Name: Rose Water Shortbread Cookies
Yield: Makes about 3 dozen
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 1/2 cups white rice flour plus more for rolling; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon rose water; 1 teaspoon poppy seeds; ingredient info: Rice flour is available at natural foods stores, and rose water at Middle Eastern markets. Both can be found at specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

Image may contain Food Confectionery Sweets Plant Icing Cake Dessert Creme and Cream

Rose Water Shortbread CookiesPeden + Munk

Rice flour gives these cookies a very fine texture, and also results in a gluten-free dessert. Letting the dough rest allows the flour to absorb moisture, making it less crumbly and easier to handle.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes about 3 dozen

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 1/2 cups white rice flour plus more for rolling

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 large egg

1 teaspoon rose water

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

ingredient info: Rice flour is available at natural foods stores, and rose water at Middle Eastern markets. Both can be found at specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

Preparation

Step 1
Whisk cardamom and 1 1/2 cups flour in a medium bowl and set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Add egg and rose water and beat to blend.
Step 2
Reduce mixer to low speed; gradually mix in dry ingredients (dough will be stiff). Cover and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 3
Preheat oven to 300°. Scoop level tablespoonfuls of dough and, using lightly floured hands, roll into balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 1 1/2" apart. Using a fork or another utensil that can make a decorative pattern in dough, flatten balls to a 1/4" thickness. (Alternatively, flatten balls and make an indentation in the centers with your thumb.) Sprinkle cookies with poppy seeds.
Step 4
Bake cookies until firm but still pale, 20- 25 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool.
Step 5
DO AHEAD: Cookies can be baked 5 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

TagsCookie Dessert Rose Water Rice Flour Flour Gluten Free Nut Free Vegetarian Make Ahead Baking Electric Mixer Bon Appétit

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

94 Middle Eastern Recipes We Love
Tabbouleh, lamb flatbreads, pomegranate-glazed chicken, fattoush salad, and so much more.
How to Cook with Roses
Bring the sweet scent of roses into your kitchen with these eight recipes all made with either fresh rose petals, dried rose petals, or rosewater.

Recipe information

Ingredients

Preparation

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Recipe notes

94 Middle Eastern Recipes We Love

How to Cook with Roses