Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze.
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are infused with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom and topped with a zesty orange glaze.
Perfect for tea time, holiday gatherings, or as an elegant homemade gift.
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
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cardamom, and salt.
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and vanilla extract until creamy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or juice as needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set for 20 minutes before serving.
For variations of these Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze, you can experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a more holiday-inspired flavor.
If you prefer a more subtle citrus flavor, lemon zest can be swapped for the orange zest, or you could even add a few drops of lemon juice to the glaze for a tangy twist.
For a richer taste, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds to the dough.
If you want a more decadent glaze, you can use heavy cream instead of orange juice to create a smoother, thicker topping.
Additionally, for a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar in the glaze or drizzle the glaze lightly over the cookies.
When baking, be sure not to overbake them; they should just be lightly golden around the edges to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
To store Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them to prevent moisture buildup.
If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies before glazing.
Place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1-2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature and then drizzle with the orange glaze before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies