Sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, Cardamom Cookies are a beautiful twist on the classic sugar cookie. The secret lies in the delicate yet exotic flavor of ground cardamom, which adds a floral warmth that pairs incredibly well with the cookie’s buttery base. These cookies are crisp around the edges, soft in the center, and ideal with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for an everyday treat with a little elegance, these cookies deliver. The simple ingredients make them an easy baking project, while the cardamom elevates them to something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Cardamom Cookie Recipe
- Unique Flavor: Cardamom brings a slightly citrusy, minty, and spicy note that stands out from typical cookie flavors.
- Simple to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Great as a tea cookie, holiday dessert, or even a gift.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be chilled or frozen, and baked whenever you’re ready.
What Kind of Cardamom Should I Use?
You can use either ground cardamom or grind fresh green cardamom pods for a more potent flavor. Green cardamom is most commonly used in baking and has the floral and slightly sweet profile that makes these cookies shine. Avoid black cardamom, which has a smokier taste better suited to savory dishes.
Ingredients for the Cardamom Cookies
Making these cookies doesn’t require a long list of items, but every ingredient plays a key role in their flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of the cookie. It adds rich flavor and ensures a soft, chewy center.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and adds a light crunch.
- Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- Ground Cardamom: The star spice that lends warm, citrusy notes.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a smooth, sweet finish.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
How To Make the Cardamom Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. The air you whip in here helps create a soft cookie.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These two add moisture and aroma, keeping the dough rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture, blending until a dough forms. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Shape and Chill
Roll the dough into small balls and slightly flatten each one. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape when baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Cardamom Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile and make a wonderful addition to both elegant occasions and casual snack breaks.
Yield: This recipe makes about 18–20 cookies, perfect for sharing or saving for later.
To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers—they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Warm them slightly before serving to bring out that rich buttery-cardamom aroma!
What to Serve With Cardamom Cookies?
Hot Chai or Spiced Tea
The spice notes in chai echo the cardamom beautifully for a comforting treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve a cookie or two alongside a scoop for a unique dessert pairing.
Greek Yogurt and Honey
Break cookies over a bowl of Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, and enjoy as a spiced breakfast.
Coffee or Espresso
Cardamom pairs delightfully with strong coffee—try dunking them!
Whipped Cream Cheese Spread
Use the cookies as dippers for a subtly sweet cream cheese spread.
Lemon Curd
The brightness of lemon curd adds contrast to the warm spice.
Charcuterie Board
Add these cookies to a dessert-themed board with dried fruits, cheeses, and chocolates.
Stewed Apples or Pears
Warm fruit compotes enhance the cookies’ aromatic qualities.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Cardamom Cookies, you’ll definitely want to check out these other sweet creations:
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Banana Bread Cookies with soft centers and banana-rich flavor.
- Magic Lemon Cobbler if you’re craving a zesty oven dessert.
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich and fruity indulgence.
- Mini Pecan Tarts when you want nutty, caramelized goodness in bite-sized form.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh cardamom or stick with ground? Any creative toppings?
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 and more dessert ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Cardamom Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cardamom Cookies are a buttery, spiced dream that melt in your mouth and deliver a cozy punch of flavor. With a hint of floral citrusy cardamom and the richness of real butter, they’re the kind of cookie that makes an impression. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, holiday cookie inspiration, or a unique twist for your snack table, this easy recipe fits right in. Great for gifting or indulging yourself with a cup of tea or coffee. A must-try for fans of quick baking, cozy treats, and food ideas with a little flair.
Ingredients
113g unsalted butter (softened)
100g granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
130g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, and salt.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on a lined baking tray. Chill for 20 minutes.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
7. Cool on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For a stronger flavor, grind fresh green cardamom pods instead of using pre-ground spice.
Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents spreading and gives you a tender center with crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
