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Orange Clove Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 124 reviews

Delight in these aromatic Orange Clove Cookies that blend the warm flavors of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg with bright orange zest. Soft, tender, and perfectly glazed with a citrus-infused icing, these cookies are ideal for festive occasions or cozy afternoons with tea.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

  • 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 more orange juice for alcohol-free version)
  • A pinch of ground clove

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sweeteners: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  2. Add zest and spices: Mix in the orange zest and optionally the finely chopped dehydrated orange rings, followed by all the spices ensuring even distribution.
  3. Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky; add more flour if too sticky or a splash of milk/water if too stiff.
  4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up and develop flavors, making it easier to shape.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare cookies: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Portion the dough into balls ranging from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon each depending on desired cookie size. If using a cookie stamp, dust both dough and stamp with flour before pressing; alternatively, roll out dough and use cookie cutters.
  6. Bake: Place the cookies spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set. Slight underbaking yields a tender texture.
  7. Make the glaze: While cookies bake, whisk together icing sugar, fresh orange juice, Cointreau (or extra orange juice), and ground clove until thick but pourable.
  8. Glaze and finish baking: When cookies are cool enough to handle, either dip or drizzle them with the glaze. Return to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to let the glaze set and crackle subtly.
  9. Cool and store: Let the glazed cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Flavors deepen wonderfully after resting for a day or two.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic version of the glaze, substitute Cointreau with more fresh orange juice.
  • Dehydrated orange rings add a lovely texture and intensified citrus flavor but are optional.
  • Use freshly grated nutmeg and freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
  • Ensure not to overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy inside.
  • Cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature before glazing for best results.

Keywords: orange cookies, clove cookies, spiced cookies, holiday cookies, glazed cookies, orange zest cookies

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/orange-clove-cookies-recipe/