Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

Cardamom Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cardamom shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines the buttery richness of traditional shortbread with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or for gifting to friends and family.

History

Shortbread has been a popular treat in Scotland for centuries, with recipes dating back to the 12th century. The addition of cardamom to shortbread likely originated in the Middle East, where the spice is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. The combination of buttery shortbread and fragrant cardamom creates a unique and delicious cookie that is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

1.33 cups (2.67 sticks) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
0.33 cup of sugar
3 egg yolks
1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
2.5 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted
2 tsp of ground cardamom
0.13 tsp of salt

How to prepare

In the bowl of an electric mixer set to medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, and salt.
Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and gradually add the flour mixture until it is fully incorporated. Scrape the dough from the bowl and form it into a mass. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
On a lightly floured surface, knead the chilled dough a few times to warm it up and make it pliable. Using a floured rolling pin, roll it into a rectangle about 0.13 inch thick and 12 inches long.
Using a small, sharp knife, cut the dough into desired shapes. Place the shapes on an ungreased baking sheet and prick the shortbread several times with a fork.
Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly browned and firm.
Transfer the shortbread to wire racks to cool.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds on top of the cookies before baking for added crunch.
Substitute the cardamom with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate after they have cooled for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies hold their shape.

- Don't overwork the dough when rolling it out. Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies.

- Prick the shortbread with a fork before baking to prevent it from puffing up too much in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great gift for friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is key to achieving the perfect texture for these cookies.

- Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cardamom on hand, you can substitute it with cinnamon or nutmeg.

- You can use salted butter in place of unsalted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for these cookies can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or platter for serving. Dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

These cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cardamom shortbread cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cardamom shortbread cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cardamom shortbread cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cardamom shortbread cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cardamom is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

Alergens

These cookies contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Cardamom shortbread cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein. However, they are high in fat and carbohydrates, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cardamom shortbread cookies are a delicious and aromatic treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. With a buttery texture and warm spice flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or gift for friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cardamom Shortbread Cookies. It was many years ago, on a rainy afternoon, when my dear friend Maria came over for a visit. She had just returned from a trip to India and brought with her a collection of exotic spices and herbs.

As we sat in my cozy kitchen, sipping on steaming cups of chai tea, Maria pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from her bag. "I learned how to make these traditional Cardamom Shortbread Cookies from a local baker in Mumbai," she said with a smile. "I thought you might like to give them a try."

I eagerly took the recipe from her hands and studied it with fascination. The combination of buttery shortbread and fragrant cardamom seemed like a match made in heaven. I could already imagine the warm, spicy aroma filling my kitchen as the cookies baked in the oven.

With Maria's guidance, I set to work on making the cookies. The process was simple yet precise, requiring the perfect balance of ingredients and careful attention to detail. I creamed the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then added a generous sprinkle of ground cardamom for that signature flavor.

As the dough came together in my hands, I could feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. There is something so comforting about the act of baking, about creating something delicious and beautiful with your own two hands. And as the cookies baked in the oven, filling the air with their irresistible scent, I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a beloved favorite in my household.

When the cookies were finally done, I eagerly took a bite, savoring the buttery richness and the subtle hint of cardamom. They were everything I had hoped for and more – a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of spice.

I shared the cookies with my family and friends, and they were met with rave reviews. Everyone wanted to know the secret behind these delicious treats, and I was more than happy to share the recipe with them. It became a staple at our family gatherings and special occasions, a symbol of love and tradition passed down from generation to generation.

As the years went by, I continued to make these Cardamom Shortbread Cookies, each batch reminding me of that rainy afternoon with Maria and the magic of discovering a new recipe. I added my own little touches here and there, tweaking the ingredients to suit my taste and experimenting with different variations.

But no matter how many times I made them, the cookies always brought me back to that moment of wonder and excitement when I first laid eyes on the recipe. They were a testament to the power of food to connect us to our past, to evoke memories and emotions that transcend time and place.

And so, as I sit here now, with a plate of freshly baked Cardamom Shortbread Cookies in front of me, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It may have started with a crumpled piece of paper and a friend's gift from afar, but it has grown into so much more – a piece of my culinary heritage that I will cherish for years to come.