Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Orange Glaze Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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