If you’re looking for a great cardamom cookie recipe, try Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies, which are perfect for any season, offering a bright and cozy treat. All the instructions are explained in simple terms, suitable for the USA.

Table of Contents
Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies: A Bright and Cozy Treat
When you love cookies with citrus brightness, warm spice, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat.
This orange cookie recipe combines the floral warmth of cardamom with the fresh zest of an orange, creating cookies that taste like a cozy, embracing sunshine.
Perfect for holiday snacking, everyday snacking, gifting, or simply enjoying with your favorite coffee or tea, these cookies are incredibly easy to make at home and perfect for beginners.
This article provides a simple recipe with step-by-step instructions. It includes all the ingredients, complete instructions, step-by-step instructions, and storage instructions. Finally, you’ll find answers to any questions you might have about making them. Let’s get started making these amazing cookies.
Why You’ll Love Cardamom Orange Cookies:
- A fresh citrus scent that delivers a bright, rich flavor
- A buttery texture that melts beautifully
- The use of garam masala is comforting
- Very easy steps and a beginner-friendly method
- All simple ingredients easily found in USA grocery stores
- This recipe works great year-round when baking Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies for summer get-togethers, holidays, or cozy weekends.
All the ingredients needed for Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, preferably freshly ground for flavor
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Tools for Making Cardamom Orange Cookies:
- Hand whisk or electric mixer
- Cooling rack
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cup or spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Cardamom Orange Cookies How to make all step by step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven setting to 350°F, 180°C.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Use a medium bowl and whisk together the ingredients in the specified quantities:
- Baking powder
- Ground flour
- Cardamom
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
3. Beating the Butter and Sugar
Use another large mixing bowl:
- Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, then
- Add the softened butter and beat for 3 to 4 minutes, until light, creamy, and fluffy.
- This step helps create soft and airy orange cookies.
4. Adding Vanilla Egg and Orange Flavor
Place the creamed butter in a mixer along with:
- vanilla extract,
- egg,
- orange juice,
- orange zest
- Keep mixing until combined.
Remember, orange zest releases oil, which gives the cookies a bright and fresh aroma, perfect for cookies.
5. Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Slowly add the prepared wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Continue mixing on low speed.
- Your dough should be soft but not sticky.
- If it feels too soft, refrigerate for 10 to 12 minutes.
6. Optional Add-ins
- Add:
- Chopped pistachios
- White chocolate chips
- These add creaminess and a slight crunch; optional but highly recommended.

7. Shaping the Cookies
- Use two tablespoons of flour
- Roll into smooth balls
- If you want a shiny finish, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar
- Now place the balls on a baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Baking
- To bake these cardamom orange cookies, bake at 350°F for 12 to 13 minutes.
- You’ll know they’re done when the center is still light, soft, and puffy, and
- the edges are starting to look slightly golden.
- Be careful not to bake too long, as the cookies will continue to harden as they cool.
9. Cool and Serve
- Let the cardamom orange cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Place them in a wire wrapper to cool completely.
- Enjoy their warm citrus-spicy aroma while they set.
Perfect baking tips for Cardamom Orange Cookies:
Keep an eye on the oven – as overbaking can dry out the cookies. Remove them when they’re lightly golden around the edges.
Use freshly grated orange peel – it adds more flavor and vibrancy than packaged peel.
Be sure to chill the dough if needed.
If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 10 to 12 minutes.
Add cardamom – Cardamom is the main ingredient in the spice, bringing warmth and a unique flavor. Don’t forget to add it.
Glaze for more flavor – Mix orange juice and powdered sugar and drizzle it over the top.
Storage:
How to store Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies at room temperature for a longer period:
At room temperature – Store in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days, with a slice of bread inside.
Refrigerate: Use a sealed container for best freshness for up to 8 to 10 days.
Freeze: Refrigerate baked cookies for long-term storage, or roll out a raw dough ball to bake ahead and freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Cardamom Orange Cookies:
Cookies go great with:
- Hot morning coffee
- For kids’ lunchbox treats
- For Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert tables
- Hot tea
- Cookie gift box
- For holiday brunch
FAQ
Answers to questions about Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies and how to fix mistakes:
Q. Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes! But fresh is best, and bottled juice can be used if needed.
The only thing to avoid is juice that contains added sugar during the day.
Q. Can I omit the cardamom?
Yes! But it changes the character of the cardamom orange cookies, and use cinnamon for a different flavor.
Q. Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for 48 hours or up to 3 months.
Q. How can I make cardamom orange cookies softer?
Reduce the baking time by 1 minute, add 1 more tablespoon of butter, and store with a slice of white bread.
Q. What frosting goes best with Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies?
Use:
Vanilla buttercream
Orange cream glaze
Cream cheese frosting
White chocolate drizzle, they’re all great.
Q. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cause:
Too much orange juice and
Dough not chilled
Solution: Be sure to chill your dough for 12 to 15 minutes and add juice accordingly.
Q. Can I add more spices to cardamom orange cookies?
Absolutely! Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, but cardamom should be the main flavor.
Q. Can I make cardamom orange cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use any gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
Final Thoughts
Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies are delicious, bright, and incredibly easy to make at home. With their citrus aroma and warm spices, they’re a wonderful blend of comfort and freshness. Perfect for any season in the USA. When you find a great cookie recipe, please comment and follow us.
And More Cookies

1 thought on “Sunshine Spiced Cardamom Orange Cookies | A Bright and Cozy Treat, Easy 9-Tips”