These Lemon Zest Cardamom Sugar Cookies are little bites of sunshine with a delightful hint of spice. Perfect for any occasion, they bring a fresh citrus aroma and a subtle warmth that will make your cookie jar feel extra special.
The magic starts with butter, which gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps achieve that perfect cookie texture. The eggs bind everything together, ensuring a tender crumb. Vanilla extract adds depth, while lemon zest infuses the dough with vibrant citrus notes. Our dry team includes all-purpose flour to build the structure, baking powder for a gentle lift, and a hint of ground cardamom to provide an unexpected but delightful warmth. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, we dust with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a light, herbal tea, which complements the citrus and spice. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter, alongside dark chocolate or berry-based sweets, for a balanced flavor profile.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You'll want to line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This is a small step, but it makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies don't stick.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step—just about 3 minutes should do the trick.
With the mixer on a low speed, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. The zest is where the magic happens, releasing all those fragrant oils.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed and that you don't end up with a pocket of baking powder or cardamom.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want these to be soft and tender.
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. They'll spread a little as they bake.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them. You're looking for that perfect, slight golden hue around the edges.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This makes them easier to transfer without breaking. Then move them to wire racks to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar. This step adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look extra beautiful and inviting.
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