The Best Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe

Rich, aromatic cardamom shortbread cookies dance with zesty orange glaze, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Buttery layers melt softly on your palate, releasing warm spice notes.

Crisp edges hint at delicate textures waiting to surprise you.

Sophisticated yet simple, these cookies emerge from an easy recipe anyone can master.

Mediterranean baking traditions inspire this elegant treat that feels both familiar and exotic.

Fragrant spices whisper sweet comfort with each delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of these irresistible shortbread delights.

FAQs

• What flavors are in these cookies?

These cookies feature a warm, aromatic cardamom base with a bright, citrusy orange glaze that creates a delightful balance of spicy and sweet notes.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 weeks.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should be just firm to the touch but not dark brown. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Overview

• Savor Unique Flavor Fusion: Cardamom and orange create a delightful taste combination that elevates traditional shortbread with an unexpected and sophisticated twist.
• Craft Simple Gourmet Treats: These cookies require minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making them perfect for home bakers wanting to impress without complex techniques.
• Perfect for Sharing and Gifting: Delicate, elegant cookies that look professionally made yet are easy to prepare, ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personalization by adjusting spice levels or experimenting with different glaze flavors to suit individual preferences.

Ingredients for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the shortbread cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and creates a soft, crumbly shortbread consistency.

• Ground Cardamom: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that gives the cookies a unique and sophisticated taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complementary sweetness to the cookie flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Powdered Sugar, Fresh Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Combine to create a bright, citrusy glaze that adds a tangy sweetness and fresh finish to the shortbread cookies.

How to Make Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Ground cardamom
• Salt

Whisk thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Vanilla

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture.

Mix until dough forms, using hands if needed to ensure complete blending.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball using a glass bottom or fingertips.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.

Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack to cool completely, preserving their delicate texture.

Step 8: Craft Vibrant Orange Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest

Adjust consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed.

Step 9: Drizzle and Decorate

Generously drizzle orange glaze over cooled cookies. Use a spoon or piping bag for elegant coverage.

Allow glaze to set for 20 minutes until glossy and firm.

Tips for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

• Leave butter out 30-45 minutes before baking to reach ideal room temperature, ensuring smooth mixing and even cookie texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality ground cardamom for the most vibrant flavor, and avoid using stale spices that can taste flat or bitter.
• Press cookies gently and uniformly to create consistent shapes, which helps ensure even baking and a professional appearance.
• Let cookies cool completely before glazing to help the orange topping set quickly and create a clean, crisp finish without spreading.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Variations on Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

• Lavender Lemon Shortbread: Replace cardamom with dried lavender and swap orange glaze for a tangy lemon glaze using fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfect for those wanting a floral, citrusy flavor profile.
• Almond Spice Cookies: Substitute ground cardamom with cinnamon and nutmeg, then add almond extract to the dough. Top with a maple-almond glaze for a warm, comforting taste.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring the same texture and crumbly consistency. Add xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain the cookie's structure.

Serving Ideas for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

Brew a light Earl Grey or jasmine green tea to complement the delicate cardamom and orange flavors, enhancing the cookie’s warm spice notes.

Select a sweet Moscato d’Asti or Sauternes to balance the buttery shortbread and add a luxurious liquid accompaniment that echoes the cookie’s citrusy brightness.

Serve alongside fresh orange segments and candied orange peel to amplify the citrus undertones and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, spiced cookie.

Crumble the shortbread over a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful texture combination that highlights the cookie’s delicate cardamom essence.

Storage Tips for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the orange glaze from becoming sticky.
• Wrap unglazed cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add glaze before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This method restores their crisp texture and brings out the cardamom's subtle warmth.
• Keep glazed cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and softness.

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies With Orange Glaze Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicate cardamom shortbread cookies with orange glaze dance between Mediterranean warmth and delicate sweetness. Buttery, aromatic crumbles melt effortlessly, inviting you to savor each delightful, spice-infused moment of culinary bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Sift flour, sugar, ground cardamom, and salt together in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture that will distribute flavors evenly.
3. Use an electric mixer to cream butter and vanilla until smooth and fluffy, ensuring the butter is at room temperature for optimal blending.
4. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Gently knead by hand if needed to fully combine ingredients.
5. Form dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Softly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or fingertips.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent over-browning.
7. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, preserving their tender texture.
8. Whisk powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust thickness as needed.
9. Drizzle orange glaze over completely cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let glaze set for 20 minutes to achieve a glossy, firm finish.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth cookie texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality ground cardamom for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping if the mixture feels too soft or sticky, helping cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg