These buttery cookies are infused with the warm, floral spice of cardamom, balanced by the brightness of fresh lemon zest and the satisfying crunch of chopped pistachios. The dough is easy to make, shaped into a log, and chilled before being sliced and baked. The result is a tender, delicately spiced cookie perfect for tea time, gifting, or enjoying with coffee. With a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture and layers of flavor, these cookies are simple yet refined — and they taste even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delightfully aromatic with the rich warmth of cardamom

• Balanced with fresh citrus flavor from lemon zest

• Crunchy pistachios add texture and a pop of color

• Easy slice-and-bake method with no need for cookie cutters

• Perfect make-ahead treat — tastes even better the next day

• Elegant enough for special occasions, easy enough for everyday baking

• Customizable with other spices or nuts

• Freezer-friendly dough for baking on demand

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

• Zest of ½ lemon (about 1 teaspoon, finely grated)

• ⅓ cup pistachios, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Make the dough:
   In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, salt, and confectioners’ sugar. Add the lemon zest and softened butter. Pulse the mixture until a soft dough forms and pulls together. The mixture should look crumbly at first, but will clump and form a dough as it mixes.

2. Add the pistachios:
   Add the chopped pistachios to the dough and pulse a few more times until the nuts are just incorporated throughout. Avoid overmixing so the pistachios stay in pieces.

3. Shape and chill:
   Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a log about 6 cm (2½ inches) in diameter and around 8 to 10 inches long. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up and allows the flavors to develop.

4. Preheat oven:
   When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Slice and arrange:
   Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into approximately 24 even rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden. The centers should remain pale.

7. Cool:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Yield: About 24 cookies

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Chill time: At least 30 minutes (up to overnight)

• Bake time: 10–12 minutes

• Total time: ~1 hour (including chill time)

Variations

• Nut-free option: Omit pistachios or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.

• Citrus switch: Try orange zest instead of lemon for a deeper, sweeter citrus flavor.

• Spice blend: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom for a more complex spice profile.

• Dipped finish: After cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and allow to set.

• Sugar topping: Roll the dough log in coarse sugar before chilling for an added crunch on the edges.

• Mini cookies: Slice the dough thinner for bite-sized cookies and reduce the baking time slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Make ahead: The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

• Freezer storage: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

• Baked cookie freezing: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: If desired, warm cookies briefly in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 3–5 minutes to refresh them before serving.

FAQs

What kind of cardamom works best in this recipe?

Ground green cardamom is ideal. If using whole pods, crush and remove the seeds before grinding them into a fine powder for a stronger flavor.

Can I make these cookies without a food processor?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer. Cream the butter with the sugar and lemon zest first, then add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Stir in the pistachios by hand.

How long should I chill the dough?

Chill for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor and structure, chilling the dough overnight is recommended.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is well chilled before slicing and baking. Also, avoid placing dough slices on a warm baking sheet.

Can I roll out the dough and use cookie cutters instead?

Yes, but the dough is delicate. You’ll need to roll it out carefully between sheets of parchment and chill again before cutting shapes.

What can I use instead of pistachios?

You can substitute with chopped almonds, walnuts, or even cashews. Choose mild-flavored nuts to keep the focus on cardamom and lemon.

Why are my cookies too crumbly?

Make sure the dough is well mixed and chilled. Over-measuring flour or under-creaming the butter can lead to a dry, crumbly texture.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to compensate.

Do these cookies need to be frosted or glazed?

No, they’re flavorful on their own, but you can add a light lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. The flavor deepens with time.

Conclusion

These cardamom cookies are a unique treat that combine fragrant spices, citrus zest, and nutty crunch in a rich, buttery base. They’re easy to prepare, elegant to serve, and versatile enough to customize. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with tea or coffee, their delicate texture and aromatic flavor will make them a favorite in your baking rotation. Make a batch, let them rest overnight, and savor the flavor in every bite.