Description

Make perfect cardamom shortbread cookies topped with a refreshing orange glaze. Simple steps, expert tips, and perfect flavors for every occasion!

Ingredients

Ingredients List with Measurements

For the Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (provides structure)
Butter: 1 cup, softened (adds richness and flavor)
Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (sweetens and softens the dough)
Ground Cardamom: 1 1/2 teaspoons (provides the signature warm, spicy flavor)
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (enhances flavor)
Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon (adds fresh citrusy notes)

For the Orange Glaze:

Orange Juice: 1 tablespoon (base for the glaze, complements the cookie’s flavors)
Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (thickens and sweetens the glaze)

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a tender, light shortbread texture.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Add the orange zest, ground cardamom, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until all ingredients are well-combined. The aromatic oils from the zest and spices will enhance the flavor of each cookie.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on a low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to prevent tough cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut, and reduces spreading while baking.

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your preferred cookie cutter to cut out shapes, transferring each cookie to the prepared baking sheet. If the dough becomes too soft to work with, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Orange Glaze

While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more orange juice for a thinner consistency.

Step 9: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over each cookie, using a spoon or a piping bag for more precision. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Baking Tips and Important Notes

1. Chilling the Dough for Better Results
Chilling shortbread dough is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and shape. When dough is chilled, it firms up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking. This step also allows the flavors, particularly the cardamom and orange, to meld and develop a more pronounced taste. For the best results, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out, or if possible, chill it overnight.

2. Glazing Tips for a Smooth Finish
The orange glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch to these cookies, but getting it just right can be tricky. For a smooth and shiny glaze, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with orange juice to remove any lumps. To control the thickness, start with a small amount of orange juice and add more as needed. For a more decorative effect, you can drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern, or dip half of each cookie for an elegant two-tone look. Allow the glaze to set fully before stacking or storing to prevent smudging.

3. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Orange Zest
Orange zest is key to the bright, citrusy flavor of these cookies. Use a microplane or fine grater to extract the zest, ensuring you avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Zest the orange directly over the mixing bowl to capture as many of the essential oils as possible, which will enhance the cookies’ aroma and flavor.

4. Preventing Cookies from Sticking
Parchment paper is your best friend when baking shortbread. Not only does it prevent sticking, but it also helps with even browning and makes cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, silicone baking mats work well and provide a reusable, non-stick surface. If you’re out of parchment or mats, lightly greasing the baking sheet with butter can also work.

5. Using Cookie Cutters for a Consistent Look
Using a cookie cutter helps create cookies that are uniform in shape and size, which is especially appealing if you’re preparing them as gifts or for a special occasion. Choose simple shapes that complement the delicate nature of shortbread, as intricate cutters can sometimes create thin areas that are prone to burning. A round, flower, or heart-shaped cutter works well and makes for an elegant presentation.