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Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe

Description

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!

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

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.

Equipment

Notes

  • 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.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/cardamom-shortbread-cookies-with-orange-glaze-recipe/