywords: Cardamom Shortbread Cookies, Orange Glaze Cookies, Spiced Shortbread, Citrus Glazed Cookies, Holiday Cookies