If you are searching for a cookie that perfectly captures the spirit of cozy gatherings and festive cheer, look no further than Orange Clove Cookies – A Warm and Festive Spiced Treat Recipe. These delightful cookies blend the bright zestiness of orange with the aromatic warmth of cloves and cinnamon, making each bite a celebration of classic holiday flavors. The balance of sweet and spice creates a treat that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring with a cup of tea by the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies comes from a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture, fragrant aroma, and burst of flavor that defines this recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their tender, chewy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise just enough for a light bite without spreading too much.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a warm, slightly sweet spice that’s essential for that festive flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Works in harmony with the cloves to create a cozy, spiced profile.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Injects fresh citrus brightness and aroma that awakens the senses.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Ensures the dough is rich and luscious for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps create a lovely cookie crust.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings deep molasses undertones and extra moisture to keep cookies soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice: Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds a subtle tangy note.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- Additional sugar for rolling (optional): Creates a sparkly, sweet exterior that’s irresistible to bite into.
How to Make Orange Clove Cookies – A Warm and Festive Spiced Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and orange zest. This ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed, so every cookie bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, lending the cookies their tender texture and slight chewiness. The combination of sugars also adds depth to the sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The orange juice is what makes this recipe shine, intensifying the citrus notes that complement the rich spices beautifully.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients to Form Dough
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Doing this slowly helps avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined and a soft dough forms. This dough will be fragrant with a perfect balance of warm spices and bright orange zest.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. If you want an extra touch of sparkle and crunch, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. The spacing helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers are set. Don’t worry if they look slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here means perfect texture!
How to Serve Orange Clove Cookies – A Warm and Festive Spiced Treat Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of a citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice can add a pretty, festive touch that enhances the orange flavor. A sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel or even a few whole cloves on top before baking makes for a charming presentation and extra spice kick.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with these cookies than a warm cup of chai, a mug of rich hot chocolate, or simply a glass of cold milk. The spices in the cookies mirror and complement the flavors of these beverages, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, arrange these cookies on a festive platter alongside fresh sprigs of rosemary or cranberry clusters for color contrast. Gift them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a bright orange ribbon to share the warmth of this spiced treat with friends and neighbors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your Orange Clove Cookies – A Warm and Festive Spiced Treat Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the spices continue to develop and mingle beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked and fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a festive snack.
Reheating
Reheat your cookies briefly in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to regain a freshly baked warmth and soft texture. This step refreshes the flavors, making each bite as delightful as the day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground cloves with another spice?
While ground cloves provide a distinct warmth and slight sweetness, you can substitute with ground nutmeg or allspice if needed, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. For the best festive experience, try to keep cloves in the mix.
Will the cookies be chewy or crispy?
These Orange Clove Cookies have a lovely chewy texture with slightly crisp edges, thanks to the balance of brown and granulated sugars and the baking time. If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer, but watch closely to avoid over-baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Feel free to prepare the dough and refrigerate it tightly wrapped for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can even improve the flavor and prevent spreading while baking.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in sugar before baking?
Rolling the dough balls in sugar is optional but highly recommended if you love a bit of sparkle and an extra sweet crunch on the outside. It also adds a pretty finish that’s quite festive.
How can I intensify the orange flavor?
To boost orange notes, use freshly grated zest and freshly squeezed juice. You could also add a teaspoon of orange extract in place of vanilla for a more pronounced citrus kick.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with these Orange Clove Cookies – A Warm and Festive Spiced Treat Recipe. They bring together the essence of the holidays in every chewy, fragrant bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or just treating yourself, these cookies offer a sprinkle of warmth and joy that’s hard to resist. So grab your ingredients and have fun baking—they’re bound to become one of your seasonal favorites in no time!
Print
Orange Clove Cookies – A Warm and Festive Spiced Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Clove Cookies are a warm and festive spiced treat perfect for the holiday season. Combining aromatic ground cloves and cinnamon with bright orange zest and juice, these soft cookies offer a delightful balance of citrus and spice. Rolled optionally in sugar for a sparkling finish, they are easy to prepare and bake, making them a cozy and inviting dessert for family gatherings or gift-giving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and orange zest until well combined. This will evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is essential for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth, creating a flavorful base for the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. If desired, roll the dough balls in additional granulated sugar to add a sparkling finish and slight crunch.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the shaped dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- The cookies develop richer flavors if left overnight as the spices have time to meld.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a festive citrus glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon orange juice and drizzle over cooled cookies for added sweetness and decoration.
