There’s something magical about cookies that bring both warmth and brightness with every bite, and Orange Clove Cookies do exactly that. These spiced gems blend the cozy notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove with the lively freshness of orange. The result? A cookie that feels like winter holidays, afternoon tea, and homemade comfort all wrapped into one fragrant treat.
If you love desserts with personality—bold aromas, soft textures, and a touch of citrus sparkle—these cookies deliver in every way. The combination of honey, fancy molasses, and butter creates a deep, rich base, while orange zest lifts the flavor into something truly special. Whether you’re prepping a festive cookie box, gifting thoughtful homemade treats, or simply filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas, these cookies make the moment memorable.
Elegant enough for gatherings and easy enough for everyday baking, Orange Clove Cookies might just become your new seasonal (or year-round!) favorite.
Recipe Overview
Orange Clove Cookies are buttery, spiced cookies infused with orange zest and sweetened with honey and molasses. Finished with a citrus-clove glaze, they strike the perfect balance between warm seasonal spices and bright, zesty notes. They bake soft, tender, and incredibly aromatic—ideal for holidays, cold days, or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients & Instructions
These cookies are straightforward to make yet full of depth and sophistication. Here’s everything you need to bring them to life.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- Pinch of ground clove and allspice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
Glaze
- 1¼ cup icing sugar
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2–3 tbsp Cointreau (or extra orange juice)
- Pinch of ground clove
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter & Sweeteners
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the texture becomes pale, smooth, and creamy. This step is essential for creating a tender cookie.
2. Add Citrus & Spices
Mix in the orange zest and finely chopped dehydrated orange if you’re using it. Next, blend in the spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice. The fragrance alone will tell you you’re on the right track.
3. Add the Flour
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it feels dry, a tiny splash of orange juice or water will help it bind.
4. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Shape & Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll the dough into balls or use cookie stamps/cutters for festive shapes. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a bit of space between each cookie.
Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set. The key is not to overbake—these cookies should stay soft.
6. Prepare the Glaze
Whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau, and a pinch of clove. The glaze should be smooth, slightly thick, and fragrant with citrus.
7. Glaze the Cookies
Dip or drizzle the warm cookies with the glaze. For a professional finish, place the glazed cookies back into the oven for 1–2 minutes—just long enough to help the glaze set beautifully.
8. Cool Completely
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Adjust the Spice Level
Love bold spice? Add extra cinnamon or ginger. Prefer a softer flavor? Cut the clove in half—it’s powerful!
2. Use Freshly Grated Nutmeg
Fresh nutmeg adds unmatched aroma compared to pre-ground. Just a few strokes on a microplane makes a world of difference.
3. Add Texture
Stir in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
4. Try Different Citrus
Swap orange zest for lemon or grapefruit zest to create an entirely new flavor profile.
5. Boozy vs Non-Boozy Glaze
Cointreau adds depth and warmth, but you can easily make it alcohol-free by using only fresh orange juice.
6. Freeze for Later
These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Freeze the dough or baked cookies (without glaze) and ice them when ready to serve.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked (unglazed) cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze when needed.
Serving
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A cup of Earl Grey or chai tea
- Hot chocolate with cinnamon
- Mulled wine during the holidays
- A citrusy dessert platter
Their warm spice and citrus brightness make them ideal for winter gatherings, afternoon treats, or edible gifts.
Orange Clove Cookies are a celebration of cozy spices and vibrant citrus. Each bite is warm, aromatic, and delightfully soft, making these cookies the perfect treat for holiday baking or anytime you crave something comforting yet bright. With their fragrant glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sure to become a baking staple in your kitchen. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed quietly with your favorite drink, these cookies always bring a little joy.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Do I have to use Cointreau in the glaze?
No—the glaze works perfectly with just orange juice.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze before glazing for best results.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter provides the best flavor and texture.
5. Why return cookies to the oven after glazing?
It helps the glaze set smoothly and prevents it from staying tacky.
These fragrant Orange Clove Cookies blend warm spices, citrus zest, honey, and molasses for a cozy, aromatic treat—finished with a bright orange-clove glaze. Perfect for holidays or everyday baking!
