Introduction

Orange Clove Cookies offer a delightful blend of warm spices and bright citrus flavor, perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. These tender cookies are enhanced by a sweet, zesty glaze that adds a beautiful finishing touch.

A pile of light brown, round and star-shaped cookies with white icing on top sits on a white plate. The cookies have a rough texture and are decorated with dried orange slices and star anise on some. Two cinnamon sticks rest on the plate, alongside green pine branches. Around the plate, there are more cookies and dried orange slices scattered. The background is a white marbled surface with warm candle lights shining softly, surrounded by rustic decorative balls and pine cones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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.
Step 2: Mix in the orange zest and optional dehydrated orange rings, followed by cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be pliable and slightly sticky; if too sticky, add a bit more flour, or if too stiff, add a splash of milk or water.
Step 4: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up for easier shaping and better flavor development.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Shape the dough into balls sized between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon, depending on your preferred cookie size. If using a cookie stamp, dust the dough and stamp with flour before pressing; alternatively, roll the dough and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
Step 6: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but still tender.
Step 7: While baking, whisk together icing sugar, fresh orange juice, Cointreau (or extra orange juice), and ground clove to make a thick but pourable glaze.
Step 8: After baking, let cookies cool slightly, then dip or drizzle each cookie with the glaze. Return to the oven for 1–2 minutes to set the glaze and achieve a slight crackle.
Step 9: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense orange flavor, add extra zest or finely chopped dried orange peel to the dough.
Substitute Cointreau with Grand Marnier or triple sec, or simply use more orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Try rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra sweet, spiced crust.
Use a cookie stamp or cutters to create decorative shapes perfect for gifting or parties.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The flavors will deepen after a day or two. To reheat, warm briefly in a low oven or microwave to refresh the glaze’s texture.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with about twelve round, pale gray cookies with a slightly cracked glaze and fluted edges, some stacked and one broken in half revealing a light brown crumb inside; the cookies are topped with small pieces of dried orange slice and surrounded by more dried orange slices, two cinnamon sticks, and star anise on the plate and scattered around it on a white marbled surface; warm, glowing candles and rustic brown twine balls add a cozy, festive feel to the dark background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have some of the spices listed?

You can omit spices like cardamom or allspice without greatly affecting the overall flavor. Stick with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger for a classic spiced cookie taste.