If you’re looking for a perfectly spiced and citrusy treat, these Orange Cardamom Cookies are the answer! With a delicate balance of fresh orange zest and the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, this recipe brings a unique twist to traditional cookies.
Ingredients:
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: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will give your cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and freshly zested orange peel. The orange zest is key to infusing the dough with a fragrant citrus aroma that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. Cardamom is the secret ingredient that elevates these cookies with its warm, spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright, fresh citrus.
Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just combine the ingredients until they come together.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake. Gently press each ball with the back of a fork to slightly flatten them.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like a little extra sweetness, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch.
Serving Tips:
With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate citrus and spice flavors complement the warmth of these beverages, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon.
Gift Ideas: These cookies make an excellent gift! Pack them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful, homemade present for friends, family, or colleagues.
With Fruit: For an extra touch, serve these cookies alongside fresh fruit like berries or slices of citrus for a refreshing contrast to their rich, spiced flavor.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help keep them soft and fresh.
Freezing the Dough: If you want to prepare the cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough! Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies. After they have cooled completely, store them in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cookies will last for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
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FAQs:
Can I substitute cardamom with another spice?
Yes, if you don’t have cardamom or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with ground cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. While these spices offer a slightly different taste, they will still add a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies. However, cardamom is the signature spice in this recipe, so the flavor will be best if you stick to it!
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe, as it gives you more control over the amount of salt in the dough. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can still use it, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
How can I make these cookies more citrusy?
To boost the citrus flavor, you can increase the amount of orange zest by up to 2 tablespoons. If you’d like, you can also add a small amount of orange extract (1/2 teaspoon) to the dough for an extra burst of citrus. Just be careful not to overwhelm the dough with too much liquid.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Conclusion:
These Orange Cardamom Cookies are the ideal balance of sweet and spicy, with a citrusy zing that brightens up any day. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or a gift for friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
📖 Recipe:
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Orange Cardamom Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these Orange Cardamom Cookies, a perfect blend of citrusy orange zest and warm, fragrant cardamom. These delicate, soft cookies are ideal for any occasion, offering a subtly spiced treat that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Easy to make, with a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, they will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
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: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a more intense citrus flavor, add 2 tablespoons of orange zest or a teaspoon of orange extract.
The dough can be frozen ahead of time. Shape into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months.
If you prefer a slightly spicier cookie, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough along with the cardamom.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 110 kcal
