Cardamom-Flavored Cookies to Add a Touch of Tradition to Your Maha

Fresh cookies and cardamom is a match made in heaven! Cardamom is called the queen of spices and is a staple in Indian kitchens and adds a warm citrusy flavor to desserts. For Maha Shivratri, a festival so full of tradition and devotion, cardamom cookies can be a great way to mix modern with traditional.

These are perfect to share, whether as a prasad to Lord Shiva or as a homemade gift to family and friends. They go well with a cup of chai or warm milk, so perfect for an evening of contemplation and celebration. You can make them soft and chewy or crisp and crumbly, as you like.

Baking these cookies is not just about a cookie, it’s about bringing people together. The cardamom in your kitchen will get you in the festive spirit. By mixing Indian flavors with a universal love like cookies, you’re making Maha Shivratri modern.

How To Bake Cardamom Cookies For Maha Shivratri

Cardamom cookies are a lovely mix of Indian and classic. The warmth of cardamom with the butteriness of cookies is a treat for any occasion, especially Maha Shivratri.

Ingredients:

• 120 g maida
• 100 g unsalted butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp green cardamom powder
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
2. Sift together maida, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture.
3. Add milk, one tbsp at a time, until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
4. Roll into small balls or flatten slightly for a cookie shape.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the cookies on a lined baking tray, leaving space between them, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden.
6. Let the cookies cool completely and serve with chai or milk!

7. Easy Tips To Make The Perfect Batch For Cardamom Cookies

Use Fresh Cardamom For The Best Aroma

The cardamom flavor in cookies is all about the cardamom you use. Choose fresh green cardamom pods not powder. Grind the seeds from the pods fresh and you will get a rich and intense aroma that will give your cookies a real flavor.

Master The Butter-Sugar Creaming

The secret to soft and crumbly cookies is in the creaming. Use soft butter and beat it with powdered sugar until it’s light, fluffy and pale. This step incorporates air into the mixture and gives you cookies that melts in your mouth.

Sift The Dry Ingredients

Flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt need to be sifted together before mixing with the wet ingredients. Sifting removes lumps and aerates the mixture, so the final product is even and smooth. This step might seem trivial, but it can make a big difference in your cookies by preventing uneven baking or lumps of flour.

Don’t Underestimate Salt

Even in desserts, a little salt is magic, it balances the sweetness and the overall flavor of the cookies. In cardamom cookies, salt is a subtle enhancer, amplifying the buttery notes while letting the cardamom shine.

Use Milk Wisely for the Right Dough Consistency

The consistency of your dough is key. Add milk sparingly, only a teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together. It should be soft but firm enough to roll and shape easily. Too much milk and the dough will be sticky and hard to handle and will affect the shape of the cookies. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and retain their shape beautifully.

Chill The Dough To Prevent Spreading

Once the dough is ready, refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes before baking. Chilling the butter helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This is especially important for festive cookies where looks matter as much as taste.

Watch the Baking Time for Texture

Overbaking will dry out your cookies and suck the texture away. Bake until the edges are just golden, about 10-12 minutes depending on your oven. The centre will be soft at first but will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them and you’ll get cookies with a crunchy outside and a tender inside.

Add Decorations

To make your cardamom cookies stand out add some decorations. Press a few whole cardamom seeds, slivered almonds or pistachios onto the top before baking. Not only does this look good but it also adds crunch and extra flavor. For a more festive touch dust with powdered sugar after they cool.