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If you’ve been on the lookout for a cookie that’s truly delightful and unique, the Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. These buttery, tender shortbread cookies carry a warm hint of fragrant cardamom that’s beautifully balanced by a bright, tangy orange glaze. It’s the kind of treat that feels cozy and refreshing at the same time—a perfect companion for your afternoon tea or a festive indulgence any time of year. The combination of aromatic spices with a citrusy finish makes every bite a little celebration of flavors you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: creamy butter for richness, cardamom to add that exotic aroma, and fresh orange juice and zest for a glaze that wakes up your taste buds with vibrant citrus flair.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): Softened butter gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup plus 1 cup for glaze): Provides smooth sweetness that blends seamlessly into the dough and the glaze.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall warmth and depth of the cookie’s flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base for the shortbread’s delicate crumb.
- Ground cardamom (½ teaspoon): Delivers a fragrant, subtly spicy note that makes these cookies stand out.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the flavors in every bite.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (2–3 tablespoons): Used in the glaze, it adds the perfect zing of citrus brightness.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Infuses the glaze with a fresh, floral orange aroma and intense citrus flavor.
How to Make Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Mixing Butter
First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step sets you up for perfect baking. Then, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and half a cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is what gives the cookies their signature soft yet crisp texture.
Step 2: Adding Vanilla and Combining Dry Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle sweet warmth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, and salt carefully. These dry ingredients are the soul of the cookie dough, especially the cardamom, which infuses the dough with its inviting spice.
Step 3: Mixing the Dough and Shaping
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter-sugar mixture, mixing just until they come together—overmixing can make the cookies tough. Then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Roll it out gently to about a quarter-inch thickness, and cut into your favorite cookie shapes. This is where you get to be creative with design or keep it classic.
Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection
Place your cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on them and look for edges turning a lovely light golden hue. This tender golden finish is the hallmark of beautifully baked shortbread.
Step 5: Making and Applying the Orange Glaze
Once the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack, it’s time for the star glaze. Whisk together one cup powdered sugar with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. Add a little more juice if needed until your glaze reaches a smooth drizzling consistency. Then, drizzle generously over your cookies and let the glaze set before serving—this glaze adds a wonderful citrus sparkle that pulls the whole cookie together.
How to Serve Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cookie presentation with a light sprinkle of additional orange zest or a few crushed pistachios on top of the glaze before it sets. The bright green nuts complement the cardamom’s earthiness and add a delightful crunch, making the cookies look as wonderful as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of chai tea or a mild black tea, both of which complement the cardamom spice beautifully. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the zesty glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon as a charming gift. For festive occasions, arrange them on a slate platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly to add a seasonal touch that will impress guests and bring a bit of cozy warmth to any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and maintain their tender texture. They will stay delightful for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or last-minute guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze wonderfully. Just stack them between layers of parchment paper inside an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight at room temperature for a fresh-from-the-oven taste experience without any fuss.
Reheating
To revive the cookies’ buttery softness after freezing, warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle heat will refresh the glaze’s shine and bring back that perfect delicate crumb texture that makes these cookies so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon for orange in the glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different citrus twist, using lemon juice and zest instead of orange works beautifully and gives the glaze a slightly sharper, zestier flavor that pairs delightfully with cardamom.
Is ground cardamom necessary?
Cardamom is the signature spice in this recipe, giving it its unique flavor profile. While you could omit it, the cookies won’t have quite the same warm, aromatic character that makes this Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe so special.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but be mindful to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter contains salt already. Otherwise, the cookies might end up a bit too salty.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness to ensure the cookies bake evenly and hold their tender crumb. Thicker cookies may be softer and need a longer bake time, while thinner ones will crisp up faster.
Will these cookies stay fresh longer without the glaze?
Yes, shortbread cookies actually store well without any glaze since the powdered sugar glaze can soften over time. If you plan to store them for several days before serving, it’s best to glaze just before you’re ready to enjoy them.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe enough if you want to treat yourself to something truly special yet simple to make. Their tender texture, fragrant spice, and bright citrus glaze come together in such a harmonious way you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more. Give these cookies a try – they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as your next cozy kitchen adventure!
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Print
Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these aromatic Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with a tangy orange glaze. Soft, buttery, and lightly spiced with cardamom, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday sweet treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to form a smooth dough without overworking.
- Shape and Roll Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness to prepare for cutting.
- Cut Cookies: Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before glazing.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 teaspoon orange zest until smooth. Adjust with more orange juice as needed to create a drizzling consistency.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set completely before serving to add a bright citrus finish.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon juice and zest in place of orange for a different but equally delicious glaze flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
