As the colder months approach, I find myself yearning for cozy treats that evoke comfort and warmth. When I came across the perfect blend of citrus and spice, I knew I had struck gold: Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze. The moment those heavenly cookies hit the oven, my kitchen transformed into a fragrant haven filled with the warm scent of cloves dancing with fresh orange zest.
This recipe not only brings joy to the senses, but it’s also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging on a quiet Sunday, these cookies are bound to brighten your day. With gentle notes of citrus and a glossy glaze that sparkles, they offer a delightful treat everyone will love. And the best part? You can easily make them vegan-friendly or gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. Prepare to impress your loved ones—and perhaps even yourself—with these simple yet elegant cookies that encapsulate the essence of homemade love!
Why Choose the Orange Clove Cookies Recipe?
Irresistible Aromas: The warm scent of cloves combined with fresh orange zest fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily adapt this recipe to meet your dietary needs without compromising on taste!
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The blend of citrus and spice offers a refreshing yet comforting profile that will delight your taste buds.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for gatherings or quiet weekends—these cookies fit any occasion.
Simple Instructions: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a stunning batch of cookies ready to impress; check out my tips for making them even better!
Orange Clove Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Flour – A staple that provides the structure for your Orange Clove Cookies; use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free option.
• Butter – Richness and moisture come from this ingredient; swap it with vegan butter for a dairy-free treat.
• Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to the glaze’s lovely texture; feel free to adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• Cloves – These spices add warmth and depth, making them essential to the cookie’s flavor; nutmeg also works nicely as a substitution.
• Orange Zest – Enhances the bright citrus flavor; fresh orange juice is a perfect replacement for Cointreau in the glaze.
• Eggs – Vital for binding the dough together; for a vegan version, use flaxseed meal or applesauce.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – The key ingredient to achieve a glossy finish on your spiced glaze; essential for that beautiful presentation.
• Orange Juice – Adds a citrusy zing to the glaze; using fresh juice will elevate the flavor.
• Cinnamon (optional) – A sprinkle can complement the glaze with a hint of warmth.
These Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze promise to create delightful moments that you (and everyone you share them with) will cherish.
How to Make Orange Clove Cookies
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Prepare Dough: Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, typically around 3-5 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs, followed by the orange zest and cloves, creating a fragrant mixture. Finally, gradually add in your flour until just combined, ensuring not to over-mix.
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Chill: Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies firm up, allowing for a better shape when baking.
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Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out your favorite shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to spread.
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Bake: Slide the baking tray into the oven and bake the cookies for about 12-16 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. They may still feel soft to the touch; they will firm up as they cool.
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Add Glaze: Let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. Then, dip or drizzle the spiced orange glaze over the cookies and return them to the oven briefly to enhance the glaze’s crispiness.
Optional: Garnish with extra orange zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an added touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Orange Clove Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness and softness.
Fridge: For longer storage, place cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week; just be sure they’re sealed well to avoid absorbing odors.
Freezer: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, let the dough thaw in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: To refresh your Orange Clove Cookies, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes—this will revive their delightful softness and warmth!
Orange Clove Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delicious cookies and make them your own!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. You won’t miss a beat in taste!
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Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a plant-based delight. These substitutions maintain the rich, comforting flavor.
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Spiced Twist: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cloves. This can elevate the flavor profile and add an exciting surprise!
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Citrus Boost: For added zing, mix in a bit of lemon or lime zest into the dough. A burst of citrus brightness can wonderfully balance the spices.
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Choco-Citrus: Dip the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate instead of glaze for a decadent touch. The richness of chocolate pairs beautifully with the citrus.
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Heat Factor: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder into the dough for a spicy kick that complements the sweet and citrusy notes perfectly. A fiery surprise awaits in every bite!
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Nuts or Fruit: Incorporate chopped walnuts or dried cranberries for texture and an extra layer of flavor. The addition of nuts gives a delightful crunch!
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Ice Cream Sandwiches: Transform these cookies into ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between two cookies. The combination is an unforgettable treat!
What to Serve with Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze?
Transform your delightful cookie experience into a full-on cozy gathering with perfect pairings that enchant the senses.
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Black Tea: Its warm, herbal notes complement the spices in the cookies, creating a soothing experience that warms you from the inside out. Enjoying a sip while indulging in a cookie feels like a warm hug.
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Coffee: The rich bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the spiced glaze, making each bite even more satisfying. Pairing these cookies with a freshly brewed cup elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
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Citrus Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal citrus fruits enhances the cookies’ citrus notes, providing a vibrant contrast that brightens up your dessert table. Garnish with fresh mint for added color and flavor!
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Gingerbread Cheesecake: For a more decadent option, the rich and spiced flavor of gingerbread cheesecake harmonizes perfectly with these cookies, allowing guests to indulge in a delightful dessert duet.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy element that balances the cookie’s warmth, making each bite a delightful experience. Perfect for a cozy evening!
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Red Wine: A glass of light, fruity red wine can enhance the spice elements, creating a delightful, sophisticated pairing that fosters deeper conversation at your gathering.
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Mulled Cider: The warm spices in mulled cider echo the cookie’s ingredients while adding a festive feel, making it a perfect fall or winter pairing. Sip it alongside your cookies for an aromatic experience.
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The sweet and salty combination of chocolate-covered pretzels creates textural excitement and a flavor burst alongside the warm notes of the cookies. A fun treat for everyone to enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Orange Clove Cookies
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Soften Butter Properly: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming; if it’s too cold, the cookies may become dense.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps to solidify the butter, promoting a better shape while preventing excessive spread during baking.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; over-baking will lead to dry, hard cookies. They should retain a slight softness when you remove them from the oven.
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Flavor Boost: For a more intense experience, combine fresh orange juice and zest in both the cookie dough and glaze for a vibrant flavor.
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Versatile Substitutions: Remember, you can easily modify the Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze Recipe to be vegan and gluten-free without losing the delightful taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze are perfect for busy home cooks looking for meal prep solutions! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by creaming the butter and sugar, mixing in the remaining ingredients, and wrapping the dough tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. If you’re planning further ahead, the unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and roll out the chilled dough, cutting into shapes before baking. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have delightful, fresh cookies with minimal last-minute effort, ensuring they’re just as delicious when served!
Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze Recipe FAQs
What type of flour works best for these cookies?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for these Orange Clove Cookies, as it provides the perfect structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend will work wonderfully without compromising flavor!
How should I store the cookies for optimal freshness?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week; just be sure they are well-sealed to avoid absorbing any fridge odors.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing unbaked dough is a great way to save time. Simply wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling out and cutting your cookies.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Don’t worry; this can be easily fixed! Ensure your butter is softened correctly—if it’s too warm, it can lead to excess spreading. Also, letting your dough chill for at least one hour before baking is crucial; this helps the butter firm up again, reducing spread.
Can I make a vegan version of these cookies?
Very! You can swap traditional butter for vegan butter, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute. This way, everyone can indulge in the joy of your delicious Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze!
Is it safe for pets to eat cookies made with these ingredients?
While your Orange Clove Cookies are a delightful treat for humans, many ingredients can be harmful to pets, especially chocolate and certain spices. Therefore, it’s best to keep these cookies on the human-only dessert table and provide your pets with treats specifically made for them!
Irresistible Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, followed by the orange zest and cloves.
- Gradually add in the flour until just combined; do not over-mix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out shapes and place on a lined baking sheet, giving space to spread.
- Bake for 12-16 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Let cookies cool for a couple of minutes before dipping or drizzling the glaze.
- Return them to the oven briefly to enhance the glaze's crispiness.