Name: Orange Clove Cookies for Cozy Holiday Moments
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1/4 cup molasses; 1/4 cup honey (can substitute with agave syrup for vegan); 1/2 cup butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup powdered sugar

The kitchen filled with an enchanting aroma as I mixed my latest creation, delightfully spiced Orange Clove Cookies. This festive treat is more than just a delightful dessert; it effortlessly marries tantalizing warm spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom with the bright zing of fresh orange zest. What really makes these cookies stand out is their perfect combination of a soft, crumbly texture and a zesty glaze, making them ideal for cozy gatherings or as heartfelt homemade gifts during the holiday season. Not only are they easy to whip up, requiring minimal prep time, but they also evoke the spirit of togetherness and warmth that we all crave this time of year. Curious about how to create these aromatic delights yourself? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are Orange Clove Cookies Special?

Festive Flavors: The fusion of warm spices and citrus makes these cookies incredibly festive and aromatic, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, anyone can make these delightful cookies, regardless of baking experience.

Cozy Aroma: As they bake, they fill your kitchen with an enchanting scent that evokes warmth and comfort.

Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped up nicely, these cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will cherish.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize them with nuts or dried fruit, making them truly your own, just like my Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Upside Down Cookies.

Bake these cookies, and you’ll have a treat that embodies the spirit of the season!

Orange Clove Cookies Ingredients

These delightful Orange Clove Cookies are just a few ingredients away!

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and forms the base of the cookie dough.
Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to create a light, fluffy texture.
Ground cloves – Adds a warm, aromatic spice that screams holiday season delight.
Ground cinnamon – Enhances the cozy flavor, beautifully complementing the cloves.
Ground cardamom – Introduces a unique and fragrant complexity that’s truly special.
Orange zest – Imparts a fresh citrus aroma and flavor, elevating each bite.
Orange juice – Keeps the cookies moist and enhances their citrusy goodness.
Molasses – Contributes sweetness and a deep, rich flavor that rounds out the spices.
Honey – Adds another layer of sweetness and moisture; feel free to substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option.
Butter – Creates a tender crumb and rich flavor; ensure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
Sugar – Balances the spices and adds that essential sweetness to the cookies.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together, helping to create a cohesive dough.

For the Glaze

Powdered sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth finish; combine with a splash of orange juice for the perfect drizzle.

These Orange Clove Cookies will fill your home with warmth and delightful aromas, making them a must-bake for your holiday festivities!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Orange Clove Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the right temperature for baking your Orange Clove Cookies. While the oven is heating, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended, creating a fragrant and spiced mixture. Set this bowl aside to focus on the wet ingredients next.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough for a tender texture. Add in the molasses and honey, mixing until fully combined for a rich flavor profile in your Orange Clove Cookies.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Juice
Crack an egg into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, fold in the fresh orange zest and orange juice, which will add brightness and moisture to the dough. The vibrant aromas should fill your kitchen, hinting at the delightful cookies to come.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The final dough should be soft and slightly sticky, full of aromatic spices and citrus zest.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread while baking, so generous spacing is crucial to ensure they’re nicely shaped and easy to handle after baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges and slightly firm in the center. The kitchen will be filled with a cozy aroma, beckoning everyone to the oven.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps them set and develop their perfect soft, crumbly texture.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
For the finishing touch, mix powdered sugar with a splash of fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency to your liking — a thicker glaze for a more generous drizzle or a thinner one for a lighter touch.

Step 10: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top of each cookie. Feel free to get creative with your drizzle, allowing it to add a beautiful, sweet sheen to each delightful Orange Clove Cookie.

Make Ahead Options

These Orange Clove Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also makes the baking process a breeze. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and follow the baking instructions as usual. Moreover, the cookies can be baked in batches and frozen for up to three months, ensuring you have delightful treats on hand whenever a cozy dessert craving strikes. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing to maintain their soft, crumbly texture!

What to Serve with Orange Clove Cookies

These delightful cookies are not just a treat on their own; they shine even brighter with the right companions to create a memorable moment.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich and velvety beverage enhances the warm spices, making for a comforting pairing on chilly days. Enjoy the contrast of warm chocolate with the fragrant cookie flavors.
Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai complement the clove and cinnamon in the cookies, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for long chats. Sip and savor!
Whipped Cream Topping: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a soft texture and luxurious touch. The creaminess balances the spiced flavors, creating a lovely melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Cranberry Sauce: For a festive twist, serve these cookies alongside a tart cranberry sauce, making each bite a flavorful exploration of sweet and tangy elements.
Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad with segments of orange and grapefruit brightens the palate while enhancing the zesty notes in the cookies. It’s a vibrant and fresh addition to your cookie presentation.
English Breakfast Tea: The robustness of the tea pairs beautifully with the cookies, allowing the spices to shine and creating a warming afternoon pick-me-up.

Each of these pairings highlights the delightful flavors of Orange Clove Cookies, making your festive celebrations even more special!

Expert Tips for Orange Clove Cookies

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This allows for easier creaming, leading to a lighter cookie texture.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding flour to the dough. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, ruining the soft crumb.

• Dough Resting: For maximum flavor, let your cookie dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This enhances the aroma and texture of your Orange Clove Cookies.

• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of orange juice in your glaze to achieve your desired thickness. A thicker glaze makes for a dramatic finish, while a thinner one creates a lovely drizzle effect.

• Add Extra Flavor: Consider customizing your cookies by folding in chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor, complementing the fragrant spices beautifully.

Orange Clove Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful twists on the classic Orange Clove Cookies!

Vegan Option: Replace honey with agave syrup and the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce for a compassionate alternative. You won’t miss out on the delightful flavor!
Whole Wheat Flour: Opt for whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose to introduce a nuttier flavor and boost nutrition, perfect for those health-conscious bakers. It’s a small switch that makes a big difference!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add texture and a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the spices. Every bite will have a delightful crunch!
Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a hint of sweetness and tartness, adding a delightful burst of flavor and color to your cookies. Talk about festive!
Lower Sugar: Cut back on sugar by reducing the amount of honey or powdered sugar in the glaze. You’ll still enjoy the comforting sweetness, but with a little less guilt!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or ground ginger for an unexpected, spicy kick. Perfect for those who like a bit of heat alongside the sweetness!
Glazed Orange Upgrade: Instead of a simple glaze, enhance it by mixing in citrus zest or a splash of lemon juice for added brightness. It’s an elevated finish that takes these cookies to the next level!

No matter how you choose to customize these cookies, their festive spirit will shine bright—just like the memories you’ll create baking them, reminiscent of those heartwarming moments shared over my beloved Sticky Orange Beef. Enjoy!

How to Store and Freeze Orange Clove Cookies

Room Temperature: Store freshly baked Orange Clove Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and flavorful, perfect for holiday munching!

Fridge: You can also refrigerate the cookies if you want to extend their freshness. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container; they’ll stay good for about 2 weeks in the fridge.

Freezer: For longer storage, these cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, heat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revitalize that cozy aroma and soft texture, making them taste freshly baked once again!

Orange Clove Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ingredients for my Orange Clove Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, seek out fresh spices instead of old ones—check for strong aromas and avoid containers with dark spots or clumps. Make sure your oranges are firm with vibrant peels for maximum zest.

How should I store my Orange Clove Cookies for freshness?
Store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerating them in an airtight container will extend their freshness to about 2 weeks.

Can I freeze my Orange Clove Cookies? How do I do that?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, allow them to cool completely and then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

What if my dough seems too wet or too dry?
No worries! If your dough is too wet, you can gradually add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too dry, try adding a teaspoon of orange juice at a time until it’s more manageable. Be careful not to overmix to maintain that tender texture!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you need to make these cookies vegan, simply substitute the honey for agave syrup and the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). This recipe is also friendly for those looking to reduce sugar by adjusting both the honey and powdered sugar in the glaze.

How should I reheat leftover Orange Clove Cookies?
For a cozy, freshly baked taste, microwave your cookies for about 10-15 seconds. This helps revive that delightful warm aroma and soft texture, making each bite a comforting treat!