Description
Delight in these aromatic Orange Clove Cookies that blend the warm flavors of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg with bright orange zest. Soft, tender, and perfectly glazed with a citrus-infused icing, these cookies are ideal for festive occasions or cozy afternoons with tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 170 g butter, softened
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fancy molasses
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Optional: a few dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped
- 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
- 1¼ cup icing sugar
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2–3 tbsp Cointreau (or more orange juice for alcohol-free version)
- A pinch of ground clove
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Mix in the orange zest and optionally the finely chopped dehydrated orange rings, followed by all the spices ensuring even distribution.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky; add more flour if too sticky or a splash of milk/water if too stiff.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up and develop flavors, making it easier to shape.
- Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Portion the dough into balls ranging from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon each depending on desired cookie size. If using a cookie stamp, dust both dough and stamp with flour before pressing; alternatively, roll out dough and use cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set. Slight underbaking yields a tender texture.
- While cookies bake, whisk together icing sugar, fresh orange juice, Cointreau (or extra orange juice), and ground clove until thick but pourable.
- When cookies are cool enough to handle, either dip or drizzle them with the glaze. Return to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to let the glaze set and crackle subtly.
- Let the glazed cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Flavors deepen wonderfully after resting for a day or two.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
- Flavors improve after a day or two of resting.
- Adjust the amount of spices to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Orange Clove Cookies, cookies, dessert, baking, festive cookies