I still remember the first time I baked Orange Clove Cookies. It was a chilly winter afternoon, and I wanted something cozy that filled the house with warmth without requiring a complicated recipe. The moment the Orange Clove Cookies came out of the oven, the air was thick with the inviting scent of citrus and spice—the kind that just makes you want to curl up with a hot drink and a good book. A friend had given me the recipe, saying, “These are easy, but everyone always asks for the recipe.” Over time, these cookies became a staple in my kitchen, especially during the colder months.
What I love most about Orange Clove Cookies is how approachable they are. They fit perfectly into everyday cooking and holiday gatherings alike. Whether it’s a simple afternoon treat or the centerpiece of a holiday cookie tray, these citrus spice cookies bring a subtle yet satisfying flavor that feels both fresh and classic. If you’re like me and appreciate homemade spiced cookies that don’t demand tons of fuss, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned making Orange Clove Cookies a reliable crowd-pleaser, and I think you’ll find it’s a dessert worth keeping in your rotation.
It’s these fragrant winter cookies that never fail to spark compliments, whether you’re serving friends, family, or just enjoying a quiet moment alone. And if you want to keep that festive spirit going, you might also like this Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread. I promise, you’ll find the simplicity and flavor hard to beat.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
This is the base of your Orange Clove Cookies. No problem if you don’t have all-purpose right now—I’ve used a blend of white whole wheat and regular flour and it worked beautifully. - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter is the secret to that tender crumb and rich flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, vegan butter works fairly well, but the orange and clove flavors really shine with real butter. - ¾ cup granulated sugar
Sweetens these citrus spice cookies just right. For a slightly deeper flavor, I sometimes substitute half with brown sugar. - 1 large egg
Binds everything together nicely. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
You’ll find it on the baking aisle—this adds a subtle warmth that complements the cloves. - 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
This is the heart of the clove orange dessert taste—fresh zest makes all the difference. - 1 ½ tsp ground cloves
Grab this from your regular spice aisle. Don’t shy away from cloves—they’re what give these holiday spiced cookies their signature fragrant kick. - ½ tsp baking powder
Helps your Orange Clove Cookies stay light and soft. - ¼ tsp salt
This Orange Clove Cookies recipe is budget-friendly because it relies on simple pantry staples. The cloves and fresh orange zest might seem like extra steps, but trust me, they’re worth the small effort.
A quick kitchen tip—grate your orange zest before you start mixing, so it’s ready to incorporate seamlessly. If you happen to have leftover zest, it keeps well sealed in the fridge for a couple of days, perfect for your next homemade spiced cookies batch or even a citrusy salad dressing.
Let’s Cook It Together!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Prepping your pans early keeps things running smoothly.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I use a hand mixer on medium speed, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is where you start building the tender texture that sets these Orange Clove Cookies apart.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined. If your mixture looks a bit curdled, that’s okay—it will come together once the dry ingredients join in.
- Add the orange zest and ground cloves. The aroma here should make your kitchen smell incredible. I love this part—it feels like the holiday season, no matter the time of year.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is a good multitasking moment. While doing that, you can clean up your creaming bowl or prep your baking sheets.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing. The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk until it holds better.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. If the dough is too sticky, a quick chill for 15 minutes, wrapped in plastic, helps make it easier to handle.
- Cut your Orange Clove Cookies into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. I use simple circles or festive shapes depending on the season.
- Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just turning golden. If your Orange Clove Cookies look pale but firm, test one by touch—it should spring back lightly.
- Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from breaking and helps them set perfectly.
From start to finish, this Orange Clove Cookies recipe takes me about 45 minutes, including baking time. It’s great for a weeknight treat or a last-minute holiday baking session.
While the cookies bake, I usually pour myself a warm drink—sometimes a cranberry orange cardamom Christmas drink if it’s winter—and tidy up the kitchen. That little break makes the experience feel even more rewarding.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Orange Clove Cookies shines when served alongside a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. The subtle spice and citrus bite cut through creamy drinks beautifully.
For gatherings, these cookies pair wonderfully with a cheese platter or spiced nuts. The balance of sweet and fragrant flavors makes them ideal holiday spiced cookies for sharing.
Presentation is simple but effective—stacked on a pretty plate or arranged in a festive tin, these citrus spice cookies instantly brighten up any dessert table. If you’re serving kids or want to add a bit more fun, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a quick upgrade.
My favorite way to enjoy this Orange Clove Cookies is during a slow afternoon at home, maybe with a good book or some background music. They’re a comforting homemade spiced cookies option that’s always just right.
Got leftovers? Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or use them as a base for a clove orange dessert trifle. I’ve also stirred cookie crumbs into yogurt for a quick snack with a spicy twist.
Need ideas for holiday variations? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for even more warmth. You might also enjoy pairing these with other festive treats like Chocolate Cut-Out Heart Cookies for variety.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Orange Clove Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. I often make the dough over the weekend and bake fresh cookies during the week. Baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.What’s the best substitute for cloves in this Orange Clove Cookies?
If you’re not a fan of cloves, a simple swap is ground cinnamon or allspice, which keeps that warm, holiday spiced vibe without overpowering the orange. I tried this once when I ran out of cloves, and it was still a hit.How do I adjust this Orange Clove Cookies for more servings?
Doubling the recipe is straightforward—just use two bowls and keep your timing the same. If baking multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through for even cooking.Can I use orange extract instead of zest?
I prefer zest because it adds fresh oil and texture, but a teaspoon of orange extract can work if you’re short on fresh oranges. Just use less, since extracts are stronger.Are these cookies gluten-free or dairy-free?
This recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free or dairy-free. However, I have swapped to gluten-free flour blends and dairy-free butter with decent results, though the texture does change slightly.How do I keep these Orange Clove Cookies soft?
Don’t overbake them—10 minutes is usually enough. Storing in an airtight container with a slice of bread also helps maintain softness.Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped almonds or dried cranberries mix well into the dough. This turns your homemade spiced cookies into a more textured treat.
If you love these Orange Clove Cookies, you might enjoy this similar twist in the form of Orange-Spice Shortbread Cookies for another citrus-spiced delight.
Final Thoughts
Orange Clove Cookies hold a special spot in my recipe collection because they’re simple yet packed with flavor. They bring a little sunshine and spice to cold days and remind me of sharing moments with people I care about.
My Best Orange Clove Cookies Tips:
– Always use fresh orange zest for the best aroma.
– Don’t rush the creaming of butter and sugar—this step makes a big difference in texture.
– Chill the dough if it feels too sticky; it’s easier to handle and cuts cleaner.
I’ve tested several variations, like adding a pinch of cinnamon or using lemon zest instead of orange for a twist. The version I come back to the most—and that everyone asks me to bake—is the classic orange and clove combo every time.
I hope you’ll find making these Orange Clove Cookies just as rewarding. They’re straightforward, reliable, and just the kind of fragrant winter cookies that make any day feel a little brighter.
For dependable weeknight ideas with a citrus touch, check out my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce. Cooking is about savoring small moments, and these recipes fit right into everyday life.
Now, friend, it’s your turn to bring these Orange Clove Cookies to your table. I can’t wait to hear how they become one of your go-to treats!
Happy baking!
Orange Clove Cookies
Delight in these aromatic Orange Clove Cookies, blending zesty citrus with warm spices for a perfectly spiced, chewy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra citrus punch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze made of powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.