As the first hints of winter chill dance through the air, a warm, inviting smell wafts from my kitchen — the delightful aroma of Orange Clove Cookies. It’s that time of year when cozy moments are cherished, and what better way to celebrate than with these fragrant, spiced treats? The combination of bright orange zest and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg brings comfort with every bite, reminding me of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy.
You might wonder how a few simple ingredients can transform into such a festive delight. I stumbled upon this recipe during a quest for something unique but easy, and I can confidently say that these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Imagine your friends and family delighting in a cookie that’s not only delicious but also radiates the spirit of the season!
So, whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration or simply craving that homemade touch, join me in baking up a batch of Orange Clove Cookies that will bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. Let’s get started!
Why are Orange Clove Cookies so special?
Irresistible flavor combination: The zesty orange and warm spices create a cookie that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch to spread joy at gatherings or cozy nights in—everyone will fall in love!
Versatile treat: Enjoy them as is, or add a delightful glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Seasonal charm: These cookies perfectly embody the essence of winter, making them a festive addition to any cookie platter.
Orange Clove Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these delightful treats!
For the Dough
• 170 g butter, softened – Use room temperature butter for a creamy texture.
• 2 tbsp honey – Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
• 2 tbsp fancy molasses – Choose fancy molasses for a rich, deep flavor.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors, creating a perfect balance.
• Zest of 1 large orange – The zesty kick brings brightness to each bite.
• Optional: a few dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped – Adds an extra burst of orange flavor if desired.
• 1 tsp cinnamon – Introduces a warm, comforting spice to the mix.
• ½ tsp ground ginger – Perfect for a slight zing, complementing the orange.
• ½ tsp grated nutmeg – This fragrant spice rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom – Infuses a hint of floral sweetness for complexity.
• A pinch of ground clove and allspice – These spices give the cookies a cozy, festive warmth.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds an aromatic sweetness that harmonizes all the ingredients.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour – Helps to create a sturdy dough that holds its shape.
For the Glaze
• Icing sugar – Sweetens the glaze; adjust to achieve the desired thickness.
• Orange juice – Brightens up the glaze, enhancing the orange flavor in these Orange Clove Cookies.
• Cointreau (if using) – Adds a sophisticated depth but can be skipped for a non-alcoholic option.
• Ground clove – A touch for an extra layer of spiced goodness in your glaze.
Gather these ingredients, and let’s bring warmth and joy to your kitchen with these irresistible Orange Clove Cookies!
How to Make Orange Clove Cookies
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Beat Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Enjoy that decadent texture!
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Add Zest and Spices: Mix in the orange zest (and dehydrated orange if using), followed by all the spices. The scent will fill your kitchen with holiday spirit!
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Combine Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too stiff, a splash of milk or water will help.
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Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking!
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll the dough into balls (1 tsp to 1 tbsp each) based on your size preference. Dust with flour if using a cookie stamp.
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Bake Cookies: Arrange cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–14 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges for perfect doneness.
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Mix Glaze: While cookies bake, whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau (if using), and clove. The glaze should be thick yet pourable, ready for drizzling!
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Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are out of the oven and cool enough to handle, dip or drizzle each cookie with the glaze. Return to the oven for another 1–2 minutes to help the glaze set.
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Cool Completely: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container for up to one week—they won’t last long!
Optional: Dust with extra icing sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Orange Clove Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and forming a dough. Once chilled, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. For the best flavor, roll the dough into balls and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked Orange Clove Cookies with minimal effort, just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
Expert Tips for Orange Clove Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for a creamy texture that blends seamlessly into the dough.
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Watch the Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky after adding flour, sprinkle in a bit more until it’s manageable. If it becomes too stiff, just add a splash of milk or water.
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Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes solidifies the shape, leading to perfectly baked cookies without spreading.
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Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should have lightly golden edges—overbaking can lead to dryness, while underbaking may leave them too soft.
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Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the glaze thickness by adding more icing sugar for a sweeter topping, or blend in more orange juice for a tangier finish.
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Storing Cookies: Store your Orange Clove Cookies in a sealed container at room temperature. This helps them stay fresh, but they won’t last long with so much deliciousness!
How to Store and Freeze Orange Clove Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store your Orange Clove Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and tasty for snacking!
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Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, place the cookies in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat!
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Freezer: To freeze, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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Reheating: For a cozy, warm experience, gently reheat cookies in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5 minutes. Make sure to watch them closely to prevent drying out!
Orange Clove Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and add a personal touch to your cookies with these delightful twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture without the gluten.
- Citrus Twist: Add zest from lemon or tangerine alongside the orange for a beautiful twist of flavors.
- Spiced Up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground black pepper for a surprising hint of heat in your cookies.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spices.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the glazed cookies for a rich, decadent finish.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil, and substitute honey with maple syrup for a tasty vegan option.
- Extra Citrus: Incorporate some freshly squeezed orange juice into the dough for an extra burst of citrus flavor!
- Herb Infusion: Add finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough to introduce an aromatic herby note.
Each variation opens up a new way to enjoy these charms, making them perfect for any taste or occasion!
What to Serve with Orange Clove Cookies?
As you bask in the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies, pairing them with delightful accompaniments can elevate your cozy experience.
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Hot Cocoa: A rich, creamy hot cocoa complements the spiced flavors beautifully, creating a heartwarming indulgence on chilly nights.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the spiced cookies, melting delightfully in your mouth.
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Fruit Salad: A light and zesty fruit salad offers a refreshing burst of flavor, balancing the sweet heaviness of the Orange Clove Cookies.
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Spiced Chai Tea: This aromatic beverage enhances the cookie’s warm spices, creating a perfect match for a delightful afternoon break.
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Nutty Biscotti: The crunchy texture of nutty biscotti provides a pleasing contrast, making for a delicious dip into your favorite beverage.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs surprisingly well with the sweet and fragrant cookies, adding a touch of savory sophistication.
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Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of silky caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness without overpowering the delightful flavors of the cookies.
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Citrus Spritzer: A refreshing citrus spritzer, made with sparkling water and fresh orange juice, offers a bright complement to the spiced treats.
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Ginger Tea: Ginger tea adds an invigorating warmth, enhancing the ginger and spiced notes present in the Orange Clove Cookies.
With these delicious pairings, you’ll create not just a snack but a warm, inviting experience around the table!
Orange Clove Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right orange for zesting?
Absolutely! Look for oranges that are firm, with a bright, vibrant skin. A large orange is best since you’ll need zest from one. Avoid fruits with dark spots or wrinkles—these indicate overripeness. If possible, choose organic oranges to avoid pesticide residue on the skin.
What’s the best way to store my cookies?
I recommend storing your Orange Clove Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and flavorful, ready for whenever that craving hits! If you prefer a chilled treat, you can refrigerate them for about 2 weeks.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great idea. First, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date and use it within 3 months for best quality. When ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then follow the baking instructions as usual.
What’s the best way to troubleshoot dough issues?
Very good question! If your dough is too sticky, simply sprinkle in a little bit more flour until it becomes manageable. On the other hand, if it’s too stiff, add a splash of milk or water gradually, mixing it in until you achieve a softer dough. And remember, chilling the dough helps it firm up nicely before rolling!
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Yes, indeed! If there’s a chance of nut allergies, these cookies are safe since they don’t contain nuts. Also, for a vegan option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and the honey with agave or maple syrup. Always check individual ingredient labels, especially for allergies!
Irresistible Orange Clove Cookies for a Cozy Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Mix in the orange zest (and dehydrated orange if using), followed by all the spices.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll the dough into balls.
- Arrange cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–14 minutes.
- While cookies bake, whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau (if using), and clove.
- Once cookies are out of the oven, dip or drizzle each cookie with the glaze.
- Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.