Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze: A Delicate, Aromatic Holiday Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are elegant, fragrant, and quietly impressive. They take the classic buttery shortbread cookie and elevate it with warm spice and bright citrus, making them perfect for holidays, gifting, or afternoon tea. Cardamom brings a subtle floral warmth that feels cozy without being overpowering, while the orange glaze adds just enough sweetness and freshness to balance the richness of the butter. I first baked these when I wanted a cookie that felt festive but not overly sweet, and they quickly became a favorite. The texture is tender and crumbly, exactly what a good shortbread should be, and the glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch. These cookies feel special and thoughtful, yet they are surprisingly simple to make. If you enjoy refined flavors and classic baking with a twist, this recipe is one you will truly appreciate.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted Butter
Butter is the foundation of shortbread. It provides richness, flavor, and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines these cookies.

Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar dissolves easily into the dough, creating a smooth texture and delicate sweetness without graininess.

All-Purpose Flour
Flour gives the cookies structure while allowing them to remain soft and crumbly when baked.

Ground Cardamom
Cardamom adds warm, aromatic notes with a slightly citrusy and floral character that makes these cookies unique.

Salt
Salt enhances the buttery flavor and balances the sweetness.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavors and complements both the cardamom and orange.

Orange Juice
Orange juice forms the base of the glaze, adding brightness and natural citrus flavor.

Orange Zest
Orange zest intensifies the citrus aroma and gives the glaze a fresh, fragrant finish.

Powdered Sugar for Glaze
Powdered sugar thickens the glaze and provides a smooth, glossy texture.

Directions

Begin by creaming the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and light. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it, and chill briefly to make it easier to handle. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Arrange the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake until the edges are just beginning to turn pale golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely.

To prepare the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling time and 12 minutes of baking. Total time is around 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If glazed, allow the glaze to fully set before stacking. These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Variations and Customizations

Lemon Glaze

Replace orange juice and zest with lemon for a sharper citrus note.

Spiced Shortbread

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Dipped Cookies

Dip half of each cookie in the glaze for a cleaner, more refined look.

Chocolate Accent

Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glazed cookies for added richness.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

FAQs

What does cardamom taste like?

Cardamom has a warm, slightly sweet, floral flavor with citrus notes.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to two days.

Why are my cookies spreading?

Butter that is too warm can cause spreading.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, unglazed cookies freeze well for up to two months.

Is ground cardamom strong?

It is aromatic but not overpowering when used correctly.

Can I use fresh cardamom pods?

Yes, grind the seeds finely for best results.

What pairs well with these cookies?

They pair beautifully with tea or coffee.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it doubles easily for gifting or gatherings.

Conclusion

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are a refined, aromatic treat that feels both festive and timeless. With buttery texture, warm spice, and bright citrus, they are perfect for holidays, gifting, or quiet moments with a warm drink. This recipe proves that simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create something truly special.

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