Citrus & Cardamom Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavor combination of zesty citrus and aromatic cardamom with these exquisite shortbread cookies. The rich buttery base complements the fragrant orange zest and warming cardamom spice, creating a cookie that melts in your mouth. Perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat any time of day, these cookies can easily be transformed into Lemon-Cardamom Shortbread by swapping out the orange zest for lemon zest, making them versatile and equally delicious. This recipe yields a batch of flaky, buttery cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (Sifted)
orange zest
1 1/2 tablespoons (Freshly grated)
ground cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
butter
1 cup (Softened)
sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated)
egg yolk
1 (Large)
heavy cream
2 tablespoons (None)
additional sugar
as needed (For coating the log)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2
Add the egg yolk and mix until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and ground cardamom.
4
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
5
Add the orange zest and heavy cream, stirring until a dough forms.
6
Shape the dough into a log approximately 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter, then roll in sugar to coat the outside.
7
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9
Once the dough is chilled, remove from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds.
10
Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are just set.
12
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus & Cardamom Shortbread Cookies?
These are buttery and flaky cookies featuring a zesty orange flavor paired with the warming aroma of ground cardamom.
Can I substitute the orange zest in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily transform these into Lemon-Cardamom Shortbread by swapping the orange zest for lemon zest.
How much flour is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What type of butter should I use?
Use 1 cup of softened butter to ensure it creams well with the sugar.
How much cardamom is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cardamom.
Is there an egg in this shortbread recipe?
Yes, one large egg yolk is used to bind the dough and provide richness.
Why is heavy cream included?
2 tablespoons of heavy cream are added to help the dough form properly.
How much sugar is used in the dough?
The dough uses 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
What is the purpose of the additional sugar?
The additional sugar is used to coat the outside of the dough log before chilling and slicing.
How do I prepare the dough log?
Shape the dough into a log approximately 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter and roll it in sugar.
How long should the dough chill?
The dough log should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The cookies should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How thick should I slice the cookies?
Slice the chilled dough into rounds that are 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.
What is the baking time?
Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They are finished when the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are just set.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content of these cookies?
There are 16.7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the recipe?
Each serving provides about 1.7 grams of protein.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What kind of orange zest is best?
Freshly grated orange zest is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How far apart should I space the cookies on the tray?
Place the cookie slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
What texture can I expect?
These cookies are described as rich, buttery, and flaky.
Are these cookies suitable for tea time?
Yes, they are specifically noted as being perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat.
What is the preparation method for the cardamom?
The cardamom should be ground before being whisked with the flour.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe utilizes 8 ingredients in total.
Can I use granulated sugar for the coating?
Yes, granulated sugar is typically used for coating the dough log.
Is this a festive recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as festive, making it great for holidays or special events.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.