Introduction
I recently tried making these Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze, and I have to say, they quickly became a new favorite in our household. The delicate cardamom flavor adds a wonderfully aromatic touch to the buttery shortbread, while the orange glaze brings a refreshing citrusy sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the cookies. These treats are ideal for holiday gatherings, a cozy afternoon tea, or even as a homemade gift for friends and family. The process is easy, and the end result is a batch of cookies that look as elegant as they taste. My family loved them, and I can’t wait to make them again!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. This will ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cream the butter and vanilla: In a separate large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. The butter should be at room temperature to blend easily.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until the dough begins to come together. You may need to finish mixing by hand to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to form a round, slightly flattened shape.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
- Cool the cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their delicate texture.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin or more juice if it’s too thick.
- Glaze the cookies: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving, allowing it to firm up and create a glossy finish.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
How to Serve
- Tea time: Serve these cookies alongside your favorite tea, whether it’s black, green, or herbal.
- Holiday gatherings: These cookies make a great addition to your holiday cookie tray.
- Gift giving: Pack them in a beautiful tin or box with a festive ribbon for a lovely homemade gift.
- Coffee pairings: These cookies are perfect for pairing with coffee, especially for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- As a sweet snack: Enjoy them anytime you need a sweet bite with a cup of milk or a refreshing iced beverage.
Additional Tips
- Room temperature butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures the dough will come together smoothly and the cookies will have a tender texture.
- Chill the dough: If you’re short on time and want to keep the dough from spreading too much while baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and shaping.
- Mix up the glaze: For a fun twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the orange glaze for extra flavor.
- Cardamom substitute: If you’re unable to find cardamom, try using a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg for a similar warm spice flavor.
- Make mini cookies: For bite-sized treats, roll the dough into smaller balls and adjust the baking time accordingly, reducing it to about 8-10 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Glaze: Substitute the orange juice and zest for lemon juice and zest to make a lemony version of these shortbread cookies.
- Chocolate Dip: After glazing, dip the bottom of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Nuts: Add chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Variation: Include a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the cookie dough for a spicier twist on this already warm-flavored shortbread.
- Miniature Shortbread: Roll the dough into smaller balls for mini shortbread cookies and adjust the baking time to 6-8 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies with a classic British tea, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, for a delightful pairing.
- Offer them as part of a dessert buffet at a holiday party or gathering.
- For a more festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter on top of the orange glaze before it sets for added flair.
- Pair with a fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a light breakfast or brunch treat.
- These cookies also go wonderfully with a sweet, creamy beverage like a vanilla latte or cappuccino.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing the cookies: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can freeze the cookies either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for an extra minute or two.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- Glaze storage: If you have leftover glaze, store it in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-whisk before using it again.
FAQ Section
- Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dough. If you must use salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe by half. - Can I make these cookies without cardamom?
Yes, you can substitute cardamom with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile. - How can I make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. - Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! These shortbread cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze, especially if you prefer a less sweet treat. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used as a substitute, it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies, so it’s recommended to use unsalted butter for the best results. - How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake them, as shortbread cookies can become dry. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make more cookies, just be sure to adjust the baking times accordingly. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Simply shape it into balls, freeze, and then bake as needed. - What other flavors would go well with these cookies?
Lemon, lavender, or even almond extract would pair wonderfully with the shortbread. - Can I use pre-ground cardamom?
Yes, pre-ground cardamom works just fine for this recipe. However, freshly ground cardamom has a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
Conclusion
These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are a delightful treat that combines rich, buttery shortbread with the warm, spicy flavor of cardamom and a refreshing citrusy glaze. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy tea time or a festive holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sophisticated flavor, they make a wonderful homemade gift or a sweet indulgence for yourself. Follow the easy instructions,
and you’ll have a batch of these irresistible cookies ready to share in no time!