Description
Orange Cardamom Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with bright citrus notes and warm cardamom spice. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine the richness of unsalted butter with fresh orange zest and a hint of vanilla, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a lightly spiced, sweet cookie.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the dough.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with citrusy and aromatic notes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ground cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the dry components and spice.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to slice.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Arrange: Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust the tops generously with additional powdered sugar.
- Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving to enjoy their full meltaway texture and flavor.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the dough.
- The dough logs can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
