Cardamom Sugar Cookies: A Sweet, Spicy Twist on a Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cardamom Sugar Cookies are a perfect blend of the familiar and the exciting. While sugar cookies are always a crowd-pleaser, the subtle yet distinct flavor of cardamom elevates them to something special. The result is a cookie that is both soft and chewy on the inside, with a crisp, sugary exterior. They’re simple to make but feel just a bit fancy, thanks to the spice. These cookies are versatile, too—whether you want a light, subtly spiced treat for an afternoon snack or a festive addition to a cookie platter, they’ll fit the bill.

Ingredients

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

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (if using a mixer) or stirring with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Flatten the Dough: Gently press each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to slightly flatten it. This will help the cookies bake evenly and create a slightly crisp edge.

8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, enjoy the sweet, spiced flavor of these Cardamom Sugar Cookies!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24-30 cookies (depending on the size)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 8-10 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add other spices: Try adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom for a more complex spice flavor.

• Make them frosted: For an extra treat, you can frost these cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, and even add a pinch of cardamom to the glaze.

• Use brown sugar: For a deeper, molasses-like flavor, try substituting part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.

• Add citrus zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest in the dough would pair wonderfully with the cardamom, giving the cookies a fresh, bright undertone.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To warm them up, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cardamom?

While cinnamon will give a nice spice, it won’t have the same aromatic flavor as cardamom. If you don’t have cardamom, you can try using a cinnamon-cardamom mix or just stick with cinnamon for a different twist.

Can I use salted butter for these cookies?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. However, if you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the dough by 1/4 teaspoon.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be sure to check the package for any other specific adjustments.

How do I get the perfect chewy texture?

To maintain a chewy texture, be careful not to overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the center.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just roll the dough balls in sugar and bake straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes, chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or cashews would pair well with the cardamom flavor. Simply fold them into the dough before rolling it into balls.

Are these cookies crunchy or soft?

These Cardamom Sugar Cookies are soft with slightly crisp edges. They are not overly crunchy but maintain a chewy interior while having a delicate crunch from the sugar coating.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these cookies larger?

Yes, you can make larger cookies by rolling the dough into bigger balls, but be sure to adjust the baking time. Larger cookies may need an additional 1-2 minutes in the oven.

Can I decorate these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add colored sugar, sprinkles, or even drizzle some icing on top for a festive touch, especially during holidays or special occasions.

Conclusion

These Cardamom Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, with the aromatic warmth of cardamom enhancing every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Their soft, chewy texture and fragrant spice make them a memorable and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. Enjoy the sweet, spicy goodness of Cardamom Sugar Cookies today!