Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

Introduction

I recently made a batch of Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit! The warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom blended perfectly with the bright citrusy sweetness of the orange glaze. These cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the glaze adds just the right amount of tang. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, having a cozy tea time, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to impress.

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

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cardamom, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and vanilla extract until creamy. Use a hand or stand mixer for best results.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
6. Bake the cookies 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.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or juice as needed.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set for 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 120 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift packaged in a cute box or tin.
• Enjoy as a simple afternoon snack.
• Great for packing in lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.
• Pair with other cookies and treats for a holiday cookie platter.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh cardamom for the best flavor. Ground cardamom tends to lose its aroma over time, so using fresh ground cardamom will give the cookies a more vibrant taste.
2. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve the right texture in your cookie dough.
3. If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.
4. For an extra touch, sprinkle some finely chopped candied ginger on top of the glazed cookies for added flavor.
5. Make sure to allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before serving to avoid a mess and ensure a smooth finish.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Dipped Version: After glazing the cookies, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of warmth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute and use a flax egg to bind the dough.
• Lemon Glaze Version: Instead of orange juice, use lemon juice and zest in the glaze for a more citrus-forward flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• These cookies make a great addition to a holiday dessert table.
• Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea for an aromatic and elegant pairing.
• Perfect for gift-giving when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
• Serve as an after-dinner treat alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a light and refreshing fruit salad for a balanced dessert option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Dough: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for storage. Bake them directly from the freezer for about 12-14 minutes.
• Storing the Cookies: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: The baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent the glaze from smudging, freeze the cookies before glazing. Once thawed, add the glaze just before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe, as it gives you more control over the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the dough.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
3. Can I substitute another spice for cardamom?
   You can substitute cinnamon or ginger, but cardamom gives a unique flavor that’s hard to replace.
4. How can I make the cookies crunchier?
   Bake the cookies for an extra 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent them from burning.
5. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
   Yes, chopped pistachios or almonds would pair wonderfully with the cardamom flavor.
6. How do I make the glaze thicker?
   Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze, but do so gradually to avoid making it too sweet.
7. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
8. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, these cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze. You can also dust them with powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter finish.
9. How can I make the cookies more festive?
   You can add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze or even drizzle with white chocolate for an extra festive touch.
10. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
    Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing the dough, which can make the cookies spread too much.

Conclusion

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are a perfect combination of buttery goodness and aromatic spice, with a refreshing citrus glaze that enhances their flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful gift, they are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of variations to try, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and time again.

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