This shortbread cookie recipe brings together the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic shortbread with the aromatic warmth of cardamom and a bright, citrusy orange glaze.
The result? A delicate, flavorful cookie that pairs perfectly with tea, coffee, or as an elegant dessert.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers bakery-worthy results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Buttery Texture – Each bite melts in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness.
- Spiced and Citrusy Flavors – Cardamom adds warmth, while the orange glaze brings a fresh contrast.
- Easy and Foolproof – Simple ingredients and minimal effort for a stunning result.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for tea time, holiday baking, or thoughtful gifts.
Tips for the Best Shortbread Cookies
To make sure your shortbread cookie recipe turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
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- Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter creates a smooth, even dough.
- Chill the Dough – This prevents spreading and helps maintain shape.
- Roll Evenly – Consistent thickness ensures even baking.
- Bake Until Lightly Golden – Overbaking makes cookies too crisp; they should be soft but set.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing – This helps the glaze set beautifully without melting.
Flavor Variations to Try
This shortbread cookie recipe is easy to customize! Try these variations for a unique twist:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough for added texture.
- Extra Spice: Enhance the cardamom with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the orange glaze for melted dark chocolate.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version.
Storing and Serving Your Cookies
To keep your shortbread cookie recipe fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Best Served With: Enjoy alongside spiced chai, a latte, or citrus-infused herbal tea.
Decorating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation
Make your cookies look as beautiful as they taste with these simple decorating ideas:
- Drizzle the Glaze Creatively – Use a spoon or piping bag to create thin, elegant lines.
- Sprinkle with Orange Zest – Adds a pop of color and enhances the citrus aroma.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar – Gives a classic, bakery-style finish.
- Dip in Chocolate – Half-dip cookies in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Top with Edible Flowers – Delicate flowers like dried rose petals or lavender add a sophisticated touch.
This shortbread cookie recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves warm spices and buttery, tender cookies. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Bake a batch today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors!
Cardamom Shortbread Cookie Recipe with Orange Glaze Made Easy
Equipment
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Shortbread:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- orange zest for decoration (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Dough:
- Grind Fresh Cardamom (Optional): If using whole cardamom pods, grind them into a fine powder to yield about 1 teaspoon for maximum flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl at low speed until well combined. Increase to medium speed and mix until light and fluffy (about 30 seconds). Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the ground cardamom and all-purpose flour at low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading while baking.
Rolling and Baking:
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: Roll out chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Optional Freezing Step: Place cut-out cookies in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to help retain their shape.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Making the Orange Glaze:
- Whisk the Glaze Ingredients: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar (for thicker glaze) or more liquid (for thinner glaze).
- Glaze the Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the cookies. Garnish with orange zest if desired. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.