Do you find that your best Christmas cookie attempts have something of a Charlie Brown quality? Try as I might, my cookies are invariably the underdog: either a little lopsided, a little too hard, or glazed with a coating whose intentions were grand, but whose appearance is a bit…homely. However, I persist in my efforts because making cookies is one of the finest rituals of the season. (And imperfect cookies are rather endearing.)
My favorite way to bake is with friends at a cookie party. As long as people are prepared for flour-covered clothing and messy work surfaces, it’s a fantastic way to bring people together and walk away with a scandalous quantity of cookies for yourself or an awesome collection of homemade gifts to share.
Another fun option is a cookie bar. It’s simple: prepare a basic sugar cookie, then jazz it up with cardamom (as was done here) or fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Select any number of toppings — colored sugars, candy pearls, crushed chocolate, chopped nuts, even jams — then make a simple glaze, arrange everything on a counter, and let your guests have fun. ‘Tis the season!
If you’re looking for cookie inspiration this season, Lottie + Doof has a fantastic 12 Days of Cookies collection worth digging into. (His favorite: Marlow and Sons Shortbread.)
Cardamom Sugar Cookies
Yield: About 4 dozen 2″ cookies
Cookies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cardamom
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
Kimberley Hasselbrink
Cookie toppings.
Optional cookie toppings:
Sanding sugars
Candy pearls
Crushed chocolate
Chopped nuts
Jam
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sea salt and cardamom.
Separately, whisk together the butter and sugar, either by hand or with an electric mixer. When the mix has been creamed, beat in the egg and vanilla.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until thoroughly combined. Knead, if necessary, to mix ingredients.
Separate into two balls and freeze for about one half hour, but be careful to not freeze the dough entirely.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Remove dough from freezer, and let stand a few minutes.
Kimberley Hasselbrink
On a floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8″.
Grease a large baking sheet and keep it on hand.
Dip your cookie cutter into the flour and cut the cookies. Arrange on baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking after about ten minutes to make sure they’re not browning.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking the water into the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Set aside until ready to use.
Kimberley Hasselbrink
Allow the cookies to cool before brushing the glaze on. Once the glaze is on, sprinkle with desired toppings and let the cookies sit for a few minutes. Enjoy!
Here are a few of my favorite recipes from past holidays:
What’s your signature cookie?
Kimberley Hasselbrink is a food photographer and blogger based in San Francisco. She is the author of the blog The Year in Food, which is framed around a monthly seasonal food guide. Kimberley enjoys unusual produce, strong coffee, road trips and summer nights.
124 comments
Sign in to add your ownthecityfolklore says:
Oh yummy! These could not look more delicious! I use cardamom in salty foods and I've tried it with coffee (Turkish cardamom coffee -- AMAZING) but never ever in cookies. Crossing my fingers it will be as good as it looks! Thx so much for sharing. Appreciate it.
171 days ago
TailedBluePhotos says:
They all look delicious! The ice skates are just darling :)
171 days ago
TheBrassHussy says:
Looks Great! I get to start making the cut out Christmas cookies now. My mom passed away and she always made them and let my boys decorate them with icing and sprinkles. The kids are asking about them, so I must continue the tradition. These do look delicious!
171 days ago
RossLab says:
Toffee bars, I want you!
171 days ago
skullyglam says:
oooooh! yummy stuff, I have to go bake something! www.skullyglam.etys.com
171 days ago
MootiDesigns says:
Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
171 days ago
Mclovebuddy says:
cardamom makes it interesting. sage, maybe oregano, and that other herb, too.
171 days ago
hemingwayfun says:
mmmmmmmmmmm
171 days ago
NecessiTees says:
Thanks for the recipe! The rosemary cookies sound interesting!!!
171 days ago
KettleConfections says:
Wow, this recipe looks delish! Cardamom is great with any dessert. We infuse our tea/coffee sugar syrups with cardamom, just by boiling water, sugar, and cardamom pods, then letting it soak for half hours before straining.
171 days ago
unflappableproducts says:
I love this recipe -thanks ~ love the flavor of cardamom!
171 days ago
MaryYarns says:
Looks ... D E L I C I O U S !! mmmm, yumi - yumi
171 days ago
weezieduzzit says:
Mmmmmmm.... cardamom is my absolute favorite spice and possibly even my favorite flavor ever! I recently did poached pears with a red wine cardamom reduction for dessert it was amazing. I've done rosemary shortbread and lavendar lemon biscotti with great success but my signature cookies are a tiny tender melt in your mouth sandwich cookie with the most amazing buttercream kind of filling. Its a secret family recipe and people go positively mad for them. If I didn't make them for Christmas I don't think the in-laws would even let me in the house.
171 days ago
RatedStyle24 says:
Yummy!
171 days ago
bedouin says:
its all a beautiful sight ~
171 days ago
SandySeattle says:
These cookies look so good. I make cardamom cookies every year but these are much fancier than mine. I'm going to make mine look as nice as these!
171 days ago
themefragrance says:
somehow these food articles surprise me when most hungry! my preferred food group at holiday time is cookie+anything sweet- all these treats are perfect!
171 days ago
silversamba says:
These all look amaaaaazing - thanks! Alana
171 days ago
DesignsbyALY says:
This looks AMAZING. I have a fondness for cardamom, so I think I'll put it on my list of Christmas Cookie baking :).
171 days ago
HomeStudio says:
Thanks Kimberley!
171 days ago
sabahnur says:
nomnom:)
171 days ago
ThePattypanShop says:
These cookies look so delicious!! My kids love cardamom cookies! It's time to start Christmas baking!!!
171 days ago
scarletbegonia11 says:
yum!!! can't wait to try these!
171 days ago
Kazlekas says:
Wow, looks great! Yummy!
171 days ago
QsGoodies says:
Those l@@k delish! I luv cookies. There's just something about spices that remind you of the holidays!
171 days ago
AThymetoSew says:
Mmmm, this post really makes me want to bake for the holidays!
171 days ago
autumnvelvetrose says:
yummers!! can I have one?? ;)
171 days ago
theroyal says:
sugar cookies.... ((((drool)))
171 days ago
thebeadgirl says:
yum. thanks for the recipe and the link! off to soften butter!
171 days ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Mm! Cardamom!
171 days ago
Nikifashion says:
Very yummy!
171 days ago
fantasygarden says:
thank's i will make some
171 days ago
peacebird says:
OMGoodness cardamom is my favorite! I have to make these! thanks for the inspire :)
171 days ago
picklehead says:
oooh man do I love eating and baking cookies... and cardamom is amazing so I think I will give these a try! Also pretty hard to mess up sugar cookies! :D
171 days ago
DEwear says:
Mmmmmm-mmmmmmm........looks very nom-worthy!
171 days ago
VanessaStoryDesigns says:
Our family loves cardamom, we are going to have to try this out. Being gluten free means I'll have to tweak the recipe a bit, and the others. They all look delicious! I'll let you know how they turn out. V.
171 days ago
econica says:
yumm - can't wait to try it!
171 days ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
hmmm rosemary cookies, paired with sea salt chocolate... can I call it my new favorite dinner?!? :D
171 days ago
BellaRosina says:
Excellent choice of recipes, thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
171 days ago
GracefullyGirly says:
A number of years ago I experimented and made some white chocolate chip cookies with some cardamon mixed into the batter. I think I put some dried fruit in there too but I can't remember which. Maybe dried cherries. YUM! Thanks for the reminder. I will definitely try those again this year, along with some of the other ideas too. I'm also looking forward to the cookie exchange with my friends that we do every year. We all make some yummies and come together with the kids to play and gab and we all take home a little of everything. Fun and yummy!
171 days ago
bhangtiez says:
oh yum! Thank u so much for sharing!
171 days ago
brittanylaurendesign says:
Yummy recipes are always welcomed! Thanks for sharing :) Rugelach looks amazing :)
171 days ago
RivalryTime says:
I'm starving.
171 days ago
Iammie says:
Yummy. Two with chocolate please....
171 days ago
123star says:
Looks yummy and fancy as well, it must taste better than it looks with "Cardamom" will do good for any Holiday or special occasion,Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays:)
171 days ago
mythunderstood says:
Cardamon cookies, delicious - thanks so much for the recipe!
171 days ago
GirlieGirlbySLS says:
What a lovely recipe and your cookies are very cute.
171 days ago
elleestpetite says:
I'm not much of a cookie baker, but I sure like to eat them. These look delicious.
171 days ago
katieduran says:
Mmmm...cardamom. There's a spice I haven't tried in cookies yet. Thanks, Kimberley!
171 days ago
strawberryluna says:
Perfect!! These sound delicious, and thanks for the links too. I'm going to an annual cookie party next Friday and have been wondering which recipes to try out this year. Yum!
171 days ago
IheartBellevue says:
Yum!! Sugar cookies are my favorite. Thank you for a new treat:)
171 days ago
everythingok says:
YESPLEASE. Here's the thing about baking: it doesn't have to be beautiful. It doesn't need fancy perfect shapes or flash garnishes or swirls and swirls of colourful frosting. Some of the most beautiful baked goods are the most humble in appearance, the ones whose simple, sometimes odd shapes and plain colours (perhaps a bit too brown in places) hide the most interesting, nuanced, intense and interesting flavours. You know, like sugar cookies that hit you with the heady aroma of sweet cardamom when you bite into them. Beautiful. As for me and my kitchen, my rugelach is legendary, and though I only developed the recipe last year, I hope my ginger-pear honey cake (with whole wheat and three kinds of ginger) will soon become the sort of thing people travel great distances just to be in the presence of.
171 days ago
BreatheCouture says:
NOM NOM! Oh my goodie goodness! :)
171 days ago
crazy4jewels says:
Cookies GALORE...yummy!
171 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Yum yum, cardamom is a pretty unusual flavour for a cookie but sounds delicious. I love your toppings they really jazz them up and make them look quite festive!
171 days ago
peshka says:
Mmmmmmmm.. Yummy!
171 days ago
TaylorStitched says:
These look amazing, can't wait to try thrm out. They would make great presents too. Thank you
171 days ago
AliceCloset says:
Yummy!!!!!
171 days ago
cunningcatcrafts says:
Mmm lovely. I hope they're just as tasty with gluten free flour.
171 days ago
perfectpattern says:
I already went to the kitchen........
171 days ago
KONTAKT says:
Thanks for sharing! Yummmmyyy!!!!!
170 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Yum.com!
170 days ago
FreakyPeas says:
I am the worst baker! I have recently been trying again...not so much success but I have not given up!
170 days ago
samaraecarter says:
I've been doing cardamom sugar cookies for the last few years - I felt it added an elegant edge to the traditional holiday treat! Glad to hear others love it as much as I do!
170 days ago
nickelodeon01 says:
Imperfect cookies are endearing! These look wonderful! I almost forgot about your amazing rugelach, I must make that again this year.
170 days ago
GatheringSplendor says:
Imperfect ....they are the best ever and are always eaten first.
170 days ago
papierdier says:
They look like little pieces of art!
170 days ago
DesignsbySamba says:
I love Indian food, but I've never considered using cardamom in cookies. I will definitely try this!
170 days ago
sewlola says:
My signature cookies are homemade organic chocolate chip cookies. Mmm!
170 days ago
MorfineDoll says:
Wonderful post!
170 days ago
LittleBlueMoon says:
I love the photography, esp. Toffee Bars With White Chocolate. :}
170 days ago
FullCircleRetro says:
Oh my...! :p
170 days ago
TheCreativeTree says:
Beautiful cookies!! (: My "signature" cookie is old fashion chocolate chip. Nothing says Merry Christmas more than making (and sharing!) a big batch. (: Merry Christmas, everyone!
170 days ago
JennasRedRhino says:
If I have any cardamon in my pantry, it's so old that I should throw it out before making these!
170 days ago
ArtDecoDame says:
they look too pretty to eat!
170 days ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
I know what the Simple Joys Paperie household is baking this weekend! ;) Thanks for the recipe!
170 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
I'm gonna need to 'reign it in' this season ..but, yum!
170 days ago
adrianaallenllc says:
Thank you for the recipe!
170 days ago
accentonvintage says:
Love cardamom! Thanks for the recipe!
170 days ago
SerendipiT says:
I love cardamom; this will be used this weekend. I think the cookie baking party sounds like a blast too. hooray!
170 days ago
riverstar says:
I will try this .... thanks!
170 days ago
Melissababycreations says:
I'll be making these tonight! Thanks so much!
170 days ago
FromStarStuff says:
What a great idea! I love cardamom. My husband is vegan, so I'll need to tweak the recipe a tiny bit (vegan butter and flax as an egg replacement), but I never have problems with that. I think I'll try these tonight instead of my usual snickerdoodles.
170 days ago
BusyChickadees says:
Wow, the photography is amazing! Great job. I have not cooked much with cardamom. I need to give it a try!
170 days ago
BizzieLizzie says:
Yes, Please! LOVE cookies and yours look di-vine! Cannot wait to try the recipe! Thanks for sharing!
170 days ago
kimberlyclarkson says:
We have had a cardamom cookie recipe that we make every year- they are always a family favorite!
170 days ago
debra412 says:
The cookies sound wonderful. But...I have never used cardamom before and have only seen it sold in the pod, do I open the pod and crush the seeds, or can you buy it already crushed? Looking forward to trying the cookies! :-)
170 days ago
adanawashington says:
I've been looking for ways to incorporate more cardamom into my cooking, so this is right up my alley. I'll definitely be taking these to my friend's cookie swap. Thanks for the post!
170 days ago
ToothNailTail says:
Oh great, can't wait to try the recipe this weekend! Thanks!
170 days ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
I'm so going to try these tomorrow! I love baking. In the summer I make these amazing tropical oatmeal cookies and in the winter I love to bake rum balls. And I get lots of compliments on my chocolate chip cookies. Thanks for sharing! I am always looking for new cookie recipes :-)
170 days ago
blueangel06661 says:
I want to make these! I always settle for the ready make kind :/
170 days ago
artworksbycarol says:
home made is a bit more work but well worth it .Big tradition in our home @ Christmas. I've used the same recipe for 20 yrs. Orange zest is the key! YUM
169 days ago
Fuzzybellas says:
beautiful and delicious...thats all I want for Christmas!
169 days ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
These look delicious! I think I will definitely be trying them out.
169 days ago
julietempleton says:
Beautiful cardamom cookies. However when I was making them, I found the dough to be way to dry to combine. It wouldn't ball up, so I consulted some other recipes and my mother who suggested referring to the Joy of Cooking's rich roll cookies (something like that) All proportions of that recipe were nearly the same, except the butter in that recipe was double (1/2 lb= 1 cup or a whole cup, vs. 1/2 cup= 1 stick). I nearly doubled the butter here, and added it to the dry crumbles and that seemed to work. Yet to bake.... will update if the baked result turns out disastrous. Love the addition of cardamom, one of my favorite spices. Also got some toffee crumbles to adorn with. Maybe even some crystallized ginger. Thanks for the inspiration.
169 days ago
NaturesJewelsByVina says:
Mmmmm...I think my family will enjoy these! Thanks
169 days ago
ile1974 says:
yummy yummy...I'll try^_^
168 days ago
metalicious says:
I love cardamom! And those toffee bars with white chocolate have me in an apron and ready to bake. Thanks for such great recipes, Kimberley!
168 days ago
tinkerworld says:
oooooooh NEATO! I gotta go buy something! www.tinkerworld.etsy.com ~Tink
168 days ago
StyleGraphicDesign says:
Hohoho Looove them!!!
168 days ago
saburkitty says:
Had to blog about this blog lol I love cardamom!
168 days ago
CraftedbyLizC says:
They all look so delicious!
168 days ago
TrewDesigns says:
I want to come to your party!!!!
168 days ago
RoughGems says:
Oh my goodness, these look absolutely delectable! I've been on the prowl for cookie recipes and shall add this one to my growing list! thanks :)
168 days ago
nicoahsmeem says:
Lord have mercy! these look sinful.
168 days ago
FunkyFriendsFactory says:
Looks so yummy!! I love the Toffee bars with white chocolate!!
168 days ago
thePieceDeResistance says:
Mmm sounds delicious - may have to try to add a similar touch to our cookies!
167 days ago
KatieMarieHorn says:
I tried this recipie over the weekend and they are awesome! I will making more to share with all my friends since I'm going to eat all of this batch myself :-) thanks for sharing it.
167 days ago
continentaldrift says:
Hi @julietempleton: Sorry to hear of your trouble with the dough! Know that I wouldn't have posted this recipe had I not made it successfully a handful of times. The 2 cups flour/half stick butter is not an uncommon ration for sugar cookies. Here, the egg tempers the dryness of the dough and should have been the magic ingredient to hold the dough together. Did you perhaps forget the egg? I downsized the amount of butter on purpose because I like to make recipes a little bit healthier while retaining as much flavor as possible.
167 days ago
sparklesbydianne says:
I always like a good recipe, and I love sugar cookies, My Grandma really made good ones without all the thrills though, just sugar, but we loved them. I have always learned how to cook by trial & error, sometimes finding out a good thing. thanks for sharing
167 days ago
jenspopshoppe says:
These look delish!! I can't wait to try out this recipe! Thank you for sharing!! :)))
167 days ago
ricketyrocketboy says:
The stories about who makes the cookies are the best! Traveling through the Redwoods is very magical and humbling. I'm off to buy some Lindt White chocolate bars.... Warmest Wishes while baking.
166 days ago
giorgiejewelry says:
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
166 days ago
continentaldrift says:
Edit: In response to @julietempleton above, I meant 1 stick/half cup butter. :)
166 days ago
kimlast says:
I just made these cookies! they are absolutely DELICIOUS! This is my second recipe I've tried of yours, Kimberley, and I am so impressed! Please keep up the good stuff!
165 days ago
Trulyyoursconcepts says:
They look so lovely and delicious. Unfortunately i cannot use eggs ,could u pls tell me how to make them without using eggs. Thanking u in advance
165 days ago
allthingsgirlymi says:
Kimberley, thanks for helping me start a new tradition in my family. My 2 and 1 year old niece are celebrating Christmas with me in my new locale this year, and I'm soo~ anticipating their fingers all over the dough! Best Wishes! ~Michelle
160 days ago
LusciousHoney says:
I LOVE anything cardamom! Thanks for the great idea!
160 days ago
enchiladamama says:
Yay! Not only am I going to try the cardamon cookies, but I see you have one for rosemary cookies in your archives as well. What the heck - it'll be a Double Savory Cookie Christmas for us!
160 days ago
magicvelvets says:
Mmm, need cookies......
160 days ago
groovyrooby says:
just cooled, frosted, sprinkled, and swooned over these. STUNNING. most impressive. big & small snowflakes with silver sugars and a cocoa/coffee/sugar sprinkle. all breathtaking, if do say so myself. the dough looked a little dry until i got my hands on it. kneading really helped bring it together. thank you SO SO much for this recipe.
152 days ago
VandACreations says:
I love, love, love cardamom I have to give these a try! Thanks for the recipe
149 days ago
aktina says:
I have tried this cookies today and have to say that they are more than delicious!Thanks sooo much for the recipe :)
148 days ago
janetlyn says:
So excited to make these, thank you for the recipe! I've been wanting to make this since I first saw it weeks ago!! Finally broke down and purchased the cardamom. YAY!!! Can't wait. Great photos, too!
140 days ago