Description
These Orange Cardamom Cookies are a delightful blend of citrusy brightness and warm, aromatic cardamom spice. Soft and tender with a subtle crunch from the fork-pressed tops, they make a perfect treat for teatime or any occasion where a sweet, fragrant cookie is welcome.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully combined, infusing the dough with moisture and bright flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spice throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently press each dough ball flat using the back of a fork to create a decorative pattern and help the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their texture.
- Optional Dusting: Before serving, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an attractive finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and better dough consistency.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be lightly golden on the edges for a soft interior.
- For a more intense orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange juice to the wet ingredients.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough balls and thaw before baking or serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
