Vanilla Bean & Cardamom Spiced Cookies Recipe
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There’s something magical about cookies that carry the warmth of spices and the sweetness of real vanilla. Vanilla bean & cardamom spiced cookies are a perfect fusion of comfort and sophistication. They’re buttery, fragrant, and delicately spiced—ideal for teatime, holidays, or simply when you need a sweet escape.
If you’ve never baked with cardamom before, you’re in for a treat. Its slightly citrusy, warm flavor pairs beautifully with vanilla, creating cookies that smell as divine as they taste.
Understanding the Key Ingredients
Vanilla Beans: The Star of the Recipe
Unlike vanilla extract, vanilla beans bring a deeper, richer, and more natural sweetness. When you scrape those tiny black specks into your dough, you’re unlocking layers of flavor that bottled extracts can’t match.
Cardamom: The Exotic Spice
Cardamom is often called the “queen of spices” for a reason. It has a warm, aromatic profile that’s slightly floral and citrusy. Just a pinch elevates ordinary cookies into gourmet delights.
The Butter and Sugar Base
Butter provides richness and structure, while sugar brings sweetness and helps create that golden-brown crisp. For this recipe, you can use a mix of white and brown sugar for both crunch and depth.
Choosing the Right Flour
All-purpose flour works best here—it gives the cookies just the right balance of softness and bite.
Health Benefits of Vanilla & Cardamom
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Vanilla is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against cell damage. It’s also known to reduce stress and improve mood.
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Cardamom aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and can even help freshen breath naturally.
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When combined in cookies, these ingredients give you a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also subtly beneficial.
Tools & Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Measuring spoons and cups
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Electric mixer or whisk
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Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Cookie Recipe
Ingredients List
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1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp ground cardamom
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup sugar (½ white, ½ brown recommended)
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1 large egg
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2 tbsp milk
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 12 minutes
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Total Time: 27 minutes
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Yield: 24 cookies
Step 1: Preparing Vanilla Bean and Cardamom
Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and set aside. Measure out ground cardamom or crush pods for maximum freshness.
Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla bean seeds (or extract), and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Forming the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking
Scoop small balls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Flatten slightly with your fingers or a fork. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
Step 6: Cooling and Storing
Cool on a rack before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Bean & Cardamom Cookies
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Don’t overbake—cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
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For chewy cookies, remove them when the centers still look slightly soft.
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Use high-quality vanilla beans for the most fragrant flavor.
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For a vegan twist, replace butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed gel.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair these cookies with chai tea for a cozy afternoon.
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Serve alongside espresso or cappuccino for a European-style treat.
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Package them in decorative tins for a thoughtful holiday gift.
Creative Variations
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Nut Lovers: Add chopped almonds, pistachios, or cashews for extra crunch.
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Chocolatey Twist: Fold in dark chocolate chunks.
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Sandwich Style: Spread spiced cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep cookies in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh whenever cravings strike.
Conclusion
Vanilla bean & cardamom spiced cookies are more than just baked goods—they’re an experience. Fragrant, buttery, and perfectly balanced, they’re proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or pack them as gifts, these cookies are bound to impress.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground cardamom instead of pods?
Yes! Ground cardamom is convenient and works well, but freshly crushed pods give a stronger aroma.
2. What’s the difference between vanilla beans and extract in this recipe?
Vanilla beans give a richer, more authentic flavor with visible specks, while extract is a quicker substitute.
3. How long can I store these cookies?
They last about a week in an airtight container but can be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make these cookies without butter?
Yes, swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free option.
5. What drinks pair best with these cookies?
They pair wonderfully with chai tea, spiced lattes, or even a glass of warm milk.
