Orange Clove Cookies are not just a simple baked good; they are a delightful journey for your senses, a true celebration of comforting flavors. Get ready to experience a cookie that embodies warmth, zest, and a touch of nostalgic charm.
A Symphony of Festive Flavors
From the moment these cookies begin to bake, their enchanting aroma will sweep through your kitchen, transforming it into a haven of warmth and spice. The pairing of vibrant orange with rich, aromatic clove is a classic, deeply rooted in the traditions of holiday baking and winter celebrations across many cultures. Historically, oranges and cloves were prized for their unique fragrances and often combined to ward off winter chill or simply to bring joy during colder months. It’s a flavor profile that evokes images of crackling fires, cozy gatherings, and cherished memories, making them more than just a treat – they’re an experience.
What makes people utterly adore these particular cookies? It’s the exquisite balance. The bright, zesty notes of fresh orange zest provide a cheerful counterpoint to the deep, slightly peppery warmth of ground cloves. The result is a cookie that is both invigorating and soothing, with a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Every bite of these Orange Clove Cookies offers a harmonious blend of sweet, citrusy, and spicy nuances, making them an unforgettable treat for any occasion. I am confident that once you try them, they will become a cherished addition to your recipe collection, bringing smiles and warmth with every batch.
Ingredients:
- For the Orange Clove Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – this is the secret to their warm, distinctive flavor!
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2-3 large oranges)
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
- For the Optional Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon fresh orange zest (optional, for extra flavor and visual appeal)
Preparing the Orange Clove Cookie Dough
- Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you even think about mixing, take a moment to gather all your ingredients. Room temperature butter and eggs are crucial for a smooth, emulsified dough. If your butter isn’t soft enough, you risk lumps in your cookie dough, which can lead to uneven baking. I usually take my butter and eggs out of the fridge an hour or two before I plan to bake. This simple step makes a world of difference in the final texture of your Orange Clove Cookies. It ensures that everything comes together beautifully, creating that perfect foundation for a truly delicious cookie.
- Zest the Oranges: Using a microplane or the fine side of a box grater, carefully zest your oranges. Aim for just the bright orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. The pith can introduce an unwanted bitterness, so precision here is key. This zest is where a significant portion of the vibrant orange flavor for our Orange Clove Cookies comes from, so don’t skimp! Once zested, set aside a little extra zest for garnish later if you like – it adds a beautiful visual touch and reinforces the fresh citrus aroma.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, preferably using an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. You want to beat them until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter, creating a lighter, more tender cookie. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is evenly combined. This is a foundational step for perfectly soft, delightful Orange Clove Cookies; don’t rush it!
- Incorporate Eggs and Orange Zest: Add the large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. It’s important to let each egg blend completely before adding the next, preventing the mixture from curdling. After the eggs, add the fresh orange zest you prepared earlier. Beat for another minute or so until the zest is evenly distributed throughout the butter and sugar mixture. You should already start to smell the delightful citrus notes mingling with the sweet butter – it’s a truly intoxicating aroma that promises deliciousness!
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cloves, and fine sea salt. I always recommend sifting these ingredients together or at least whisking them thoroughly. This helps to prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and the aromatic cloves throughout your Orange Clove Cookies. The ground cloves are what give these cookies their distinctive warmth, spice, and depth, pairing exquisitely with the bright orange flavor, creating a truly unique cookie experience.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy cookies – and we’re aiming for tender, melt-in-your-mouth Orange Clove Cookies! Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain. A few small lumps are fine; it’s better to slightly undermix than to overmix.
- Add Orange Juice: Finally, pour in the fresh orange juice. Mix on low speed for just a few more seconds until it’s fully incorporated into the dough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is exactly what we’re looking for. This added liquid ensures the cookies remain moist and flavorful, enhancing the orange essence even further.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough is a non-negotiable step for these Orange Clove Cookies. It allows the flavors to meld and deepen, the butter to firm up (which prevents excessive spreading during baking), and the gluten to relax, resulting in a more flavorful, easier-to-handle, and perfectly textured cookie. Don’t skip this, I promise it’s worth the wait for that perfect cookie snap!
Baking Your Perfect Orange Clove Cookies
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Once your dough is sufficiently chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This is a crucial step for preventing sticking and ensuring even baking, making cleanup a breeze and guaranteeing your Orange Clove Cookies lift off the sheet effortlessly.
- Prepare the Dough for Baking: Remove one disk of chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. You can use a rolling pin for this. If the dough is too cold and hard to roll, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, but don’t let it get too warm or it will become sticky and difficult to work with. The goal is pliable, not mushy.
- Cut Out Cookies: Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer – stars, hearts, or even just a knife for squares work beautifully), cut out your Orange Clove Cookies. Carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 to 2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Gather any dough scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used. For the best texture, try not to re-roll the dough more than once or twice, as excessive handling can make the cookies tougher due to increased gluten development.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies, so it’s always good to do a test batch if you’re unsure. You want them to be just barely golden, as overbaking will make them dry and crumbly. I always keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, often rotating the tray halfway through for uniform browning. The kitchen will fill with the most incredible aroma of orange and clove!
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the Orange Clove Cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. They will be quite delicate straight out of the oven and can break easily if moved too soon. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack allows air circulation, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and ensuring a crisp, uniform texture. Repeat the process with the second disk of dough, ensuring you bake one sheet at a time for optimal results.
Crafting the Orange Glaze for Your Orange Clove Cookies
- Prepare the Glaze Ingredients: While your Orange Clove Cookies are cooling, you can prepare the simple yet delightful orange glaze. In a small bowl, measure out your powdered sugar. I always recommend sifting it first to remove any lumps, ensuring a super smooth glaze. Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for this glaze, as it offers the brightest, most authentic orange flavor, far superior to store-bought concentrate.
- Mix the Glaze: Gradually add the fresh orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, to the sifted powdered sugar. Whisk constantly until you achieve a smooth, pourable, but not too thin consistency. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and drip slowly, but not so thick that it won’t spread beautifully on the cookies. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. A pinch of additional orange zest can also be added directly to the glaze for an extra pop of color and flavor, making the glaze even more vibrant and appealing. This glaze truly elevates the brightness of these Orange Clove Cookies, creating a harmonious balance with the warm clove notes.
- Glaze the Cooled Cookies: Once the Orange Clove Cookies are completely cool (this is important, otherwise the glaze will melt and run off, creating a sticky mess instead of a beautiful coating), you can glaze them. You have a few options for application: you can drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon or a whisk for a rustic look, dip the tops of the cookies directly into the glaze for full coverage, or even spread it on with a small offset spatula for a more even layer. I often find a simple drizzle to be both elegant and effective, allowing the beautiful cookie to show through.
- Allow Glaze to Set and Garnish: Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch any drips, making cleanup easier. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes, or until it hardens slightly. The setting time will vary depending on the humidity in your kitchen. For an extra touch of beauty and flavor, you can sprinkle a little reserved orange zest over the wet glaze before it sets. This adds a fantastic visual appeal, a burst of fresh aroma, and reinforces the citrus note in your finished Orange Clove Cookies, making them irresistible.
- Storage: Store your finished Orange Clove Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. I find they tend to get even more flavorful after a day or two, as the orange and clove notes really have time to marry and deepen throughout the cookie. They also freeze beautifully without the glaze for up to 3 months; simply thaw them completely at room temperature and glaze before serving when you’re ready to enjoy them fresh. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply as a comforting treat with your favorite hot beverage.
Conclusion:
Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of our delightful journey, but truly, it’s just the beginning of your own adventure in the kitchen. I genuinely hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about this incredible recipe. If there’s one treat you add to your baking repertoire this season, or any time you need a comforting, fragrant pick-me-up, it absolutely has to be these cookies. What makes them so utterly irresistible, you ask? It’s that perfect symphony of flavors—the bright, zesty burst of fresh orange peel dancing harmoniously with the warm, aromatic embrace of ground clove. It’s a combination that simply sings of cozy moments, festive gatherings, and pure, unadulterated joy. Every bite is a little explosion of sunshine and spice, a welcome departure from the ordinary, and a testament to how truly magical simple ingredients can be when brought together with love and intention. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little disks of happiness, crafted to brighten your day and fill your home with an aroma that’s nothing short of enchanting. The soft, chewy texture, coupled with that uniquely vibrant flavor profile, ensures they stand out from the crowd, making them a memorable addition to any cookie plate or an exquisite standalone indulgence.
Now, let’s talk about how to truly make these cookies shine, or how to put your own personal twist on them. While they are utterly perfect straight out of the oven, perhaps with a slight dusting of powdered sugar to catch the light, there are so many ways to enjoy and enhance them. Imagine pairing these beauties with a steaming mug of spiced chai, a robust cup of freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of chilled milk for a comforting afternoon treat. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling them with a simple orange glaze – just a little powdered sugar whisked with fresh orange juice and a tiny bit of zest will do the trick – to amplify that citrusy punch. Or, for a truly decadent experience, a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on one side can elevate these cookies to gourmet status, the slight bitterness of the chocolate playing beautifully against the sweet spice. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even make them into sandwich cookies, filling them with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of extra orange zest. For those who love a bit of texture, a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the dough before baking would add a wonderful crunch. These Orange Clove Cookies are incredibly versatile, ready to adapt to your mood or the occasion. They’re not just for holidays; they’re perfect for a thoughtful hostess gift, a delightful addition to a brunch spread, or simply a well-deserved treat after a long day.
So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on this wonderful baking adventure. Trust me, the delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen alone is worth the effort! There’s an undeniable satisfaction in creating something so delicious from scratch, and even more so in sharing it with loved ones. Once you’ve experienced the pure delight of these amazing cookies, I would absolutely love to hear about it. Please don’t hesitate to share your baking journey, your serving suggestions, or any creative variations you come up with. Did you add something special? Serve them in a unique way? Snap a photo of your beautiful creations! Your experiences and insights inspire not just me, but our entire community of fellow bakers. Let’s celebrate the joy of homemade goodness together. Happy baking!
Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies: Zesty Spiced Perfection!
Experience a delightful journey of comforting flavors with these soft and chewy Orange Clove Cookies. Combining vibrant orange zest with warm, aromatic ground cloves, and finished with an optional zesty glaze, they are an unforgettable treat for any occasion. This recipe also incorporates additional notes of honey, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom for an even deeper, more festive flavor profile.
Ingredients
-
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
-
1 teaspoon ground cloves
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
½ teaspoon ground ginger
-
½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
-
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
-
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
-
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
-
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2-3 large oranges)
-
¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
-
2 tablespoons honey
-
2 tablespoons fancy molasses
-
For the Optional Orange Glaze:
-
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
-
3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
-
½ teaspoon fresh orange zest (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
-
Step 1
Before mixing, gather all your ingredients. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature; this is crucial for a smooth, emulsified dough and a perfect final texture. Take them out of the fridge an hour or two before baking. -
Step 2
Using a microplane or fine grater, carefully zest your oranges, aiming for just the bright orange part and avoiding the bitter white pith. This zest provides a significant portion of the vibrant orange flavor. Set aside a little extra zest for garnish if desired. -
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl (preferably using an electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly combined. -
Step 4
Add the large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, add the honey and fancy molasses, beating until combined. Finally, add the fresh orange zest. Beat for another minute or so until the zest is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. -
Step 5
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, ground ginger, grated nutmeg, and ground cardamom. Sifting or thorough whisking helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices. -
Step 6
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain; a few small lumps are fine. -
Step 7
Pour in the fresh orange juice. Mix on low speed for just a few more seconds until it’s fully incorporated into the dough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is desired. -
Step 8
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is a non-negotiable step; it allows flavors to meld, butter to firm up (preventing excessive spreading), and gluten to relax, resulting in a perfectly textured cookie. -
Step 9
Once your dough is sufficiently chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. -
Step 10
Remove one disk of chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. If the dough is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to become pliable, but don’t let it get too warm. -
Step 11
Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or your preferred shape), cut out your cookies. Carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 to 2 inches between each cookie for slight spreading. Gather any dough scraps, gently re-roll them once or twice, and cut out more cookies. -
Step 12
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Exact baking time varies by oven and cookie size. Watch closely and rotate the tray halfway through for uniform browning. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft. -
Step 13
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. They are delicate when hot. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with the second disk of dough. -
Step 14
While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, sift powdered sugar. Gradually add fresh orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, whisking constantly until you achieve a smooth, pourable, but not too thin consistency. A pinch of additional orange zest can be added for extra flavor and visual appeal. -
Step 15
Once the cookies are completely cool (this prevents the glaze from melting), glaze them. You can drizzle with a spoon, dip the tops for full coverage, or spread with a small offset spatula. A simple drizzle is often elegant and effective. -
Step 16
Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch any drips. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes, or until it hardens slightly (setting time varies with humidity). For an extra touch, sprinkle a little reserved orange zest over the wet glaze before it sets. -
Step 17
Store your finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. They tend to become even more flavorful after a day or two. They also freeze beautifully without the glaze for up to 3 months; simply thaw completely at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
