Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze taste like sunshine in winter. They are simple, fragrant, and buttery, melting in your mouth. I made them on a whim last December. I had leftover oranges and cardamom from holiday baking. Now, they’re a staple in my yearly cookie tins. They seem fancy, but they are actually easy to make. People are always surprised by the subtle citrus-spice mix.

If you’re bored with regular sugar cookies or gingerbread, try this new twist. It tastes comforting and fancy.

What are cardamom shortbread cookies?

These cookies are buttery shortbread. They have a tender texture and a warm cardamom flavour. A zesty orange glaze tops them off. Cardamom adds a gentle floral-spice note that’s not too strong. The glaze brings a bright, sweet finish. They’re slice-and-bake, so you can prep the dough ahead of time and glaze them after baking. The result is delicate, not too sweet, and perfect with tea or coffee.

Why you will love this recipe

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies are an easy but unique addition to your baking collection. The dough mixes easily. The slice-and-bake method is simple and perfect for gifts. The mix of buttery cookie, floral spice, and citrus glaze is festive without being too strong. Plus, these store well and enhance the appearance of a holiday cookie tray.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl + spoon (for glaze)

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
• Pinch of cardamom (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Shortbread Dough

In a big bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in vanilla extract and ground cardamom. Then mix in the flour just until the dough starts to come together. It may look crumbly at first—keep mixing until it forms a soft dough.

2. Roll and Chill

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This helps them slice cleanly and bake evenly.

Tip: You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

3. Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them an inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Let cookies cool completely before glazing.

4. Make the Orange Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Add orange zest for extra flavor if you’d like. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Optional: Add a pinch of cardamom to the glaze to tie it back to the cookie flavor.

5. Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the orange glaze on top or dip the tops into the glaze. Let them sit on a rack until the glaze sets—about 15–20 minutes.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked dough logs or baked cookies (without glaze). Add glaze after thawing.
• Serve: These pair well with tea or coffee, especially in the afternoon or as a light dessert after dinner.

FAQs

Can I use whole cardamom pods instead of ground?

You can grind pods yourself, but use ground cardamom for ease and even flavor.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious plain too—just a bit less sweet.

How long does the glaze take to set?

Usually 15–20 minutes at room temp.

Can I use lemon instead of orange?

Absolutely! Lemon glaze works beautifully as a swap.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, the dough logs freeze well. Just thaw slightly before slicing.

Final Review

These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze are buttery and elegant. They’re packed with fun surprises. The warm cardamom spice and sweet-tangy glaze make these cookies ideal for cosy days or special events. They’re simple to prepare in advance, easy to share, and unique enough to be your signature bake.