Orange Clove Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Orange Clove Cookies are an elegant yet easy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of winter spices and bright citrus. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon tea, they boast a delicate blend of spices and a luscious orange glaze. Give them a try and discover a new seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

• 170 g butter, softened
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fancy molasses
• ½ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 large orange
• Optional: a few dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp grated nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• A pinch of ground clove and allspice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• For the glaze:
• 1¼ cup icing sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2–3 tbsp Cointreau (or substitute with more orange juice for an alcohol-free version)
• A pinch of ground clove

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
2. Step 2: Mix in the orange zest and dehydrated orange rings if using, followed by all the spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too stiff, add a splash of milk or water.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making shaping easier and allowing flavors to develop.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll dough into balls sized between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon, depending on your desired cookie size. If using a cookie stamp, dust the dough balls and stamp with flour before pressing down. Alternatively, roll the dough out and use cookie cutters.
6. Step 6: Arrange cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers just set. Slight underbaking keeps the texture tender.
7. Step 7: While the cookies bake, whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau (if using), and clove until the glaze is thick yet pourable.
8. Step 8: Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, dip or drizzle each one with the glaze, then return to the oven for another 1–2 minutes to help the glaze set and crackle slightly.
9. Step 9: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have dehydrated orange rings, simply use extra orange zest to brighten the flavor.
• Chill the dough longer if you want firmer cookies or a more developed spice profile.
• For an alcohol-free version, omit the Cointreau and use additional orange juice in the glaze.
• If the glaze is too runny, add more icing sugar; if too thick, thin it with juice or water.
• These cookies pair wonderfully with black tea, spiced chai, or mulled wine for a festive touch.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. Their flavors deepen after a day or two, making them even tastier. Reheat gently if desired, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature to preserve their tender texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to choose one that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour for best results.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the dough and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out if it’s too firm.

Orange Clove Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

These Orange Clove Cookies are a delightful seasonal treat combining winter spices and bright citrus flavors. Soft and tender with a slightly sticky dough, they are baked to perfection and finished with a fragrant orange and clove glaze that adds a beautiful crackle and festive touch. Perfect for holiday cookie platters or cozy afternoons with tea.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 18–25 cookies, depending on size 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookies:

• 170 g butter, softened
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fancy molasses
• ½ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 large orange
• Optional: a few dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp grated nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• A pinch of ground clove and allspice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Glaze:

• 1¼ cup icing sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2–3 tbsp Cointreau (or substitute with more orange juice for alcohol-free)
• A pinch of ground clove

Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sweeteners: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
2. Add zest and spices: Mix in the orange zest (and dehydrated orange if using), followed by all the spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice.
3. Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky. Adjust consistency with a bit more flour if too sticky, or a splash of milk or water if too stiff.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This helps with shaping and flavor development.
5. Preheat oven and prepare cookies: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll the dough into balls about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon each depending on desired cookie size. If using, dust dough balls and cookie stamp with flour before pressing or roll dough and use cookie cutters.
6. Bake: Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers just set. Slight underbaking keeps cookies tender.
7. Make the glaze: While cookies bake, whisk together icing sugar, fresh orange juice, Cointreau (or extra juice for alcohol-free), and ground clove until thick yet pourable.
8. Glaze and finish baking: Once cookies are cool enough to handle, dip or drizzle each with the glaze. Return to oven for 1–2 minutes to set and create a crackled finish.
9. Cool and store: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Flavors deepen after a day or two.

Notes

• If dehydrated orange rings are unavailable, use extra orange zest for bright flavor.
• Chilling dough longer intensifies spice flavor and firms texture.
• For alcohol-free glaze, omit Cointreau and increase orange juice.
• Adjust glaze consistency by adding more icing sugar if too runny, or thinning with juice/water if too thick.
• These cookies pair wonderfully with black tea, spiced chai, or mulled wine.

Keywords: Orange clove cookies, spiced cookies, holiday cookies, orange zest cookies, glazed cookies, winter spice dessert