Name: Cardamom Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon salt

These soft and fragrant sugar cookies are infused with warm cardamom, giving them a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. Perfect for any occasion, they’re subtly spiced and irresistibly tender, making them an ideal treat for those who enjoy a cozy and flavorful cookie. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together and forms a soft ball.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball with granulated sugar.

Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each dough ball into a round cookie shape.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

While the cardamom gives these cookies a unique twist, I love to experiment with other flavors. You can swap out the cardamom for other warm spices like cinnamon or ginger if you’d like a different flavor profile. If you prefer a bit of texture, consider adding finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds. Another great variation is to add a bit of zest from an orange or lemon for a citrusy kick that pairs wonderfully with the cardamom. For a more indulgent treat, you can dip the cookies in chocolate or drizzle melted chocolate over them after baking.

Storage/Reheating

These cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing! To keep them fresh, simply store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up again.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

I recommend using unsalted butter to have better control over the amount of salt in the recipe. However, if you only have salted butter, you can reduce the amount of salt in the dough to 1/8 teaspoon.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw slightly and then roll into balls and bake as directed.

How can I make these cookies more crispy?

For a crispier cookie, you can flatten the dough balls a bit more before baking, or bake them a minute or two longer until the edges are more golden and the centers are fully set.

Can I substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture.

Can I add frosting or icing to these cookies?

Absolutely! While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a simple glaze or frosting can make them even more decadent. A light lemon glaze or a cinnamon cream cheese frosting would pair beautifully with the cardamom flavor.

Conclusion

These cardamom sugar cookies are a fantastic twist on the traditional sugar cookie and have become one of my go-to recipes for any occasion. They are easy to make, soft and flavorful, and offer the perfect balance of sweet and spiced. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or as a sweet snack, I think you’ll love them as much as I do!

Recipe: