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Orange Cardamom Cookies

orange cardamom cookies - featured image

These Orange Cardamom Cookies are crisp at the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with zesty citrus and floral spice. Quick and easy to make, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom (3g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (from 1 large orange, about 6g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30ml)
  • Turbinado sugar or sparkling sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
  • Extra orange zest or powdered sugar, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and let the butter and egg come to room temperature. Zest the orange and juice it, setting aside 2 tablespoons of juice.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cardamom.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add orange zest and beat another minute.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add orange juice and mix briefly.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two batches, mixing on low until just combined. Use a spatula to fold in any stray flour. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons to portion dough balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
  8. Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers look just set. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even baking.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with extra orange zest or powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For best flavor, rub the orange zest into the sugar before creaming. Use freshly ground cardamom for maximum aroma. If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking. The dough can be made gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange cardamom cookies, citrus cookies, easy cookie recipe, aromatic cookies, holiday cookies, tea cookies, spiced cookies