There’s something truly magical about the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Cardamom Shortbread with Orange Glaze brings together the warm spices of cardamom and the bright zestiness of orange, creating a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday party, or just an afternoon snack, this scrumptious recipe wraps comfort and joy in every bite.
Cardamom Shortbread with Orange Glaze
Ingredients
For the shortbread
- 1 cup salted butter, softened Feel free to substitute unsalted butter for a less salty taste.
- ½ cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon orange zest For decoration (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the ground cardamom and mix well.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly.
Baking
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Glazing
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the orange glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with orange zest if desired.
Notes
Why Make This Recipe
Picture this: You’re sipping tea on a chilly afternoon, and you take a bite of Cardamom Shortbread with Orange Glaze. The buttery richness of the shortbread perfectly complements the sweet citrus glaze. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about creating special moments. Easy to make and requiring no special equipment, it’s ideal for both novice bakers and experienced ones looking to whip up a quick treat.
“These cookies are my new go-to! They’re not overly sweet, and the cardamom adds a lovely warmth. Plus, my kids loved helping glaze them!” – Jamie L.
Imagine the joy on your friends’ faces when they taste these heavenly cookies straight from the oven. They’re not overly complicated, making them a fantastic choice for weekend baking or when you’re pressed for time.
How to Make Cardamom Shortbread with Orange Glaze
This delightful cookie recipe comes together quickly, with just a few simple steps. Gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and soon you’ll have a batch of delectable cookies ready to share. Let’s dive into the specifics of this deliciously fragrant treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouth-watering cookies:
- 1 cup (226 grams) salted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 grams) powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cardamom
- 1 ¾ cups (228 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered (confectioners) sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) orange juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk
- Orange zest, to decorate (optional)
- Extra vanilla (optional)
Feel free to substitute unsalted butter if you prefer a less salty taste. Also, you can adjust the amount of orange zest based on how zesty you’d like your cookies.
Directions
Now, let’s get baking! Here’s how to prepare Cardamom Shortbread with Orange Glaze:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the ground cardamom and mix well.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the orange glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with orange zest if desired.
How to Serve Cardamom Shortbread with Orange Glaze
These cookies are incredibly versatile! You can serve them warm, right out of the oven, or let them cool completely for a delightful treat anytime. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon pick-me-up. Arrange them on a decorative plate and add a few slices of fresh orange or a sprig of mint for an eye-catching presentation.
How to Store
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long! If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Just wrap each cookie well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months.
Tips to Make
Here are a few tips to ensure your Cardamom Shortbread with Orange Glaze turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for even mixing.
- Be careful not to overmix when adding the flour; a gentle hand ensures tender cookies.
- For a little surprise, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough.
- Experiment with adding different citrus juices in the glaze for a unique twist.
Variations
Want to switch it up? Try these creative twists on this classic shortbread recipe:
- Spice it up: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg alongside the cardamom for added warmth.
- Citrus mix: Combine lemon juice with the orange for an intriguing flavor blend.
- Chocolate drizzles: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top of the glaze for a rich finish.
Feel free to experiment; baking is all about creativity!
FAQs
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes approximately 12-15 minutes. So, you can have delicious cookies ready in less than 30 minutes!
Can I substitute cardamom with something else?
If cardamom isn’t available, cinnamon could be a delightful substitute, or you could use a pumpkin spice blend for a seasonal twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Keep an eye on the edges; they should be lightly golden. If they look too brown, they’ve probably baked too long.
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