Cardamom and Orange Peel Biscuits with Dark Chocolate

These cardamom and orange peel biscuits are a fragrant and delicious treat. With the warmth of freshly ground cardamom, the zesty kick of dried orange peel, and optional dark chocolate for added indulgence, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with tea or as a quick snack, these biscuits are a delightful homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 1 orange peel
• 6–8 green cardamom pods, ground
• 150g plain white flour
• 120g butter (or a vegan alternative such as a mix of coconut oil and vegetable oil)
• 90g sugar
• A handful of dark chocolate chips, chunks, or melted chocolate (optional)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or golden syrup (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Peel

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (or lower if possible).
2. Place the orange peel on a baking tray and dry it in the oven for 20–30 minutes until crisp.
3. Grind the dried peel in a spice grinder or blender. Reserve 1 tsp of the orange dust for this recipe and store the rest for future use in cakes or other desserts.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter (or vegan alternative), flour, and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the ground cardamom and orange peel dust to the mixture.
3. If the dough feels dry, add 1 tbsp of maple syrup or golden syrup, or a small amount of water, to achieve a smoother consistency.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks if using, or keep the chocolate aside for melting later.

Step 3: Shape the Biscuits

1. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1cm thickness.
2. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into round biscuit shapes.
3. Place the biscuits on a greased or non-stick baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Bake the biscuits for approximately 13 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fill the kitchen with a delightful aroma.

Optional: Add Chocolate

1. If you reserved the chocolate for melting, melt it in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.
2. Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, drizzle or dip them in the melted chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fragrant and Unique: The combination of cardamom and orange peel creates a warm and zesty flavour profile.
• Versatile: Perfect plain or with dark chocolate for added decadence.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps for a delicious homemade treat.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the orange peel is completely dry before grinding to avoid clumping.
• Adjust the amount of cardamom to suit your taste preference.
• For vegan biscuits, experiment with a mix of coconut oil and vegetable oil to achieve a buttery texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
• Gift them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Conclusion

These cardamom and orange peel biscuits are a delightful blend of warm spices and refreshing citrus. Whether you keep them simple or add a chocolatey twist, they’re sure to become a favourite in your biscuit collection. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.