The bittersweet fragrance of fresh oranges mingling with warm spices fills my kitchen as I prepare to bake a batch of Orange Clove Cookies. It’s a delightful reminder that the simple act of baking can transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. These cookies are not only a perfect treat for cozy evenings but also a fabulous way to use up that half-eaten bag of oranges sitting in your fruit bowl.
After a particularly harried week, I found myself craving something homemade, something to share with friends that would bring smiles and joy without the fuss. These cookies fit the bill beautifully: quick to whip up in just 27 minutes, and bursting with flavors that dance between sweet and savory. As they bake, you’ll be left anticipating the warm, chewy texture that awaits—ideal for gatherings or a quiet night in. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s as comforting as a hug on a chilly day!
Why You'll Love This Orange Clove Cookies
- These Orange Clove Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in just 27 minutes.
- The delightful combination of orange zest and warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting, perfect for any occasion.
- Their versatility means you can enjoy them at holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home, making them a go-to treat throughout the year.
- Not only do they taste amazing, but their golden-brown edges and inviting aroma make for a visually appealing addition to any dessert spread.
Orange Clove Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – provides structure and a sturdy base for the cookies.
• Baking powder – helps the cookies rise, creating that perfect fluffy texture.
• Baking soda – enhances the cookie’s spread while adding a subtle lift.
• Ground cloves – offers a warm, aromatic spice that beautifully complements the citrus.
• Ground cinnamon – adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt – a small but mighty ingredient that balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – brings richness and moisture for a tender cookie.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens and contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients while giving texture to the dough.
• Orange zest – infuses the cookies with vibrant citrus flavor, perfect for Orange Clove Cookies.
• Fresh orange juice – keeps the dough moist and enhances the orange flavor profile.
Feel free to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the vibrant aromas that fill your home as you prepare these delightful treats!
How to Make Orange Clove Cookies
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Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that wonderful golden color.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and salt. You’ll want a homogenous mix, which will provide a firm yet fluffy texture.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes—it’s the secret to a delightful chew!
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add in the large egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined, allowing the citrus to shine through.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and light.
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Scoop Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each dollop as they will spread while baking.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for a slightly golden edge—that’s when they’re perfectly baked!
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Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. This step ensures they set properly and develop that soft, chewy texture.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Orange Clove Cookies
Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful!
Fridge: If you prefer, you can store the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Be sure to seal them well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To enjoy warm Orange Clove Cookies, thaw at room temperature and briefly warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Orange Clove Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these creative spins to make your Orange Clove Cookies uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a beautifully tender cookie.
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Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter to keep it plant-based.
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Add Chocolate: Mix in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to add a rich, sweet twist to your cookies.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and additional flavor depth.
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Cranberry Burst: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to each batch for a festive touch and vibrant color.
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Spicy Kick: For an unexpected twist, fold in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a zesty heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Lemon Zest: Swap orange zest with fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy variation that really wakes up the flavors.
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Herbal Notes: Infuse 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic and unique herbal flavor profile.
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Clove Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop it onto a baking sheet and refrigerate it. This helps maintain their fresh flavor and texture. If you want to go further, you can roll the dough into balls, freeze them for up to 3 months, and bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and follow the final steps of baking and cooling, resulting in cookies that are just as delicious as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Orange Clove Cookies?
Imagine a cozy evening with friends or family, where the sweet and spicy aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, inviting everyone to indulge in a delightful gathering.
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Spiced Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor combined with warming spices pairs beautifully with the cookies, enhancing their orange and clove notes. This comforting drink will keep you toasty and satisfied.
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Cinnamon Apple Compote: This warm, sweet topping adds a fruity twist that complements the cookies while creating a lovely contrast in textures. Serve it warm over the cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy smoothness of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful balance with the spicy cookies, offering a refreshing break from their sweetness. This combination is a timeless classic that everyone loves!
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Chai Latte: The fragrant spices in chai mirror the flavors in the cookies, creating a harmonious pairing. The warmth of the latte enhances the cozy vibes on a chilly day, making it a perfect match.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, zesty fruits like oranges, berries, and apples provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the cookies, making your dessert spread feel light and balanced. Their natural sweetness complements the spices, bringing out the best in each flavor.
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Ginger Tea: The spiciness of ginger tea offers a zesty backdrop that enhances the warm flavors of the cookies. This warm beverage is not only comforting but also invigorating, perfect for winter evenings.
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of sweet honey over the cookies adds a touch of natural sweetness that brings out the citrus notes, making every bite even more delightful.
Gather your loved ones, and enjoy these thoughtful pairings alongside your Orange Clove Cookies for an unforgettable experience!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your Orange Clove Cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar, which contributes to a light texture.
- When mixing dry ingredients, take care to whisk them well to ensure an even distribution of baking powder and spices, preventing any clumps that could affect the texture of your cookies.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after combining wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher cookies rather than the tender bite you desire.
- Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake, as every oven can vary slightly; aim for a light golden edge for perfect doneness.
Orange Clove Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe oranges for the recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing oranges, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. A smooth skin with vibrant color and no dark spots will give you the best flavor. Fresh oranges will add that lovely citrus zest you’re looking for in your Orange Clove Cookies!
How should I store leftover Orange Clove Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last a little longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to maintain softness and flavor.
Can I freeze Orange Clove Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can easily freeze your cookies! Start by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and enjoy them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find that your cookie dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and scoop. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands or on the dough while working to help with the stickiness.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Good question! While these Orange Clove Cookies are delicious for humans, they aren’t suitable for pets, especially dogs, due to ingredients like sugar and butter which can upset their stomachs. Additionally, if you’re serving these cookies to guests, be mindful of potential allergies related to gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter). You can consider using gluten-free flour or a vegan butter substitute to cater to these dietary restrictions!
Orange Clove Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the large egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
