There’s something magical about the aroma of warm spices and citrus drifting through the kitchen. It’s a scent that feels like comfort, celebration, and nostalgia all at once. Orange Clove Cookies deliver exactly that—soft, fragrant, beautifully spiced cookies with a bright citrus twist and a delicate glaze that melts in your mouth. These cookies have the charm of an old-fashioned holiday treat, yet they’re elegant enough for gifting, special occasions, or enjoying with an afternoon cup of tea.
Inspired by classic spice cookies but elevated with fresh orange zest, honey, molasses, and a whisper of Cointreau, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of warmth and brightness. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice creates a cozy, layered flavor profile that makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you bake them for the holidays or simply because you love spiced citrus treats, these cookies are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with joy—and your cookie jar with something delightful.
Recipe Overview
Orange Clove Cookies are soft, aromatic cookies flavored with fresh orange zest, warm spices, honey, and molasses. Finished with a luscious orange glaze enhanced with Cointreau or fresh juice, they strike the perfect balance between citrusy brightness and comforting spice. These cookies bake beautifully, hold their shape, and stay tender for days—making them ideal for seasonal baking or gift boxes.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s everything that goes into these festive, flavor-packed cookies, along with tips for perfect texture and taste.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 170 g butter, softened
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fancy molasses
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Optional: finely chopped dehydrated orange rings
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- A pinch of ground clove and allspice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Glaze
- 1¼ cup icing sugar
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2–3 tbsp Cointreau (or more orange juice for alcohol-free)
- A pinch of ground clove
Instructions
1. Cream the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth, light, and creamy.
Tip: The molasses adds depth and color, while honey keeps the cookies tender—don’t skip either if possible.
2. Add Orange Zest and Spices
Mix in the orange zest and optional dehydrated orange pieces. Then add all the spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice.
Tip: Freshly grated nutmeg brings extra warmth—highly recommended!
3. Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour. If too dry, add a tiny splash of orange juice or milk.
4. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
Roll the dough into small balls or press using cookie stamps or cutters. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set—usually around 8–12 minutes, depending on size.
Tip: Don’t overbake. These cookies are best when soft.
6. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Icing sugar
- Orange juice
- Cointreau (or extra orange juice)
- Pinch of clove
Adjust the consistency with more juice or sugar as needed. It should be smooth and slightly thick.
7. Glaze the Cookies
Dip the tops of the warm cookies into the glaze or drizzle it over them. Place them briefly back in the warm oven—just 1–2 minutes—to help the glaze set and adhere. This creates a beautiful glossy finish.
8. Cool and Store
Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week—though they rarely last that long!
Baking Tips & Variations
Make Them Chewy or Crispy
- For chewier cookies, shorten the bake time slightly.
- For crispier cookies, flatten the dough and bake 1–2 minutes longer.
Add Texture
Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Boost the Citrus
Add a teaspoon of orange extract or an extra zest for a brighter orange flavor.
Holiday Touch
Roll dough balls in spiced sugar (sugar + cinnamon + clove) before baking for a sparkling finish.
Kid-Friendly Version
Skip the Cointreau and use all orange juice in the glaze.
Decorative Option
These cookies hold stamped designs nicely—perfect for holiday gift tins.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room Temperature: Up to 7 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months; thaw and glaze when serving.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are wonderful with:
- A hot cup of tea or spiced coffee
- A festive dessert platter
- Holiday brunch spreads
- Gift baskets tied with ribbon
They pair especially well with beverages that have citrus or spice notes.
Orange Clove Cookies are everything you want in a seasonal treat—warm, fragrant, a little nostalgic, and beautifully brightened with citrus. They’re easy to make, adaptable, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking them for holidays, gatherings, or simply because your kitchen deserves that magical citrus-spice aroma, these cookies promise to deliver pure comfort and joy.
With their tender crumb, rich glaze, and enchanting flavor, you might just find yourself making them all year long.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for 3 months.
2. Can I omit the molasses?
Molasses adds depth, color, and moisture. If you leave it out, add an extra tablespoon of honey and a splash of orange juice.
3. Can I make these cookies without alcohol?
Absolutely—replace Cointreau with orange juice in the glaze.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but expect a denser, slightly darker cookie. A 50/50 mix works well.
5. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them with a small slice of bread or a piece of apple to maintain moisture.
Delicious Orange Clove Cookies made with warm spices, fresh orange zest, honey, and molasses, finished with a bright citrus glaze. Perfect for holidays, gifting, and cozy baking days!