Oh, I have such fond memories whenever I think of Orange Clove Cookies! It’s one of those recipes that instantly takes me back to the cozy winters of my childhood, when the scent of citrus and spices would swirl through our kitchen. The first time I made these orange zest and clove cookies, I remember feeling a little nervous because spiced orange cookies weren’t exactly common in my family’s holiday repertoire. But once those soft chewy spiced cookies came out of the oven, melting with hints of clove and fresh orange, I knew I had stumbled on a magic recipe. It quickly became a family staple, loved not just during the holidays but all year round.
I’ll be honest, though—getting the balance right was a bit of a journey. My first batch of Orange Clove Cookies was a bit hard, less “soft chewy” and more “brick-like,” which my kids absolutely joked about. That’s when the aha moment hit me: the key is in the orange zest and clove pairing—and a little tweak in the bake time to keep these clove and citrus biscuits perfectly tender. Nowadays, with a bustling kitchen and a family that’s always on the go, these holiday orange cookie recipes fit so well into our routine. They’re quick to whip up when I need a last-minute treat, yet special enough to serve when relatives stop by—or when I want to share something homemade, comforting, and a little festive no matter the season.
If you’ve never made Orange Clove Cookies before, I invite you to join me in the kitchen. It’s truly a joyful experience to mix these flavors and see the transformation from dough to those golden, fragrant cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie looking for a delightful baking project, these spiced orange cookies come together beautifully and bring that warm, citrusy clove aroma that makes any day feel like a holiday. And if you’re curious, I actually share a whole spread of similar cozy cookie recipes on my blog Delilita—like my vibrant Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies or zesty Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice, both bursting with holiday spirit just like these orange clove gems. So come on, let’s chat about what you’ll need to create these beautiful, soft chewy spiced cookies in your own kitchen!
What You’ll Need for This Orange Clove Cookies
When it comes to baking the perfect batch of Orange Clove Cookies, I’m pretty particular about the ingredients because, trust me, they really make a difference. Here’s what I always gather to make my family’s favorite batch of clove and citrus biscuits:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – I like to use unbleached flour for a richer, natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps give that perfect soft chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweet and spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves – the star spice for these spiced orange cookies, giving that warm floral bite.
- Zest of 2 large oranges – fresh zest is crucial; it packs the citrus punch.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – always softened to room temp for proper mixing.
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar – just enough sweetness without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs – for richness and binding.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth to the flavor.
I always recommend fresh orange zest and ground cloves from a trusted spice aisle. If you can get them from a local spice shop or organic market, the flavor will be noticeably brighter. If you want, you can even go for slightly coarser clove bits to amplify that earthy, spicy note. When it comes to butter, I prefer unsalted because then I can control the salt level better in these soft chewy spiced cookies.
Here’s an Orange Clove Cookies trick I learned: always zest your orange before juicing it or eating— it makes zesting easier and less messy. And if you want to save time, you can zest the orange a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This really amps up the citrus滋味 that’ll shine in every bite of your clove and citrus biscuits.
For those on a budget, you don’t have to go overboard with expensive spices—just make sure your cloves are fresh. Store them in a cool, dark cupboard, and use them within 6 months for best aroma. Leftover ingredients like flour and sugar can stay in resealable containers for a long time. Butter is usually fine in the fridge for a week or two, so if you make these Orange Clove Cookies in small batches, you can keep everything lovely and fresh between sessions.
Pro tip: If you love experimenting, my blog also features some fun twists like swapping out the traditional holiday orange cookie recipe with additions like cranberry or even a glaze inspired by Soft Ginger Christmas Cookies with Orange Clove Glaze for a festive edge! It’s a great way to marry the citrus and clove theme across your holiday baking.
Let’s Make This Orange Clove Cookies Together
Ready to dive in? Making these Orange Clove Cookies is such a treat, especially when the kitchen fills with that incredible blend of oranges and clove spice. I’ve made these cookies dozens of times, so let me walk you through each step as if we’re baking side by side.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – This sets the stage for our soft chewy spiced cookies; I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticky messes.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves. This ensures every bite gets that lovely clove warmth.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light – about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial for that tender texture. Don’t worry if your Orange Clove Cookies batter seems a little loose at first; it will firm up once you add the dry ingredients.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and fresh orange zest. Your kitchen should now smell delightfully like a sweet orchard on a cool day!
- Combine wet and dry: Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — I learned the hard way that overworking the dough makes these clove and citrus biscuits tough, and we want them soft and tender.
- Shape your dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. These spiced orange cookies don’t spread too much, so you can line a few rows. I often pause here to sneak a little nibble—who’s with me?
- Bake: Pop your tray into the oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye after the 10-minute mark—your Orange Clove Cookies should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool on a wire rack: Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before moving. Trust me, they’ll still be tempting at this point, but they set up best after a little rest.
While your Orange Clove Cookies are baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start gathering cups for a cozy tea or coffee—the aroma is just too good not to enjoy right away. I’ve found the baking time can vary slightly, depending on your oven, so don’t hesitate to peek in early and adjust. And if you want to try something special, check out this sister recipe I adore—the Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread for a twist on festive spiced shortbread biscuits.
One last thing—if you need a shortcut, the dough freezes beautifully. Just pop scooped dough balls on a tray, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with an extra 1-2 minutes, and you’ll have fresh Orange Clove Cookies anytime!
How I Love to Serve This Orange Clove Cookies
Now, let me tell you how my family and I enjoy these Orange Clove Cookies. My kids adore them as an after-school treat, especially paired with a warm mug of milk or hot cocoa. The soft chewy spiced cookies are just the right balance of sweet and spicy, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
For holiday gatherings, this orange zest and clove cookies recipe is a star on the cookie platter. I like to serve them alongside some classic favorites like peanut butter cookies (you might remember my quirky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies from last Halloween—that contrast of nutty and citrus spice is just heavenly!). These clove and citrus biscuits pair beautifully with mulled cider or a cup of tea, elevating that cozy mood.
This holiday orange cookie recipe has even become my go-to gift cookie. I package them in simple tins lined with festive tissue paper, and friends always ask for the recipe—guess the orange and clove combo is a winner for everyone! I’ve also experimented with leftover Orange Clove Cookies: crumble them over vanilla ice cream or sprinkle on warm fruit compote for a textured, spicy sprinkle. Total homey goodness.
For seasonal twists, sometimes I swap out the orange zest for grapefruit or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a heartier spiced orange cookie version. These variations keep the family excited, as everyone gets to pick their favorite clove and citrus biscuits version. If you love these ideas, you might appreciate the fresh flavor combination in my Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies that also balance citrus tang and sweetness in a perfect holiday bite.
Friends and family always compliment the comforting aroma and soft texture of these Orange Clove Cookies—it’s honestly one of those recipes that feels like a little hug in every bite. And if you love experimenting, pairing them with a gooey dip made from cream cheese and honey is a delightful surprise too!
Your Orange Clove Cookies Questions Answered
Now, let’s chat about some common questions I get from friends and blog readers about these Orange Clove Cookies. You know what I do when I hear about tricky cookie questions? I just spill all my best tips and mistakes I made along the way.
1. How do I keep my Orange Clove Cookies soft and chewy?
Great question! I found that using softened butter and not overbaking (watching closely after 10 minutes) are key. Overbaking makes those soft chewy spiced cookies hard and crumbly, so pull them out a little early for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Can I use dried orange peel instead of fresh zest?
You can, but fresh zest really delivers a brighter citrus flavor. If you have to use dried, use about half the amount, as it’s more concentrated but less fragrant.
3. I don’t have ground cloves. What can I substitute?
Ground cloves are pretty distinctive, but you can try a pinch of allspice or cinnamon in a pinch. I recently read about a wonderful recipe for Tetù (Sicilian Chocolate Spice Cookies) – Mangia Bedda that uses a blend of spices if you want to experiment with complex warm flavors in your Orange Clove Cookies.
4. The dough feels sticky—did I do something wrong?
Not at all! Sticky dough happens if the butter is too warm or if the air is humid. Just chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before scooping, and this soft chewy spiced cookies dough will be a dream to handle.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
For vegan, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use flax eggs. For gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, but texture may be a bit different. I like to test small batches for these swaps before making a whole big batch of Orange Clove Cookies.
6. How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these Orange Clove Cookies stay lovely for about 4-5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months if you want to bake a double batch.
7. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch that complements the clove and citrus biscuits flavors. Mini chocolate chips also work, making these spiced orange cookies a little indulgent treat.
If you want extra insights on technique, I highly recommend checking out detailed tips on rolling and baking at Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread – such smart ideas for perfection!
My Final Thoughts on This Orange Clove Cookies
You know, this Orange Clove Cookies recipe holds a warm spot in my heart because it captures so many things I love about cooking and sharing food: simple ingredients, comforting spice, and that joyful feeling of baking for family. Over the years, this recipe has become a tradition that binds memories, laughter, and the occasional cookie mishap into something unforgettable.
My Orange Clove Cookies Pro Tips:
– Always zest your oranges fresh and add them right before mixing the dough to keep the aroma vibrant.
– Don’t overbake—pull your cookies out when edges are just golden but centers are still soft.
– Don’t be afraid to chill the dough; cold dough makes for better texture and easier shaping.
In terms of variations, we’ve tried these cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt on top, swapped clove for cardamom for a different warmth, or even mixed in some dried cranberries for extra tang. My son loves the classic orange zest and clove cookies just as they are, while my daughter adores the version with an orange glaze.
If you decide to make this Orange Clove Cookies your own, I hope it brings you as much comfort and joy as it has brought me. And if you want to peek at other related cookie ideas to mix into your baking rotation, be sure to check out my Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice and those fun Peanut Butter Spider Cookies that add a playful vibe to any occasion.
Thanks for baking along with me today—I can’t wait to hear about your Orange Clove Cookies adventures! Remember, in the kitchen, it’s all about having fun, sharing love, and enjoying every delightful bite.
If you want to polish your holiday cookie lineup even more, these Soft Ginger Christmas Cookies with Orange Clove Glaze could be another cozy project to try, adding layers of spice and citrus to your festive baking tradition.
Happy baking, my friend!
Orange Clove Cookies
Delight in the warm, zesty flavors of these Orange Clove Cookies, perfect for a cozy treat with a citrusy twist and aromatic spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- 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 burst of flavor, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.