Name: Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the shortbread cookies:; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the orange glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are the perfect treat for any occasion. The delicate, buttery shortbread is flavored with aromatic cardamom and finished off with a sweet and tangy orange glaze. Whether it’s for tea time or a special holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the shortbread cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the orange glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

1/2 teaspoon orange zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.

Add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Then, sift in the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix everything until a soft dough forms.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

For the orange glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Once the cookies are cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over them and let it set before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Add nuts: For a bit of crunch, I sometimes add finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough before baking. It adds a lovely texture and a hint of extra flavor.

Spice it up: If I’m feeling adventurous, I might increase the amount of cardamom or add other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile.

Decorate with sprinkles: For a fun twist, I sometimes sprinkle a few colorful nonpareils or sugar crystals on the cookies before baking them. It adds a festive touch to any occasion.

Chocolate drizzle: Sometimes, I drizzle melted chocolate on top of the glazed cookies for an indulgent finish. This makes the cookies even more decadent and rich.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for about a week. If I want to keep them for longer, I freeze the cookies (either before or after glazing) in a sealed container or freezer bag. They last up to 3 months this way. To reheat, I simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and they taste just as delicious as the day I baked them.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the cookies?

While I always prefer to use unsalted butter for precise control over the amount of salt, you can substitute salted butter. If you do, I recommend reducing the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies being too salty.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

I like to roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures the cookies are firm enough to hold their shape but still delicate and buttery when baked.

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes! I often make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough thaw slightly and roll it out as directed.

How can I make the glaze smoother?

To get a smooth glaze, I recommend sifting the powdered sugar before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps avoid any lumps and gives the glaze a silky texture.

Can I use bottled orange juice for the glaze?

While freshly squeezed orange juice gives the glaze the best flavor, bottled juice will work in a pinch. Just make sure to choose one that’s 100% juice with no added sugars or preservatives.

Conclusion

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cardamom with the bright freshness of orange. I love how they’re simple to make but full of flavor, perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m baking them for a holiday or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies never disappoint.

Recipe:

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

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Print Recipe

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are the perfect combination of rich, buttery shortbread and the warm flavor of cardamom. Topped with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, these cookies make a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for tea time or holiday gatherings, they are easy to make and sure to impress with their balance of flavors and gorgeous glossy finish.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Sift in the flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.