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Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Orange Glaze Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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