When I first made these Orange Clove Cookies, I was in my cozy kitchen on a chilly evening, searching for something that felt both comforting and a little unexpected. The moment I bit into one, I was surprised by how the bright, zesty orange played so beautifully with the warm, spicy clove. It was unlike any holiday spiced cookies I’d tried before—fresh yet deeply cozy. That perfect balance between citrus spark and spice warmth made these Orange Clove Cookies unforgettable, and instantly, I knew they’d bring joy to my kitchen and yours.
These Orange Clove Cookies reflect everything I cherish about home cooking. They’re approachable and full of flavor, giving you that sense of comfort and connection without complicated steps. The blend of orange and clove makes them stand out from typical sugar or gingerbread cookies, turning an ordinary baking day into a celebration. I love how they brighten a simple afternoon tea or add a fresh twist to holiday spiced cookies collections. I’m genuinely excited to share this Orange Clove Cookies recipe with fellow food lovers who appreciate easy recipes that create memorable moments.
If you love holiday inspired baking, these Orange Clove Cookies might just surprise you with how seamlessly those citrus notes and clove spices come together. Plus, this orange clove biscuit recipe is versatile enough to keep baking fun through every season, not just around the holidays. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your family ask for seconds? Let’s get cooking! For more festive ideas, you might enjoy these Orange Clove Christmas Cookies from Havoc in the Kitchen — a lovely twist on classic spiced shortbread.
Ingredients
Here’s the Orange Clove Cookies ingredient list that proves simple pantry staples can create something so special. Ready? Let’s dive in!
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your orange clove cookies. I recommend unbleached for the best texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough to give your cookies a light lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the citrus and spice perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves: The star spice here, giving that warm, clove flavored kick.
- Zest of 2 medium oranges: Fresh zest is key for those bright citrus spiced cookies notes. Avoid pre-packaged zest for best flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use high-quality butter here. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, make it this.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweet but not overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Helps bring everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor without stealing the spotlight.
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to add an extra holiday spiced cookies feel.
If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled orange oil or orange extract can work in a pinch, though the fresh zest truly shines. And for those watching dairy intake, swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative works well but might slightly change the texture of your orange spice cookies. I buy my oranges from the local farmer’s market when possible, since that zest packs the freshest punch. To keep your zest ready for this orange clove biscuit recipe, freeze it in an airtight container.
One handy tip: if you prep your zest and butter the day before, your Orange Clove Cookies dough comes together even smoother. This Orange Clove Cookies ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort!
Let’s Make This!
Making Orange Clove Cookies is straightforward and satisfying. Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of these citrus spiced cookies warming up your kitchen in no time!
- Mix Dry Ingredients: First, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cloves (and cinnamon if using) in a bowl. This helps evenly distribute those beautiful spices. Your orange clove cookies will have that inviting, spiced scent right from here.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is where your orange clove cookies start to get that tender crumb. Don’t rush it—those air pockets help the texture!
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Zest: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and especially your fresh orange zest. The zest adds citrus magic that sets these cookies apart from other clove flavored cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low just until incorporated. This keeps your dough from turning tough. Your orange spice cookies dough should come together smoothly but still feel soft.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. This step is a favorite success tip for me—it helps those clove flavors deepen and makes your dough easier to work with.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls and place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. I like to gently press them flat for a classic orange clove biscuit look.
- Bake and Enjoy: Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should be lightly golden, and the smell of orange and clove will fill your kitchen. After baking, cool cookies for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
While your Orange Clove Cookies bake, take a moment to appreciate the aroma—that fresh brightness mixed with holiday spiced cookies warmth is pure comfort. This step might seem tricky if you’re new to using fresh zest with strong spices like clove, but I promise your orange clove cookies will work perfectly with patience and practice.
If you ever wonder whether your orange spice cookies are done, look for slightly golden edges and a set surface that still feels soft to the touch. Baking times can shift — in my kitchen, this Orange Clove Cookies takes exactly 11 minutes. From my testing, chilling the dough is key for the best shape and flavor balance.
If you crave a softer texture, bake a minute less. For crispier clove flavored cookies, let them go a minute longer but watch closely! This is where your Orange Clove Cookies transform into something truly special.
Serving & Presentation
There’s something magical about serving Orange Clove Cookies that brings a smile to every face. I love laying them on a simple white platter so their warm citrus spiced colors pop. A small bowl of orange zest or a loose sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch but isn’t necessary.
These citrus spiced cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea — Earl Grey’s citrus notes complement the orange perfectly. For holiday parties, serve alongside spiced cider or even a light cream cheese frosting for those craving an extra indulgence.
People always smile when I serve this Orange Clove Cookies at family gatherings or casual tea time. One of my favorite memories is pulling out a tray of these clove flavored cookies right as guests were arriving; the aroma set a cozy, welcoming tone that instantly brought people to the kitchen.
Some creative ways to enjoy leftovers include crumbling orange clove biscuits over vanilla yogurt or dipping them into a warm mug of hot chocolate – the citrus clove combo is a delightful surprise.
To mix things up seasonally, I’ve tried adding chopped pecans or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for winter variations. You might enjoy the Orange Clove Christmas Cookies recipe from Havoc in the Kitchen for festive shortbread, or Crumb’s Orange-Spice Shortbread Cookies which blend similar flavors with a delicate crumb.
If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love these Soft Ginger Christmas Cookies with Orange Clove Glaze from Havoc in the Kitchen — a delightful holiday pairing.
FAQs
- Can I make this Orange Clove Cookies dough ahead of time? Yes! The dough can rest in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. This resting time actually deepens the citrus and clove flavor, making it even better.
- What if I don’t have fresh orange zest? Bottled orange oil or extract can work, but fresh zest gives a brightness you won’t get otherwise. If using extracts, reduce the amount to a half teaspoon – they’re more concentrated.
- How do I know when my Orange Clove Cookies are perfectly done? Edges should be lightly golden and the center set but still slightly soft. If you gently press the top, it shouldn’t indent like raw dough.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy that fresh citrus spiced flavor again.
- Are orange clove biscuits gluten-free friendly? You can substitute gluten-free flour blends for an accessible alternative. Texture might shift, but the delicious flavor remains.
- What adjustments for softer versus crispy clove flavored cookies? For softer cookies, bake 1-2 minutes less and keep dough slightly thicker. For crispier cookies, flatten dough balls more and bake closer to 12-13 minutes.
- Can I add other spices? Cinnamon or nutmeg mix well if you want more holiday spiced cookie vibes, but don’t overpower the signature orange and clove.
Community feedback has loved how these citrus spiced cookies feel homemade yet special, calling them a “new holiday staple” and a “perfect balance of sweet and spice.” With these helpful tips, you’re set for success and can feel confident making Orange Clove Cookies that wow.
Why This Orange Clove Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite
These Orange Clove Cookies embody everything I stand for as a passionate home cook: approachable, satisfying, and full of heart. They’re a recipe you’ll return to because of how easy they are to make and how their bright yet cozy flavor brings comfort around your table.
Here are a few Orange Clove Cookies success tips from my kitchen to yours:
- Always use fresh orange zest — it’s the magic ingredient that makes these cookies sing.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain the delicate balance between citrus brightness and clove warmth.
- Keep a close eye on baking times — slight under or over bake changes texture dramatically.
I’ve created a few versions of this orange clove biscuit recipe that I cherish: one with chopped walnuts, another with a cinnamon twist, and my go-to classic. The classic gets the most smiles because it highlights that fresh orange and warm clove combo perfectly.
I encourage you to make these Orange Clove Cookies part of your baking routine. Whether for holidays, weekend treats, or gift-giving, they promise to create joyful memories. You have everything you need to succeed, and I’m thrilled to hear about your delicious results!
Don’t forget, if you like this recipe, the same comforting vibe carries through in my Copycat Panera Potato Soup recipe, Beef Stroganoff, and Cheddar Jalapeno Burgers — comforting dishes that bring family together too.
Orange Clove Cookies
Delight in these fragrant Orange Clove Cookies, combining zesty citrus and warm spice for a perfect sweet treat. Crispy on the edges and tender inside, they’re ideal for any occasion.
- 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 orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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; mix well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cloves, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze made of powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.