Name: Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Orange Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 substitute with more orange juice for an alcohol-free version); A pinch of ground clove

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Introduction

These Orange Clove Cookies are a delightful blend of winter spices and bright citrus, perfect for any festive occasion or cozy afternoon treat. Their tender texture and glossy glaze make them a beautiful and delicious addition to your cookie repertoire.

A white plate filled with eight round cookies, each shaped like a fluted flower with a light brown color and drizzled with white icing on top. The cookies have a slightly rough texture with sugar sprinkles shining faintly. Two dried orange slices lie on top of the cookies, their bright orange tones contrasting with the cookies. Near the orange slices are dark brown star anise pods adding a textured detail. Two cinnamon sticks, smooth and rich brown, rest at the side of the plate. A woman's hand holds the right edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by dark green pine branches, dried orange slices, pine cones, and lit candles giving a warm, cozy glow that softly lights the whole scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
For the glaze:
1¼ cup icing sugar
3 tbsp fresh orange juice
2–3 tbsp Cointreau (or substitute with more orange juice for an alcohol-free version)
A pinch of ground clove

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Mix in the orange zest and dehydrated orange rings if using, followed by all the spices.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky. Add a bit more flour if too sticky, or a splash of milk or water if too stiff.
Step 4: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up and develop flavors.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll dough into balls (between 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon each depending on your desired size). If using a cookie stamp, dust the dough balls and stamp with flour before pressing down. Alternatively, roll the dough and use cookie cutters.
Step 6: Arrange cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–14 minutes, depending on size. Edges should be lightly golden, and centers just set for tender texture.
Step 7: While cookies bake, whisk together icing sugar, fresh orange juice, Cointreau (if using), and ground clove to create a thick yet pourable glaze.
Step 8: Once cookies are cool enough to handle, dip or drizzle each with the glaze. Return cookies to the oven for 1–2 minutes to set and slightly crackle the glaze.
Step 9: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have dehydrated orange rings, simply use extra orange zest to enhance the citrus flavor.
Chill the dough longer for firmer cookies and more developed spice notes.
For an alcohol-free glaze, omit the Cointreau and add more orange juice instead.
If your glaze is too runny, add more icing sugar; if too thick, thin it with extra juice or water.
These cookies pair beautifully with black tea, spiced chai, or mulled wine to elevate your festive gatherings.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The flavors improve after a day or two. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if you prefer a softer texture, but avoid microwaving as it can make them too soft.

How to Serve

A white plate is full of eight round cookies with a scalloped edge, each covered with a shiny white glaze that drips slightly down the sides. Some cookies are topped with a dried orange slice or a dark brown star anise, adding texture and color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by pine branches, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, and lit candles, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. A woman's hand is holding the plate on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Adjust the amount if needed to achieve a similar dough consistency.

How long should I chill the dough?

At least 30 minutes is recommended to firm the dough for easier shaping and better flavor development, but chilling for up to 2 hours or overnight is also fine.