Cardamom Cookies
A buttery, crisp cookie kissed with the sweet and citrusy aroma of ground cardamom, these Cardamom Cookies are a true hidden gem in the cookie world. They’re simple in look, yet so rich in flavor, and they melt in your mouth with just the right balance of sugar and spice. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of chai, coffee, or on their own, these cookies feel like a warm, spiced hug in every bite.
This recipe brings old-world charm with minimal ingredients and no fuss. The cardamom is the star here, making each cookie slightly exotic, delightfully aromatic, and unforgettable. And the best part? They come together quickly, making them a perfect last-minute bake or an addition to your holiday cookie tray.
Why You’ll Love This Cardamom Cookie Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it takes something humble and makes it feel luxurious. The flavor of cardamom pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base, creating a crisp yet tender texture that keeps you reaching for another. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require fancy tools, and the dough is wonderfully forgiving. Plus, it stores beautifully, so you can make them ahead.
Can I Use Ground or Whole Cardamom Pods?
For the best results, use freshly ground cardamom from whole pods. It releases the most vibrant flavor. However, if you’re short on time or don’t have whole pods, store-bought ground cardamom will still give you that warm, fragrant essence. Just make sure it’s fresh and aromatic.
Ingredients for the Cardamom Cookies
This recipe relies on pantry staples, which makes it all the more irresistible. Each ingredient has a role to play in bringing out the buttery, spiced magic.
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- All-Purpose Flour
- Ground Cardamom
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
The unsalted butter adds richness and helps the cookies develop that crumbly shortbread-like texture.
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough while also helping with crispness.
All-purpose flour gives the cookie structure and holds everything together nicely.
Ground cardamom is the signature flavor here. It lends citrusy, herbal notes that transform the cookie into something special.
A splash of vanilla extract softens and deepens the flavors.
A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the cardamom.

How To Make the Cardamom Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step creates a base that’s both airy and rich.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Mix in the vanilla extract and ground cardamom. Take a moment to enjoy the fragrance!
Step 3: Fold in the Flour
Slowly stir in the flour and salt until the dough begins to come together. Don’t overmix; you want a tender cookie.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough and intensifies the flavors.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls or flatten it into rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool.
Storing and Serving Cardamom Cookies
These cookies serve about 24 small rounds, making them perfect for entertaining or gifting. They keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. You can also freeze the dough or the baked cookies for longer storage. Serve them at tea time, with afternoon coffee, or as a light dessert after dinner.
What to Serve With Cardamom Cookies?
Masala Chai
The spiced notes of masala chai echo the cardamom in the cookies, creating a beautifully matched tea-time duo.
Espresso
If you like bold contrast, the deep flavor of espresso makes these cookies taste even more delicate and aromatic.
Orange Sorbet
Bright and refreshing, a scoop of citrus sorbet alongside warm cookies is a dreamy end to a meal.
Pistachio Ice Cream
Pairing the cookies with pistachio ice cream adds a nutty, creamy layer to the experience.
Vanilla Bean Pudding
The soft, custardy texture of vanilla pudding contrasts perfectly with the crumbly cookie.
Honey Yogurt Dip
Serve the cookies with a small bowl of thick yogurt swirled with honey for a Mediterranean-style dessert.
Warm Milk
Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the most comforting. A glass of warm milk and these cookies are classic.
Apple Compote
A small bowl of stewed apples brings in tart-sweet notes that play nicely with the spice.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved these cardamom cookies, you might want to explore more creative bakes:
- Brownie Mix Cookies for a fudgy shortcut treat.
- Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies that bring crunch and nostalgia.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for buttery caramel richness.
- Lemon Churro Cookies for a zesty and spiced fusion.
- Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls if you want to stretch into sweet rolls.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use freshly ground cardamom or the pre-ground kind? Did you try adding a twist, like orange zest?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Cardamom Cookies are one of those easy bakes that surprise you with how much flavor they deliver. With just a few pantry staples and a good spoonful of ground cardamom, you get a cookie that tastes like it came from a specialty bakery. Whether it’s for the holidays, a tea party, or a cozy snack at home, these cookies deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

Cardamom Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Aromatic and buttery, these Cardamom Cookies are crisp, tender, and perfect with tea or coffee. Made with pantry staples and a warm blend of vanilla and ground cardamom, these cookies are an easy homemade treat for holidays, gifting, or everyday snacking. A simple, spiced shortbread-style cookie with exotic flavor and rich texture.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and ground cardamom, mixing until evenly combined.
3. Stir in the flour and salt gradually until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Roll dough into small balls or rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.
8. Let cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies are delicate—handle with care when transferring.
You can add orange zest for a fresh citrus twist.
Double the batch and freeze half of the dough for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg


