Introduction

These Easy Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze are the perfect soft and festive treat. They combine the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh orange with the warm, aromatic spice of cloves, all topped with a simple spiced orange glaze. For another quick and flavorful dish, try this Creamy Vegetarian Tortellini Soup with Kale Recipe.

Ingredients

These cookies are a symphony of warm, festive spices and bright citrus, creating a deeply aromatic and flavorful treat that’s perfect for the holidays.

• 170 g butter, softened
• 2 tbsp (40 g) honey
• 2 tbsp (40 g) fancy molasses
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large orange, zested
• Few dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• Pinch of clove
• Pinch of allspice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 and 1/2 cups flour (300 g)
• 1 and 1/4 cup (about 150 g) icing sugar
• 2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml) orange juice
• 2-3 tbsp (30-40 ml) Cointreau
• Pinch of clove

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	32 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe about 20% faster than similar spiced cookie recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Bring all cold ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, to room temperature. This ensures a smooth, well-emulsified dough that bakes evenly. Zest your orange finely and measure your spices precisely for the most balanced flavor in your Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes. The mixture should become very light, pale, and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is key for the perfect cookie texture.

Step 3 — Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, mix in the fresh orange zest and juice. The acidity and oils from the orange will begin to meld with the butter and sugar, creating the foundational citrus flavor.

Step 4 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, and any other spices. Whisking ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing bitter clumps in your finished cookies.

Step 5 — Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing, which can develop gluten and lead to tough cookies. The dough will be soft but manageable. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6 — Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into balls, placing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They are very fragile when hot. Allow them to cool completely before glazing; otherwise, the warm cookies will cause the glaze to melt and slide off.

Step 8 — Make the Zesty Glaze

While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and enough fresh orange juice to create a thick but pourable consistency. For extra zing, add a bit of the reserved orange zest. The glaze should ribbon off the whisk and hold its shape for a moment before settling.

Step 9 — Glaze and Serve

Drizzle or spread a small amount of glaze over the top of each fully cooled cookie. Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes. These Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe are best enjoyed the same day but will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~145 kcal
Protein	~2 g
Carbohydrates	~22 g
Fat	~6 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~85 mg

Note: These values are estimates for one Spiced Orange Clove Cookie with Zesty Glaze Recipe, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe are wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing their signature warm, citrusy flavor.

• Protein Alternative (Almond Flour) — Replace half the all-purpose flour with finely ground almond flour for a protein boost and a subtly nutty, tender crumb.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the granulated sugar in the cookie dough for a monk fruit or erythritol blend to reduce carbs while maintaining sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality plant-based butter stick (like those from Miyoko’s or Earth Balance) to make the entire recipe dairy-free without compromising texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly version that holds together well.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit any added salt in the dough and use unsalted butter or its dairy-free equivalent to significantly reduce the sodium content.
• Whole Grain Boost — Replace up to one-third of the white flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and a heartier, slightly earthy note.
• Refined Sugar-Free Glaze — For the zesty glaze, use powdered coconut sugar or a glaze made with orange juice and a touch of maple syrup instead of confectioners’ sugar.
• Egg Substitute — Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water) per egg to create a vegan-friendly version of these spiced cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a warm cup of chai tea or a vanilla latte to complement the warm spices in these Spiced Orange Clove Cookies.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lemon sorbet for a delightful dessert contrast.
• Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea parties, or as a festive gift packaged in a decorative tin.
• Create an elegant dessert platter by arranging the cookies with fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and other spiced treats.
• For a brunch offering, serve these zesty cookies with fresh fruit salad and a pot of coffee.
• Drizzle the Zesty Glaze with a slightly heavier hand and sprinkle with edible gold dust or orange zest for a special occasion presentation.
• Enjoy them as a sweet afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk or a hot toddy.

These Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe are versatile enough for casual snacking or dressed up for your most festive gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using dried orange zest or bottled juice, which lacks vibrant flavor. Fix: Always zest and juice a fresh orange right before mixing for the brightest citrus notes.
• Mistake: Over-measuring ground cloves, making the cookies bitter and overpowering. Fix: Use a precise ½ teaspoon; cloves are potent and should complement, not dominate, the orange.
• Mistake: Creaming butter and sugar for too short a time, resulting in dense cookies. Fix: Beat for a full 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy to incorporate essential air for lift.
• Mistake: Adding the glaze to warm cookies, causing it to melt off and become soggy. Fix: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack so the zesty glaze sets into a perfect shell.
• Mistake: Skipping the chill time for the dough, leading to excessive spreading. Fix: Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour to firm up the butter, ensuring thick, chewy edges.
• Mistake: Using a dark-colored baking sheet, which can over-brown the bottoms. Fix: Opt for light aluminum pans or line dark ones with parchment paper for even, gentle baking.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the dough once the flour is added, developing gluten. Fix: Mix just until no dry streaks remain to keep your spiced orange clove cookies tender.
• Mistake: Making the glaze too thin or too thick with imprecise liquid measurements. Fix: Add orange juice one teaspoon at a time to reach a drizzle-able, yet opaque, consistency.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Spiced Orange Clove Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. The zesty glaze can be frozen separately. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
• Reheat: To refresh cookies and enhance their spice aroma, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes until just heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) if adding any dairy-based glaze after warming.

Always let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the glaze runny and soften the cookie texture.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy baking these festive Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe. They’re the perfect sweet treat for the holiday season. If you love citrus flavors, you might also enjoy our Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I make these cookies without fresh orange zest?

Yes, you can substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons of high-quality orange extract for the fresh zest in the cookie dough. For the best flavor in your Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe, we recommend using fresh zest as it provides a brighter, more natural citrus aroma.

How should I store these glazed cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the completely cooled and glazed cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary. The glaze will set but remain soft, keeping your Spiced Orange Clove Cookies moist for up to 5 days.

What’s the best way to achieve a soft, chewy cookie texture?

Do not overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, and avoid over-baking. The cookies are done when the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, resulting in a perfect, tender texture.