Description
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
Scale
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
- 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.
- For 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.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a few more drops of orange juice; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 16mg