Description
These elegant shortbread cookies feature a delightful blend of bright orange zest and warm cardamom spice, shaped into festive stars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in orange zest, cardamom, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place stars on prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a smoother dough, ensure butter is at room temperature.
- Dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Decorate with a simple glaze or edible glitter for extra sparkle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American