Baked Ghraybeh Syrian Sugar Cookies with Cardamom
Delicate and buttery Syrian sugar cookies flavored with ground cardamom, melting in your mouth with just three simple ingredients. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, softened, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
- 24 pieces whole blanched almonds for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and a pinch (1/8 tsp) of salt to the butter mixture; mix until combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms that holds together without being sticky.
- Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Gently press one whole blanched almond onto the center of each dough ball.
- Step 7: Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until edges are just starting to turn golden but centers remain pale.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to keep their delicate texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Ghraybeh Syrian Sugar Cookies with Cardamom take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Ghraybeh Syrian Sugar Cookies with Cardamom?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Ghraybeh Syrian Sugar Cookies with Cardamom?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Ghraybeh Syrian Sugar Cookies with Cardamom for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Ghraybeh Syrian Sugar Cookies with Cardamom?
Middle Eastern desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
