Description
Cardamom shortbread cookies offer a luxurious twist on classic Scottish treats, blending warm spices with citrusy brightness. These delicate cookies melt in your mouth, bringing Nordic-inspired comfort to sweet moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) salted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups (228 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cardamom
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) orange juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) milk
- Orange zest (optional)
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Pulverize cardamom pods into a fine, aromatic powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Cream softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, ensuring no butter lumps remain.
- Gently fold ground cardamom and flour into the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms without overworking the ingredients.
- Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase completely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up.
- Heat the oven to 325°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roll out the chilled dough between parchment papers to an even ½-inch thickness, then cut into desired cookie shapes using decorative cutters.
- Quickly transfer cut cookies to a plate and freeze for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crisp edges.
- Arrange frozen cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between each piece.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges develop a delicate golden hue and centers appear set.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Whisk powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and milk until a smooth, glossy glaze develops.
- Dip cooled cookie tops into the orange glaze, letting excess drip off naturally.
- Garnish with fresh orange zest for an extra burst of citrusy aroma and visual appeal.
- Let glazed cookies sit until the coating hardens completely before serving.
Notes
- Grind fresh cardamom pods for an intense, aromatic flavor that elevates these delicate shortbread cookies.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect, crisp texture during baking.
- Freeze the cut cookies briefly before baking to maintain their sharp edges and prevent shape distortion.
- Use a low oven temperature to create a golden, delicate shortbread that’s tender and crumbly.
- The orange glaze adds a bright, citrusy finish that perfectly complements the warm, spicy cardamom notes.
- Allow the glaze to set completely for a clean, professional-looking cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 83mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 31mg