Introduction

These Best Spiced Shortbread Cookies bring a delightful blend of warm Chinese five-spice and bright orange zest, creating a unique twist on classic shortbread. Finished with a luscious sour cream ganache, they make an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

A white ruffled-edge bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with many flower-shaped sandwich cookies. Each cookie has two light beige layers with a rough texture, filled with a dark brown layer of jam or chocolate in the middle. Some cookies on top are sprinkled with small white sugar crystals, while others have a plain sugary topping. Outside the bowl, one cookie is broken in half, showing the three distinct layers clearly, and another whole cookie is placed next to it. Crumbs are scattered around the cookies on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (225 grams)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (350 grams)
½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice powder or cinnamon
Rind of one small orange
Sanding sugar or Swedish pearl sugar as needed
3 ounces semisweet chocolate (85 grams)
3 ounces sour cream (85 grams)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mixer method: Soften the butter. In a mixer bowl, beat the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Add the flour, spice, and orange zest, mixing until a solid dough forms.
Step 3: Processor method: Use cold butter. Pulse flour, spice, and orange zest to combine. Add cold, cut-up butter and process until fully mixed. Add sugar and process until dough forms a ball.
Step 4: Divide dough in half, wrap one half, and roll the other between wax paper to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch shapes using cookie cutters.
Step 5: Freeze the cut cookies on wax paper until firm. Then, carefully transfer onto baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle half with sanding or pearl sugar.
Step 6: Re-roll scraps and cut additional cookies. Bake all cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.
Step 7: For the ganache, gently melt chocolate in the microwave at half power or in a double boiler until shiny but some chunks remain. Stir smooth and cool to lukewarm before folding in room temperature sour cream.
Step 8: Sandwich cookies by spreading ganache on the bottom cookie (bottom side up), leaving a small border. Top with a sugared cookie (sugar side up) and gently press to adhere.

Tips & Variations

Use cinnamon instead of Chinese five-spice for a more familiar warm flavor.
Chill the dough well before rolling to make cutting easier and ensure clean edges.
Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or blood orange for unique variations.
Replace semisweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer ganache.
Use sanding sugar for a sparkling finish that adds crunch.

Storage

Store the sandwiched cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary as the cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature to preserve the ganache texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl with a wavy edge filled with flower-shaped sandwich cookies arranged inside. Each cookie has two light brown layers with a rough texture, filled with a thick dark chocolate layer in the middle. Some of the top cookie layers have white sugar crystals sprinkled on them, while others are plain but lightly dusted with sugar. In front of the bowl, on a white marbled surface, are two cookies, one whole and one broken in half, showing the dark chocolate filling clearly. There are small cookie crumbs scattered around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and cutting. Let it soften slightly before rolling.

What if I don’t have Chinese five-spice powder?

Cinnamon is a great substitute that still provides a warm, comforting flavor. You can also experiment with ground ginger or nutmeg to customize the spice blend.