Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze: A Delicate, Flavorful Treat

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are a perfect balance of warm, spiced cardamom and the bright citrusy notes of orange. The buttery, crumbly shortbread melts in your mouth, while the sweet, tangy glaze adds a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress with their elegant look and sophisticated flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Cardamom Shortbread:

• 1 cup (226g) salted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60g) powdered (confectioners) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cardamom
• 1¾ cups (228g) all-purpose flour

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered (confectioners) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
• Orange zest, to decorate (optional)

Directions:

1. Make the Shortbread Dough:

• If you’re using fresh cardamom pods, grind them into a fine powder.
• In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and continue beating until the mixture is light and creamy, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add the ground cardamom and flour, then mix on low speed until the dough comes together into medium-sized chunks and there are no visible streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix.
• Using a spatula or your hands, press the dough together, form it into a disk, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

2. Prepare for Baking:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• After chilling, unwrap the dough and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out to a thickness of ½ inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes.
• Place the cut cookies onto a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 10-15 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.

3. Bake the Shortbread:

• Transfer the chilled cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Orange Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until smooth.
• Once the cookies have cooled, dip the top side of each cookie into the glaze, then turn them right-side up.
• If desired, sprinkle the cookies with orange zest for extra flavor and decoration. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 130 kcal per cookie

Tips:

• Cardamom pods vs. ground cardamom: For the freshest flavor, grind whole cardamom pods into powder. However, pre-ground cardamom will work just as well.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
• Optional glaze flavor variations: You can switch up the glaze by using lemon juice instead of orange juice for a different citrusy twist.

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are perfect for any occasion where you want to offer a sophisticated and unique treat. The combination of warm cardamom and bright orange will keep everyone reaching for more. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or just on their own!

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