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Welcome to another delightful recipe that’s sure to make your kitchen smell heavenly! Today, we’re diving into the world of Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze. If you’re a fan of light, buttery shortbread cookies with a unique twist of flavor, you’re in for a treat. These cookies offer a perfect balance of warmth from the cardamom spice and the zesty freshness of an orange glaze. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply craving a sweet homemade snack, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your baking routine. Let’s get started and learn how to create this flavorful masterpiece!

Introduction

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are a perfect combination of exotic spices and refreshing citrus flavors. Cardamom is a spice that hails from the warm climates of India and the Middle East, and it adds a beautifully aromatic and slightly sweet taste to the buttery shortbread. When paired with the tangy orange glaze, it creates a cookie that’s both comforting and unique. This recipe is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is the ideal treat for anyone looking to bake something special yet uncomplicated. These cookies are perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or any occasion where a delicate and delicious cookie is needed.

Ingredients for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

To make these Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shortbread:

• 1 cup (226 grams) salted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered (confectioners) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cardamom
• 1 ¾ cups (228 grams) all-purpose flour

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered (confectioners) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) orange juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk
• Orange zest, to decorate (optional)

These ingredients are common in most pantries, but you can make substitutions if necessary. For instance, if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. If you don’t have fresh orange juice on hand, lemon juice works just as well for a citrusy glaze with a slight variation in flavor.

How to Make Cardamom Shortbread Cookies – Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Cardamom

If you’re using fresh cardamom pods, grind them into a fine powder for the best flavor. You’ll need about 2 grams, or 1 teaspoon, of ground cardamom for this recipe. The spice adds a fragrant, exotic flavor that really elevates these cookies beyond your standard shortbread.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 30 seconds. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Adding the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the all-purpose flour and ground cardamom to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. You want the dough to form medium-sized chunks, with no visible streaks of flour.

Step 4: Chilling the Dough

Press the dough together using a spatula or your hands, and shape it into a disk. Wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and unwrap it. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to a thickness of about ½ inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and transfer the cut cookies to a parchment-lined plate.

Step 6: Freezing the Cookies

For an extra step to ensure perfect cookies, freeze the cut-out cookies for 10-15 minutes. This helps the dough retain its shape while baking.

Step 7: Baking the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until they’re just lightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread should remain light and tender. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Making the Orange Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still runny enough to drizzle over the cookies.

Step 9: Glazing the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of each one into the orange glaze. If desired, sprinkle a bit of orange zest on top for a bright, citrusy finish. Place the glazed cookies back on the cooling rack and let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

• Tip 1: Use fresh cardamom if possible, as its flavor is more robust and fragrant than pre-ground versions.
• Tip 2: For a more intense orange flavor, add a bit of orange zest to the cookie dough itself before baking.
• Tip 3: To ensure the cookies keep their shape, always chill the dough before cutting and baking.
• Tip 4: If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice or milk.

Cooking Tips for the Best Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

Achieving the perfect shortbread cookie requires attention to detail. Here are some key cooking techniques for making the best Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can cause the cookies to become tough rather than light and buttery. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
• Bake Until Just Golden: Shortbread cookies are meant to be light in color. Overbaking them can lead to a dry texture, so pull them out as soon as the edges turn lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Serve them with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. For a more elegant presentation, you can serve them on a platter with fresh fruits like oranges, raspberries, or strawberries. The citrus glaze also makes these cookies a wonderful accompaniment to herbal teas or even sparkling water with a twist of lime.

Nutritional Information

These cookies offer a moderate treat without too many calories, making them an indulgence you can enjoy without guilt.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 50mg

Storage and Leftovers for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

These cookies store very well, making them an ideal treat to make in advance. To store them, place the fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to store them for a longer period, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispness.

4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

1. Can I use another spice besides cardamom?

Yes, you can easily substitute cardamom with other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a combination of warm spices for a different flavor profile.

2. What’s the best way to make these cookies dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter in place of regular butter and almond milk for the glaze. This will slightly alter the taste but still yield delicious results.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace regular flour. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

4. How long does the orange glaze take to set?

The orange glaze typically takes about 30 minutes to set fully, but it may take longer depending on humidity levels in your kitchen.

Related Recipes for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies Lovers

Here are some related recipes you might enjoy:

Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins Recipe – Easy & Healthy

Luscious Lemon Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Conclusion

There you have it—Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze, a perfect combination of spice and citrus that’s both comforting and unique. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. We hope you enjoy making them as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your results with us, and feel free to leave your own variations or feedback in the comments. Happy baking!

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