Name: Orange Cardamom Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons orange zest (from about 1 large orange); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling

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If you’re searching for a cookie that perfectly balances the sunshine of citrus with a whisper of fragrant spice, look no further than Orange Cardamom Cookies. These beauties have a buttery, tender crumb with plenty of bright orange zest and just the right hint of cardamom to make every bite feel a little bit sophisticated. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply want a delightful snack with your afternoon tea, Orange Cardamom Cookies are just the right treat to make any day feel special.

Orange Cardamom Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Orange Cardamom Cookies is simple and rewarding, especially with this handful of essential ingredients. Each one brings something wonderful to the table: vibrant flavor, luscious texture, and a beautiful golden hue.

Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies their signature rich and tender texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming!
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping it brown gently in the oven for golden edges.
Large Egg: Binds everything together and lends a little lift so the cookies aren’t too dense.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest delivers pure citrus magic—don’t settle for bottled!
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and softness.
Ground Cardamom: The hero spice here—floral and complex, it elevates these cookies to something special.
Baking Powder: Just a bit gives the cookies lightness and helps them puff up slightly.
Salt: Balances all the sweet and spice, making the flavors pop.
Coarse Sugar (optional): A final sprinkle adds sparkle and an irresistible crunch to every bite!

How to Make Orange Cardamom Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Getting this prep done first lets you focus on the fun part—mixing and shaping the dough!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key: trapping air creates cookies with a delicate texture you’ll love.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Zest

Beat in your egg, freshly grated orange zest, and vanilla extract. The kitchen will instantly fill with the uplifting scent of citrus as the zest releases its oils—trust me, it’s irresistible!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first ensures the cardamom and baking powder are distributed evenly in every bite.

Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 6: Shape and Sprinkle

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll each into a ball between your palms. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Flatten lightly with the bottom of a glass. If you want a bit of sparkle, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top of each cookie!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges turn a tantalizing golden color. Be careful not to overbake; you want the centers to stay soft and delightful.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, which helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. The hardest part? Waiting to take your first bite!

How to Serve Orange Cardamom Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra pop of orange, you can grate a little fresh zest over the cookies right after baking. If you want more sparkle, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple orange glaze makes these Orange Cardamom Cookies look as incredible as they taste.

Side Dishes

These cookies are absolutely dreamy served with a hot cup of tea or coffee—especially something floral or spiced. If you’re hosting, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turn them into an elegant dessert plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, pack Orange Cardamom Cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment and a bit of orange ribbon. Arranging them on a tiered cake stand at gatherings will have folks reaching for “just one more!” You can even sandwich a little orange buttercream between two cookies for an extra-special twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Orange Cardamom Cookies stay tasting fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Just make sure the container seals tightly—this keeps that lovely soft texture intact.

Freezing

Both the baked cookies and the raw dough freeze beautifully! For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a sheet tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Baked cookies can be stacked in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to three months for either option.

Reheating

To revive frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just a few minutes. Warm cookies release even more of that orange-cardamom aroma, making your kitchen smell amazing all over again!

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange zest instead of fresh?

For the best flavor, always reach for fresh orange zest. Bottled versions just can’t deliver the vibrant citrus oils and fragrance that makes Orange Cardamom Cookies so special.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this keeps your cookies soft instead of dense. Packing the flour too tightly can lead to dry cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for structure; otherwise, add a quarter teaspoon to the mix.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes! Orange Cardamom Cookies double wonderfully for parties or gifting, just be sure to mix the batter evenly and bake in batches for consistent results.

Can I omit the cardamom if I don’t have it?

The cardamom is part of what makes these cookies shine, but if you’re out, a pinch of cinnamon or even ground ginger will give a different but still lovely flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you love cookies that taste both familiar and a little bit exotic, you owe it to yourself to bake a batch of Orange Cardamom Cookies. Their cheerful color, tender crumb, and perfect blend of citrus and spice make them a recipe you’ll return to every season. Happy baking, and may your cookie jar never be empty!

Orange Cardamom Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Orange Cardamom Cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of citrusy zest and warm spice. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are a wonderful addition to any dessert spread.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and flavorings: Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, flatten slightly, sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.