Description
These Orange Cardamom Cookies are a delightful treat, combining the bright citrus flavor of fresh orange zest with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. Soft yet slightly crisp at the edges, these cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet snack any time of day. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a delicate balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and the zest of one orange until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spice throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms without over-mixing.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently press down each ball with the back of a fork to flatten them into discs, ensuring better baking and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the cookies to set properly.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch and extra sweetness before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- You can substitute cardamom with cinnamon or ginger for a different spice profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adjusting as needed.
- If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange juice or orange extract along with the zest.
