Description
These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are delicate, buttery treats infused with warm cardamom spice and topped with a bright, tangy orange glaze. The shortbread is tender and crumbly, perfectly complemented by the sweet citrus glaze, making them a delightful dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Orange zest, to decorate (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cardamom: If using fresh cardamom pods, grind them into a fine powder to release their aromatic flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar on low speed to incorporate the sugar, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 30 seconds until the mixture is creamy. Scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Flour and Cardamom: Add the all-purpose flour and ground cardamom to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough forms medium-sized chunks without any visible flour streaks. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Press the dough together using a spatula or your hands into a cohesive mass. Turn the dough onto plastic wrap and use it to shape the dough into a disk. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut desired shapes, then transfer cookies to a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 10-15 minutes to set.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the frozen cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 20-22 minutes or until they are very lightly golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Orange Glaze: In a bowl, thoroughly mix 1 cup powdered sugar with orange juice and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cookies: Once cooled, dip the top side of each cookie into the orange glaze. Lift and turn them top-side up to allow excess glaze to drip. Optionally, sprinkle orange zest over the glazed cookies.
- Set Glaze: Place glazed cookies on a plate or cooling rack and allow the glaze to set completely before serving.
Notes
- For the freshest flavor, grind cardamom pods just before use.
- Use cold butter to make the dough easier to handle if dough gets too soft during mixing.
- Freezing the cookies before baking helps maintain their shape and texture.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more orange juice (thinner) or powdered sugar (thicker).
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cardamom cookies, shortbread cookies, orange glaze, holiday cookies, spiced cookies, buttery cookies
