Travel down the bustling streets of spice markets, where the air is thick with the warm aroma of cardamom and oranges, a dance of flavors just waiting to be discovered. Picture yourself perched at a quaint café in Morocco, nibbling on scrumptious cookies that mirror the vibrant culture around you. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you to craft these irresistible Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze right in your own cozy kitchen.
Why make this recipe
Imagine the delicate crunch of buttery shortbread melting in your mouth, kissed by the exotic warmth of cardamom and the zingy brightness of orange. These cookies aren’t just confections; they’re the passport to a world of flavor and nostalgia. Perfect for sharing or devouring alone while binge-watching your favorite travel shows, these cookies marry sweet with spice in a way that will have your taste buds dancing like they’re at a festival in India!
How to make Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
Ingredients:
- 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 that glaze magic)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) orange juice (squeeze a little sunshine)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk (because why not?)
- Orange zest, to decorate (optional, but so worth it!)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cardamom
Grab that fragrant jar of ground cardamom, and breathe in the aroma — it’s pure gold! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, grind some fresh pods using a mortar and pestle. Oh, the joy of freshly ground spices can change your life!
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a glistening bowl, gleefully beat together the softened salted butter and powdered sugar until it’s whipped up like a dreamy cloud. Your mission? To achieve that fluffy goodness that makes hearts flutter!
Step 3: Adding the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and cardamom like a sprinkle of magic dust. Mix it until just combined. You want the dough to be friendly, not aggressive — gently now!
Step 4: Chilling the Dough
Shape your dough into a delightful disc, wrap it up like a present, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Patience, dear friend; good things come to those who chill!
Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
Dust your work surface with flour, roll out that chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick, and get ready to cut! Use cookie cutters shaped like stars, hearts, or whatever speaks to your soul.
Step 6: Freezing the Cookies
Place those cut-out cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and toss them back in the freezer for 30 minutes. This quick chill will ensure your cookies maintain their shape while baking!
Step 7: Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake those beauties for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Your kitchen will smell like a dream come true — embrace it!
Step 8: Making the Orange Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until you achieve a silky-smooth glaze. It should flow like a river, perfect for drizzling!
Step 9: Glazing the Cookies
Once your cookie assemblage has cooled completely, it’s time for the glaze! Drizzle it over the cookies and finish with a sprinkle of orange zest — cotton candy dreams come true in every bite.
How to serve Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
Serve these cookies with a side of chai or coffee, or arrange them artfully on a platter for your next gathering. Bring a touch of flavor to the party; these cookies will be the star of the show!
How to store Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They might not last long with the flavor explosion you’ll experience, but just in case — you’re now a storage pro!
Tips to make Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
- Use fresh cardamom for an unbeatable flavor surge. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
- Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- If you like a little crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or pistachios into the dough.
Variations
Feeling wild? Try substituting lemon juice and zest for the orange for a zesty twist, or mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! Just add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if you prefer.
2. How long will the cookies keep?
These cookies can stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container! If you’re a cookie hoarder like me, you might want to freeze a batch for a later adventure.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to let it warm up for a bit before rolling out — we want it cozy!
Adventurous bakers, travelers of flavor, go forth and conquer your kitchen with these Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze. You’ll savor each crumb while dreaming of market stalls and sun-kissed lands. Happy baking!
Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Grab that fragrant jar of ground cardamom, and breathe in the aroma. If you’re feeling adventurous, grind some fresh pods using a mortar and pestle.
- In a bowl, beat together the softened salted butter and powdered sugar until whipped and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour and cardamom. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Dust your work surface with flour, roll the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick, and cut it into desired shapes.
- Place the cut cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk for the glaze until smooth.
- Once the cookies cool, drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle with orange zest.