Cardamom Cookies

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A cookie that smells like a cozy winter morning and tastes like a whisper of spice, cardamom cookies are a fragrant treat you didn’t know you needed. These tender bites melt in your mouth, carrying with them an unexpected warmth and just the right amount of sweetness.

If you’re someone who adores chai, spiced lattes, or Middle Eastern desserts, then these cookies are going to feel like home. They’re soft, buttery, and kissed with cardamom’s citrusy-sweet aroma, perfect for holiday trays or afternoon tea. Once you try them, they may just replace your usual sugar cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Cardamom Cookies Recipe

Cardamom cookies aren’t your typical treat. The spice itself brings something special: a slightly floral, citrusy, almost minty note that turns ordinary shortbread into something elegant. This recipe is quick to make, with no fancy steps or chilling required, and the flavor only deepens the next day.

These cookies also pair beautifully with coffee or black tea. They feel fancy, but they’re effortlessly simple to whip up whenever a craving strikes.

What Kind of Cardamom Should I Use?

For the most vibrant flavor, ground green cardamom is your best friend. If you can, go the extra step and grind the seeds yourself from green cardamom pods. Pre-ground works fine too, just make sure it’s fresh and not tucked away in your spice rack for years.

Avoid black cardamom here—it’s smoky and more suited to savory dishes. The sweet, citrusy brightness of green cardamom is what makes these cookies sing.

Ingredients for the Cardamom Cookies

To create these delicate cookies, you only need a handful of pantry staples, plus ground cardamom. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so memorable.

All-purpose flour is the base, giving the cookies structure and softness.

Unsalted butter brings richness and helps the dough come together into a smooth, workable texture.

Powdered sugar makes the cookies melt-in-your-mouth tender and adds just enough sweetness without any grit.

Ground cardamom is the star—floral, citrusy, and slightly spicy. Freshness matters.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor and deepens the aroma.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the spice.

How To Make the Cardamom Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This sets up the tender texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Cardamom

Mix in the vanilla extract and ground cardamom, blending thoroughly so the spice is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it feels a bit dry, gently knead it with your hands.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls or slightly flatten into rounds. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, until just golden on the bottoms.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, enjoy with a warm drink or gift them in a pretty tin.

How to Serve and Store Cardamom Cookies

Cardamom cookies are a dreamy companion to warm drinks. Serve them at brunches, cookie swaps, or simply alongside your afternoon coffee. Their texture and flavor make them an easy crowd-pleaser.

This recipe makes about 20 cookies, depending on how big you shape them. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Cardamom Cookies?

Coffee with Cream

That little bitterness in coffee brings out the cookie’s sweet warmth.

Masala Chai

An aromatic tea and cookie pairing you won’t forget.

Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy cocoa makes a luscious contrast.

Fruit Compote

Serve cookies with stewed berries or stone fruits for a vibrant dessert.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich a scoop between two cookies for a simple, elegant ice cream sandwich.

Turkish Tea

A nod to the cardamom’s heritage, this makes a great cultural pairing.

Spiced Wine

For festive evenings, serve with mulled wine or glögg.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these cardamom cookies, you’ll probably fall for these other delicious bites:

• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies, where cinnamon meets cream cheese surprise.
• Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies, the nostalgic campfire twist.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe, bright and creamy citrus bliss.
• Classic French Butter Cookies, perfect for gifting or teatime elegance.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for that indulgent nutty richness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you shape them into balls or try a cookie cutter? Did you go bold with extra cardamom?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cardamom cookies offer a refreshing, aromatic spin on classic butter cookies. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and distinctive spice, they bring a little elegance to your everyday. Try them once, and they might just become your new favorite cookie.

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