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
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sift flour, sugar, ground cardamom, and salt together in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture that will distribute flavors evenly.
- Use an electric mixer to cream butter and vanilla until smooth and fluffy, ensuring the butter is at room temperature for optimal blending.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Gently knead by hand if needed to fully combine ingredients.
- 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.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent over-browning.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, preserving their tender texture.
- 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.
- 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