Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Orange Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These spiced orange clove cookies are soft, flavorful, and topped with a bright zesty glaze. Infused with warm spices and fresh citrus, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for sharing or savoring with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Zesty Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Beat in 1 egg, orange zest, 1 tablespoon orange juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined, forming a soft dough.
6. Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons or use a cookie scoop to place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Step 8: For the glaze, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust thickness if needed.
9. Step 9: Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional orange zest. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh spices and fresh orange juice to ensure the best flavor and aroma.
• For a stronger orange flavor, add extra orange zest to the dough or glaze.
• Try substituting butter with margarine or coconut oil for a different texture and taste.
• Gluten-free flour blends can be used as a 1:1 substitute if needed.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze will soften slightly over time. To refresh, warm the cookies briefly in a microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help deepen the flavors and make rolling easier.

How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

If the glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add small amounts of orange juice until you reach the desired consistency.

Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Orange Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

These Irresistible Spiced Orange Clove Cookies feature a delightful blend of warm spices and zesty orange flavor, perfectly complemented by a tangy orange glaze. Soft, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, these cookies are a cozy treat ideal for any occasion.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Zesty Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt until fully combined. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1 large egg, the zest of 1 orange, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
5. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until a soft, pliable dough forms, taking care not to overmix for the best texture.
6. Shape Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but not hard.
8. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
9. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice if necessary.
10. Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over them and sprinkle with fresh orange zest for a bright, decorative finish.
11. Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to ensure it firms up nicely.

Notes

• Use fresh spices for the richest flavor impact.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest make the glaze vibrant and zesty.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• For thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for thinner glaze, add a bit more orange juice.
• Handle dough gently to avoid tough cookies—do not overmix after adding dry ingredients.

Keywords: orange clove cookies, spiced cookies, orange zest cookies, holiday cookies, spiced orange glaze, festive cookies