Crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and fragrant with the warm, citrusy aroma of cardamom—these Cardamom Cookies are everything your afternoon tea needs. Inspired by classic spice cookies but with a unique twist, they feel cozy yet exotic all at once. Perfect with a warm cup of chai or nestled on a holiday cookie tray, they’re bound to become a repeat favorite.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your cookie game or simply enjoy a batch of something special, these buttery delights are a beautiful balance of simple ingredients and bold flavor. They’re easy enough to whip up on a weekday but elegant enough to serve at your next gathering.
What Kind of Cardamom Should I Use?
Both ground cardamom and freshly ground seeds from green pods work well in this recipe. Ground cardamom is more convenient and widely available, but if you want a more intense and vibrant flavor, freshly grinding the seeds yourself is worth the effort.
Ingredients for the Cardamom Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrusy hint
- Optional: coarse sugar for rolling
How To Make the Cardamom Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cardamom, and optional orange zest. Blend until well incorporated.
Step 3: Fold in the Flour
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape and intensifies the flavor.
Step 5: Shape and Coat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and optionally roll in coarse sugar for extra crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
How to Serve and Store Cardamom Cookies
These cookies are delightful with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or warm milk. Serve them on a holiday platter or gift them in decorative tins.
To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or up to a month in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cardamom taste like?
Cardamom has a unique flavor—sweet, spicy, and citrusy. It adds warmth and depth without being overpowering.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze the dough in a log or portioned into balls. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
How do I make them vegan?
Swap the butter for vegan butter sticks and ensure your sugars are vegan-certified. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely. Chopped pistachios or almonds make a lovely addition.
Why chill the dough?
Chilling prevents spreading and enhances the flavors. Don’t skip this step!
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If these cardamom cookies have sparked your curiosity for bold, sweet flavors, take a peek at these favorites:
- Lemon Churro Cookies for a tangy, spicy sugar combo.
- Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with rich centers.
- 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies when you want easy and wholesome.
- Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate for a no-bake treat.
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars if you want something flaky and creamy.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time. Follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use orange zest or skip it? Try a drizzle of glaze?
I’d love to hear how you put your own spin on these cookies!
Cardamom Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fragrant, buttery, and lightly spiced, these Cardamom Cookies bring a cozy, aromatic twist to your cookie jar. Perfect for gifting, tea time, or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons ground cardamom
½ teaspoon salt
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
coarse sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
1. Cream the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add vanilla extract, ground cardamom, and optional orange zest. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and optionally roll in coarse sugar.
6. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your palm.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
Notes
Use freshly ground cardamom for a more intense flavor.
Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Orange zest adds a refreshing citrus twist—highly recommended.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cardamom cookies, spiced cookies, tea cookies
