If you adore the warm, aromatic essence of cardamom, then these delightful Cardamom Cookies will surely make your taste buds dance with joy. This exquisite recipe, cherished from the pages of Sunset Magazine, yields cookies that are not just a treat but a celebration of flavor, combining the rich, sweet notes of dark molasses with the unique spice of ground cardamom. Perfect for those who appreciate the fine nuances of this exotic spice, these cookies are ideal for a cozy afternoon tea or as a sweet surprise for your loved ones. With a total preparation and baking time of approximately 40 minutes, including a crucial hour of chilling, this recipe is simple yet sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dark molasses
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Begin by placing the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a mixer set to medium speed, beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the butter and sugar are fully incorporated, resulting in a light, fluffy texture.
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Incorporate Molasses:
- Gradually add the dark molasses to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue beating until the molasses is thoroughly mixed in and the batter is well blended. The molasses will add a rich, deep sweetness to the dough, perfectly complementing the spices.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients need to be evenly distributed so that every cookie gets a balanced taste.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually stir or beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture until the dough is well blended. You can use a spatula or the mixer on low speed for this step. Make sure not to overmix; just combine until there are no visible streaks of flour and the dough is uniform.
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Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the dough to chill for about 1 hour, or until it becomes firm. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the dough hold its shape during baking and enhances the flavors.
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Shape the Cookies:
- After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Take the chilled dough and, using your hands, shape it into 1-inch balls. With lightly floured hands, roll each ball into a rope about 2 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Bend each rope into a horseshoe shape, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake the Cookies:
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The cookies should remain soft in the center with a slightly crisp edge.
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Cool the Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before using a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent the cookies from breaking and to allow them to firm up to the perfect texture.
Serving and Storage
These cardamom cookies, once cooled, are ready to be enjoyed. Their delicate flavor and lovely texture make them perfect for serving at tea parties or as a sweet indulgence during the day. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness, and they should stay delightful for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies, placing them in a resealable freezer bag or container, where they will keep for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately 87.1 calories, 5.2 grams of fat (of which 3.2 grams are saturated fat), and 71.7 milligrams of sodium. With 9.6 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of sugar, these cookies offer a sweet treat while still being mindful of nutritional balance.
Enjoy the process of baking and savoring these cardamom cookies as they fill your kitchen with their aromatic charm. Whether you’re an avid baker or simply looking for a delectable treat to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
