These Orange Cardamom Cookies are a sweet treat with a hint of spice! The bright flavor of orange and warm cardamom spices blend perfectly in these soft, chewy cookies.
They make every bite feel special. I love baking a batch for friends, and the smell fills my home with cozy vibes. Who can resist a cookie that smells this good? 🥰
These cookies are easy to whip up, making snack time even more enjoyable. I like to enjoy them with a cup of tea for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for the cookie’s soft texture and rich flavor. If you’ll need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cookies. For a less processed option, you can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but note that it may affect the color and texture.
Ground Cardamom: Cardamom gives these cookies a unique spice. If you’re unable to find it, you might use cinnamon or nutmeg, but the flavor will change significantly.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. The texture might differ slightly.
Ground Almonds: These add a fantastic nuttiness. You can use finely chopped walnuts or omit them if you prefer a smoother texture.
What’s the Best Way to Create a Perfect Cookie Dough?
Making cookie dough is straightforward but getting it just right is crucial. Here are a few key tips:
- Make sure your butter is soft, not melted. It should be room temperature to cream nicely with sugar.
- Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft or sticky; this helps your cookies hold their shape when baking.
Follow these tips for the best results, and you’ll have a delicious batch of cookies that everyone will love!
How to Make Orange Cardamom Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom (or 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom + 1/2 teaspoon crushed cardamom pods)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup ground almonds (to add a subtle nuttiness and texture)
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange (for garnish)
- Whole cardamom pods (for garnish)
- Optional: edible dried rose petals and crushed pistachios for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-14 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling and setting the glaze. Plan on a total of about 1 hour to get everything ready and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While that’s heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is important for a soft cookie!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This will give your cookies that delicious flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds if you’re using them. This ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, combining gently until just mixed. Take care not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Slightly flatten each ball using your palm or the bottom of a glass to give them a nice shape.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the trays into the oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. You want that perfect balance!
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Orange Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the glaze! Whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth and spreadable.
10. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of the orange glaze on top of each one. This is where they really start to shine!
11. Garnish with Flair:
For an extra touch, sprinkle some orange zest and place whole cardamom pods on top. If you’re feeling fancy, add some edible dried rose petals or crushed pistachios for decoration.
12. Set and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a bit before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a comforting cup of tea. Happy baking!
These cookies beautifully balance citrus brightness with warm spice. The glaze adds a delightful sweet-tart finish, making them absolutely irresistible!
Can I Use a Butter Substitute for These Cookies?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option. Just make sure the substitute is softened, similar to how you would with regular butter, to achieve the right texture in the cookies.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Cardamom?
If you don’t have ground cardamom, you can use ground cinnamon or nutmeg as a substitute. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.
