I still remember the first time my daughter asked me to bake Orange Clove Cookies for our holiday gathering. It was late November, and she said she wanted something different—something warm and citrusy with a little spice that reminded her of cozy celebrations past. Baking these cookies brought the whole family into the kitchen, drawn by the sweet, aromatic scent that filled our home. When I pulled the first batch out of the oven, the smiles around the table told me these Orange Clove Cookies were something special.
Orange Clove Cookies have become one of my go-to recipes for holiday spiced treats because they have that perfect balance of fresh orange zest and the distinctive warmth of clove. My kitchen feels inviting every time I prepare these aromatic citrus cookies, and my family has grown to love the way they bring everyone together. They’re simple enough to make on a busy weeknight yet sophisticated enough to feel like a celebration.
Over time, I learned some kitchen tips that take these citrus spiced cookies from good to memorable. I’ll be sharing those with you here, so you can feel confident making Orange Clove Cookies for your own family. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon, a holiday party, or a special snack, these cookies offer that comforting, spiced touch you want on the table.
If you’re looking for a unique take on traditional holiday cookies, this Orange Clove Cookies recipe fits perfectly. And if your family enjoys these, they’ll also love other citrus recipes like the Christmas cranberry orange cookies or the Christmas cookies with orange juice I often turn to during the season. I’m excited to guide you through making Orange Clove Cookies that your household will ask for again and again.
What You’ll Need
For your Orange Clove Cookies, here’s a simple list of ingredients that keeps things easy while delivering rich flavor:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the foundation of our orange zest cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Just enough to give a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – The key to that distinct clove flavor in these clove flavored biscuits.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Use good-quality butter for the best texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds the sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind your dough.
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest – Fresh zest makes these aromatic citrus cookies shine.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice – Adds a subtle citrus tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
You’ll find everything for this Orange Clove Cookies recipe at your regular grocery store, from spices to fresh oranges. For the best result, I recommend using freshly grated orange zest instead of pre-packaged for the brightest flavor. If you don’t have cloves on hand, you can swap half the amount with ground cinnamon for a slightly different but still lovely holiday spiced treat.
My family prefers a bit extra zest in our orange zest cookies, so feel free to adjust according to your taste. Also, letting your butter soften to room temperature before mixing helps make your clove flavored biscuits tender and easy to shape.
How to Make It
Here’s how I prepare Orange Clove Cookies step by step, with straightforward instructions to help you feel confident baking each batch.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly.
- Whisk together dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cloves. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy—about 3 minutes. This brings air into the dough, making the cookies light.
- Add egg and flavorings. Beat the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Your kitchen will fill with the fresh, spicy scents that make these citrus spiced cookies so inviting.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the dough tough, so stop when you no longer see dry spots.
- Shape the cookies. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatter them slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake. This Orange Clove Cookies recipe typically takes about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers still seem soft. Don’t worry if they look a bit underdone—these cookies continue to firm as they cool.
- Cool completely. Transfer cookies to a wire rack. This gives them time to set perfectly while keeping that soft interior.
While your Orange Clove Cookies are baking, your home will smell like the perfect mix of holiday spiced treats. This is one of my favorite moments. If your dough seems sticky when shaping, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes—it’ll be easier to handle.
This Orange Clove Cookies recipe is forgiving. If you accidentally add a touch more clove, slicing some fresh orange peel alongside your presentation can balance the flavor nicely.
Serving Ideas
My family loves these Orange Clove Cookies fresh with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. They’re the kind of clove flavored biscuits everyone reaches for during the holidays or any cozy afternoon.
These aromatic citrus cookies go beautifully with a glass of cold milk or even coffee for grown-up snacking. For a party, try arranging them on a pretty platter with a few whole oranges and star anise to echo the flavors. This little presentation upgrade makes your holiday spiced treats feel extra special.
If you have leftovers, these orange zest cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week. My family also loves them lightly warmed, which revives that fresh-baked feeling.
We’ve tried adding a drizzle of simple icing made with powdered sugar and orange juice for a sweeter finish. It’s one of the variations that folks at my holiday table compliment often. Another favorite is baking a batch using cardamom instead of cloves for a slightly different spice profile.
If your household enjoys these Orange Clove Cookies, you might like to check out other family favorites like the Christmas cranberry orange cookies or the classic Christmas cookies with orange juice. Both recipes bring citrus spice to your cookie rotation in delicious new ways!
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Orange Clove Cookies dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often mix the dough the night before, wrap it tightly, and chill it overnight. Chilled dough is easier to shape and deepens the flavors of these citrus spiced cookies.
What if I don’t have fresh orange zest?
You can use dried orange peel flakes, but fresh zest really makes the orange flavor pop in this recipe. For a quick fix, add a splash of orange extract if you have it, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
How do I store leftover Orange Clove Cookies?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their texture well for about a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage.
Can I substitute another spice for ground cloves?
If cloves aren’t your favorite, try using cinnamon or allspice. Each gives a different take on these clove flavored biscuits but keeps that cozy holiday spiced treat vibe.
What if my Orange Clove Cookies spread too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15 minutes if it seems too soft. Spreading can also happen if you crowd the cookies on the baking sheet.
How do I get the best texture for these orange zest cookies?
Creaming the butter and sugar well is important, as is mixing just enough to combine. Overmixing flour makes cookies dense, which you want to avoid.
Are Orange Clove Cookies suitable for celebrations besides the holidays?
Definitely! They’re wonderful for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you want a cozy, aromatic citrus cookie. Some friends even bake them for Hanukkah, similar to orange spice cut-out cookies shared in a community recipe post.
If you want to experiment beyond this recipe, check out the German Lebkuchen cookie recipe for a honey-spiced treat or Orange-Spice Shortbread Cookies for a buttery, citrus twist.
The Final Word
Orange Clove Cookies have earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection because they bring something unique to the table. Their mix of fresh orange zest and spicy clove hits a sweet spot everyone in my family adores. They’ve become part of our holiday spiced treats lineup and appear spontaneously when we need a cozy pick-me-up.
My Orange Clove Cookies Tips:
– Always use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor.
– Chill the dough before baking to keep cookies neatly shaped.
– Cream butter and sugar well to create light, tender cookies.
I’ve tried versions replacing cloves with cardamom or adding a simple orange icing, and these variations always get great feedback. My daughter loves the original zest and clove mix, while my husband enjoys the cardamom twist. It’s fun to make it your own.
I hope you’ll feel confident making Orange Clove Cookies for your family and friends. Sharing these aromatic citrus cookies creates sweet moments around your table that turn into lasting memories.
For another idea your family might love, try pairing these with gingerbread crinkle cookies for a holiday cookie swap that’s full of warm spice and seasonal cheer!
Orange Clove Cookies
Delight in these fragrant Orange Clove Cookies, combining zesty citrus and warm spices for a perfect, naturally flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra citrus punch, drizzle a simple orange glaze over cooled cookies or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for added texture.