Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Using electric beaters on medium-high speed, cream the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, lemon juice, and vanilla bean paste on high speed until the batter is creamy, light in color, and all ingredients are fully combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a spring-loaded scoop, portion the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the cookies are firm and slightly darker around the edges, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour to keep cookies tender and soft.
- If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, you can increase the ground cardamom by ½ teaspoon.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of the dough balls before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
