Orange, Almond & Cardamom Sugar Cookies
for protection, prosperity and love✨
Are you a good witch or a bad witch?
According to a BuzzFeed quiz I took when I was 12, I’m a good witch. This revelation infuriated me at the time, given my obsession with the Wicked Witch of the West. Green skin, pointy hat, broomstick, menace to society—she was everything I wanted to be and more. Deep down, I knew I was more of a Glinda, but that didn’t stop me from protesting my quiz results by wearing a big black witch hat around the house for days. I took that quiz very seriously.
Despite the quiz’s results, I know next to nothing about actual witchcraft and still can’t make a bubble to float away in, so there’s no need to gather the townsfolk and burn me at the stake! But, full disclosure: I’m left-handed and own a black cat, so…you never know. Speaking of my cat, a quick side note—tomorrow is his birthday! I can’t believe it’s been 8 years. I named him Bagheera after The Jungle Book, which suits his personality perfectly.
He’s moved with me multiple times, supervised countless late-night college assignments, and begrudgingly allows me to take too many pictures (he’s not exactly camera-friendly). His once-serious demeanor has softened with age, though, and lately, he’s been asking for more cuddles (which has caught me off guard, but I never say no). Like a true cat, he’s obsessed with cardboard boxes. So, if you’ve got any spare Amazon boxes lying around, feel free to send them my way—he’d be thrilled!
Witch or not, I believe that baking is a delightful mix of science and a sprinkle of magic. It’s all about the right ingredients—and the intention you stir into them. I always try to be in a good mood when I bake. Baking with a frown on your face is a serious crime in my kitchen. Sour moods make sour foods. Thankfully you won’t have to venture out for moon water, star dust, or a hair from a cherub to make these cookies. This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Our magical ingredients
Orange: for positive energy, love, and prosperity.
Cardamom: for clarity, love, and spiritual awakening (plus, it’s a key ingredient in chai so I’m obsessed by default).
Star Anise: for protection, psychic power, and luck.
Almond: for protection, prosperity and wisdom.
Honey: for love and attraction.
Salt: to absorbs any negative energy floating around and bring balance to the sweetness.
Now, if I were a real witch, I’d tell you to stir the dough clockwise with your dominant hand under the light of a waxing crescent moon while chanting your intention and drawing a sigil into the dough for the best results. But truth be told, I’m mostly just hungry so theres no need for the rigamarole. What I can guarantee is that these cookies are enchantingly delicious, no spells or potions required. Just a handful of ingredients and a dash of good intention.
Orange, Almond & Cardamom Sugar Cookies
makes about 20 cookies
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cardamom
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Honey royal icing
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 tsp meringue powder
water to thin to your desired consistency
Anise stars to decorate
Instructions
Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and spices together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, cream the sugar, butter and orange zest together until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and add in the egg and extracts. Mix until combined.
Scrape down the bowl and pour in the flour mixture, mixing on low until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
Form the dough into a disk, wrap and chill it for at least 1 hour but preferably overnight.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick and cut out your desired shapes. Re-roll cookie dough scraps until you’ve used all the dough. Freeze the cut out cookies while the oven preheats.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the frozen cookie shapes on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges then cool completely on a wire rack.
Whisk all icing ingredients together in a bowl and dip the cookies into the icing or pipe on top. Add a star of anise and enjoy with a cup of cinnamon tea.
Happy cookie baking!
Janaya