Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
2. Add the flour, salt, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until just combined.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it comes together in a smooth ball.
4. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
7. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories: 130
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 25mg
Sugar: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Ground cinnamon can be used instead of ground cardamom for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar before baking for a crunchy topping.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and fluffy dough.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin and surface.
- Use a sharp-edged cookie cutter to ensure clean and defined shapes.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter or in a decorative tin for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for added visual appeal.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
Suggested side dishes:
The cookies can be served as a standalone snack or dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water until it comes together.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for an additional 10-15 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling food to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Shortbread cookies originated in Scotland in the 16th century and were traditionally made with just butter, sugar, and flour. The addition of cardamom adds a unique and exotic twist to this classic recipe.
Flavor profiles:
The cookies have a buttery and crumbly texture with a subtle sweetness and a warm and spicy flavor from the ground cardamom.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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