Frosted Cardamom Cookies
Soft, warmly spiced cookies flavored with cardamom and cinnamon, topped with a creamy cardamom-cinnamon frosting. These tender cookies have an exotic yet comforting flavor that's popular in Scandinavian baking. Perfect for holiday cookie trays or any time you want something special.*A single batch makes about 3 dozen cookies*
Servings: 36 Servings
Calories: 123kcal
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ Cup salted butter, softened
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 + ½ Cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ Cup milk (we use 2% or whole dairy milk)
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 + ½ Cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Option to line cookie sheets with parchment paper (for easier clean up), and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or using a large mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer), cream together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and pale yellow (about 3 minute).½ Cup salted butter, softened, 1 Cup granulated sugar
- Add the egg and beat to combine.1 large egg
- Reduce the speed to low, and slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 + ½ Cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Shape the dough into balls (I like to use a small cookie scoop to do this!) and place them 2” apart on the baking sheets. Gently press the dough balls with the bottom of a glass to flatten.
- Bake until lightly browned (about 9-12 minutes).
- Cool on the pans for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- When the cookies are cooled, prepare the cardamom frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter and vanilla extract together on medium-high speed until fluffy (about 1 minute).4 Tablespoons salted butter, softened, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add the milk and spices and beat to combine.⅓ Cup milk, ½ teaspoon cardamom, ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Reduce the speed to low and slowly add in the powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached (more runny if you’d like to drizzle on like an icing, a little firmer to spread like a frosting).3 + ½ Cups powdered sugar
- Spread frosting onto the cookies and allow to set before storing.
Video
Notes
*Cook time assumes multiple rounds of cookies in and out of the oven.
Storage: Store cooled and set cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Help prevent sticking by placing wax paper or parchment between layers. You can also freeze these for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Orange cardamom. Add orange zest to both the dough and frosting for a bright, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with cardamom.
- Rose cardamom. If you enjoy floral flavors, try adding a tiny bit of rose water to the frosting. Start with just a few drops as rose water can become overpowering very quickly!
- Replace the cardamom frosting with an alternative. If desired, these cookies can be drizzled or dipped in melted chocolate, or topped with a simple powder sugar glaze flavored with vanilla or lemon.
Nutrition
Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.3mg
