Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse the dough with flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and seasoning.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to form a smooth dough without overworking.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness to prepare for cutting.

Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before glazing.

In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 teaspoon orange zest until smooth. Adjust with more orange juice as needed to create a drizzling consistency.

Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set completely before serving to add a bright citrus finish.