Save These Cardamom Shortbread Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights delicately infused with warm cardamom. Perfectly capturing the essence of a classic British teatime treat, these cookies offer a sophisticated flavor profile that remains incredibly easy to achieve in any home kitchen. Whether you are baking for a holiday platter or a quiet afternoon break, these fragrant biscuits are sure to become a favorite.
Save The beauty of this shortbread lies in its simplicity. By combining traditional methods with the aromatic intensity of cardamom, you create a cookie that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly different. It is a vegetarian-friendly dessert that pairs wonderfully with various beverages, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (85 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Dry Mix
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, and salt.
- Step 3: Cream Butter
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Flavor
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Form Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6: Roll Out
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thickness.
- Step 7: Cut
- Cut into rounds or desired shapes using a cookie cutter. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Step 8: Bake
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are pale golden.
- Step 9: Cool
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, make sure your butter is properly softened but still holds its shape. When rolling out the dough, aim for a consistent 1/2-inch thickness to ensure even baking. Keep a close eye on the oven during the final minutes; you want the edges to be just pale golden to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize these cookies by adding fresh orange zest to the dough for a citrusy brightness. For a more indulgent version, try dipping the cooled cookies halfway into melted dark chocolate. Both variations complement the warm spice of the cardamom beautifully.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these shortbread cookies alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a spiced chai latte. They also make an elegant accompaniment to a simple fruit salad or a dish of vanilla bean custard. Their delicate flavor is best enjoyed at room temperature.
Save Each of these 24 cookies contains approximately 105 calories, 7g of fat, and 10g of carbohydrates. Please note that this recipe contains wheat and dairy, and you should check ingredient labels if you have nut sensitivities. Enjoy the warm, aromatic comfort of these homemade treats!
Kitchen Questions
- → What temperature should I bake these shortbreads at?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) for even baking with a tender crumb.
- → Can I add other flavors to enhance the cardamom?
Yes, adding orange zest or dipping the cooled pieces in dark chocolate complements the warm cardamom notes nicely.
- → How thick should I roll the dough before cutting?
Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thickness for an ideal balance between crunch and softness.
- → What tools are recommended for shaping the dough?
Use cookie cutters for precise shapes, a rolling pin for even thickness, and parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- → How should I store these to keep them fresh?
Store the shortbreads in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture for up to one week.
- → Are these suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
They include wheat and dairy; check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies or sensitivities.