Description
Indulge in these exquisite Carmelitas, a delightful blend of buttery shortbread, aromatic spices, a luscious honey-cardamom glaze, and a satisfying pistachio crunch. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and offer a sophisticated flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Crucial for a light texture.
- 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; measure accurately.
- 80g (½ cup) Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 tsp (5g) Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice.
- ½ tsp (1g) Ground Cardamom: The star spice for a floral aroma.
- ¼ tsp (1g) Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 Large Egg Yolk: Adds richness and binds the dough.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- 60ml (¼ cup) Honey: Creates a fragrant glaze.
- 30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter (for glaze): Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
- ¼ tsp (½g) Ground Cardamom (for glaze): Reinforces the cardamom flavor.
- ½ tsp (2ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the glaze.
- 30g (¼ cup) Pistachios, Coarsely Chopped and Lightly Toasted: Provides crunch and nutty flavor.
- 20g (1 ½ Tbsp) Melted Butter (for glaze): Adds to the smooth consistency of the glaze.
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Pan: Preheat to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Chill Dough: Shape into a log, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice & Bake: Slice into rounds and bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden.
- Cool Cookies: Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make Glaze: Heat honey, butter, cardamom, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze & Garnish: Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with pistachios.
- Set & Serve: Allow glaze to set before serving.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and enhancing flavor. Toasting pistachios maximizes their flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: cookies,shortbread,cardamom,honey,pistachio,baking,dessert,tea time,glaze
