These Cardamom Orange Glaze Cookies feel elegant yet comforting every time I make them. I love how the buttery cookie base carries the warm, slightly floral notes of cardamom, while the orange glaze adds a bright, fresh finish. They look beautiful on a platter, but what really keeps me coming back is the balance of flavors that feels special without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I always reach for this recipe when I want something that feels a little elevated but still easy to prepare. I like how the cardamom adds a unique twist without overpowering the cookie, and the orange glaze brings just enough citrus to keep everything light. These cookies work just as well for holidays as they do for a quiet afternoon with tea, and I enjoy how customizable they are with different shapes or decorations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
Pinch of salt
For the orange glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 tsp orange zest
For decoration (optional):
White royal icing or icing pearls
Directions
I start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture looks light and fluffy. I add the vanilla extract and mix again until everything is well combined. Then I gradually mix in the flour, cardamom, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
I wrap the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which makes it much easier to roll out. Once chilled, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. I cut out my cookies, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake them for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden.
After baking, I let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. For the glaze, I whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. I spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies and decorate them while the glaze is still wet, then let everything set before serving.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of the cutter I use. I usually need about 20 minutes for preparation, 30 minutes for chilling, and around 12 minutes for baking, making the total time just over one hour from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes swap the cardamom for cinnamon or nutmeg when I want a slightly different flavor. Lemon juice and zest work beautifully in place of orange for a brighter glaze. For a festive look, I like adding edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or a drizzle of white icing on top of the glaze.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to five days. If I want to plan ahead, I freeze the unglazed cookies for up to three months, then thaw them and add the glaze just before serving. I don’t reheat these cookies, as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
I often prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to one month.
What can I use instead of cardamom?
I like using cinnamon or nutmeg if I don’t have cardamom on hand, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Do I need a scalloped cookie cutter?
I use scalloped cutters when I want a decorative edge, but any cookie cutter or even a simple glass works perfectly.
Can I glaze the cookies the next day?
I usually glaze them the same day, but they turn out just fine if I glaze them the following day after baking.
How do I keep the glaze smooth?
I make sure to whisk the glaze slowly and add the orange juice a little at a time until I reach the texture I like.
Conclusion
I love how these Cardamom Orange Glaze Cookies bring together warmth, sweetness, and citrus in every bite. They feel special enough for celebrations yet simple enough to enjoy anytime I want something homemade and comforting. Every batch disappears quickly in my kitchen, and I always end up wishing I had made a few more.
These Cardamom Orange Glaze Cookies combine a buttery, spiced cookie base with a fresh citrus glaze. The warm cardamom and bright orange flavors make them perfect for both special occasions and everyday treats.
Ingredients
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Instructions
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix to combine.,Gradually mix in flour, cardamom, and salt until a smooth dough forms.,Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.,Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.,Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.,Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.,For the glaze: whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Spoon over cooled cookies.,Decorate with icing or pearls while glaze is wet. Let glaze set before serving.
Notes
Substitute cinnamon or nutmeg for cardamom for a different flavor.,Lemon juice and zest can be used in the glaze for a citrusy variation.,Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months; glaze after thawing.
