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Cardamom Shortbread Cookie Recipe with Orange Glaze Made Easy

This shortbread Cookie Recipe is a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern spices and classic Western baking traditions.
Infused with warm cardamom and topped with a zesty orange glaze, these buttery cookies are perfect for tea-time indulgence or festive occasions.
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Course Dessert
Cuisine Middle Eastern and Western

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.
Keyword Cardamom shortbread cookies, Easy shortbread recipe, Homemade shortbread cookies, Orange glaze cookies, shortbread cookie recipe, Simple shortbread recipe
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