If you’re looking for a truly delightful treat that combines warmth and brightness in every bite, the Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies infused with fragrant cardamom spice and topped with a zesty orange glaze create a perfect balance of flavors that is both comforting and refreshingly vibrant. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or impressing guests with a unique twist on classic shortbread, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the cookie’s tender texture, fragrant aroma, and that irresistible citrus finish.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for tender, crumbly shortbread.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the spice and glaze.
- Ground cardamom: Brings a warm, spicy, and slightly floral note that sets these cookies apart.
- Salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: The key to rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture when softened properly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweet warmth to complement the cardamom.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to create a smooth, sweet coating.
- Fresh orange juice: Infuses the glaze with bright citrus brightness.
- Orange zest: Adds an extra layer of fragrant, tangy flavor to the glaze.
How to Make Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. Mixing these ingredients first distributes the cardamom and salt evenly so every cookie has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Vanilla
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step creates a luscious base that will give your cookies that quintessentially soft yet crumbly shortbread texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the creamed butter, beating until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but firm enough to shape into balls, signaling you’re ready for the next step.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to help them bake evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Let them cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Orange Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or juice to get a glaze that’s thick enough to cling to the cookies but thin enough to drizzle beautifully.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the cooled shortbread cookies. Allow at least 20 minutes for the glaze to set firm before serving to achieve that perfect glossy finish and tangy sweetness.
How to Serve Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate the presentation by adding a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a dusting of finely ground cardamom on top of the glaze once it’s set. Toasted slivered almonds also add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the citrus and spice.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of chilled milk. For a special brunch or dessert spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit or light yogurt parfaits to offer a balance of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe on a decorative platter lined with orange slices or edible flowers for an eye-catching display. They also make gorgeous gifts when stacked in a pretty tin or wrapped in cellophane tied with vibrant orange ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy those cozy flavors well beyond the initial baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain baked cookies before glazing by placing them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw completely before adding the orange glaze for the freshest look and taste.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, reheat them briefly in a low oven (around 275°F) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the glaze and change the cookie texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute cardamom with another spice?
While cardamom offers a unique warm and floral flavor, you can experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different twist. However, the distinct charm of this recipe comes from cardamom’s unique taste, so it’s worth trying it as is.
How thick should the cookie dough balls be flattened?
Flatten each dough ball gently until about 1/4 inch thick. This helps ensure an even bake and that delicate crumbly texture traditional to shortbread without being too thick or thin.
Can I make the orange glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling to recombine any separated ingredients.
Why do these cookies stay crumbly and not cakey?
The high butter content combined with minimal liquid and no eggs creates the classic shortbread texture—delicately crumbly, tender, and rich without becoming cakey or chewy.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their elegant flavor combination and attractive glaze make them wonderful presents for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Package them in decorative tins or boxes for a charming homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe a try soon because it delivers a beautiful balance of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors that feel both sophisticated and heartwarming. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a little bit of bliss, this recipe will undoubtedly earn a cherished spot in your baking repertoire.
Print
Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the fragrant and buttery Cardamom Shortbread Cookies enhanced with a zesty orange glaze. These crisp and tender cookies blend warm cardamom spice with a bright citrus finish, perfect for an elegant tea time or festive treat.
Ingredients
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
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix butter and vanilla: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with the vanilla extract until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth consistency without overworking it.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between them. Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your fingers to create uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden color. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more orange juice to thin.
- Glaze the cookies: Drizzle the prepared orange glaze evenly over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
- Set the glaze: Allow the glazed cookies to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so the glaze can set properly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cardamom based on your spice preference.
- The glaze consistency can be tailored by adding more powdered sugar to make it thicker or more orange juice for a runnier glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can substitute orange zest and juice with lemon for a citrus variation.
