Orange Cardamom Cookies

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp fresh orange zest (about 1 orange)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate or chopped pistachios for added texture
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mix the dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cardamom, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the wet ingredients:

Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped white chocolate or pistachios.
Shape the cookies:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your hand for a more even shape.
Bake the cookies:

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should look set but slightly soft.
Cool and enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.