Dessert

Orange Clove Cookies with Bright Citrus and Warm Spices Recipe

ByHarper Ellington November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

Orange Clove Cookies are a festive, aromatic treat perfect for the holiday season or whenever you crave a cozy, spiced dessert. These cookies blend warm spices like clove, cinnamon, and cardamom with bright orange zest and a rich molasses-honey base. Finished with a delicate orange glaze, they make a wonderful companion to tea or a thoughtful homemade gift.

A white ceramic plate holds eight round cookies with a ridged edge, each cookie covered in a sticky white glaze that drips slightly down the sides. The cookies have a light brown color with a soft crumbly texture visible beneath the glaze. On top of some cookies, there are thin, round slices of dried orange showing a bright orange and light brown color in the center. Star anise pieces and two dark brown cinnamon sticks rest on the plate beside the cookies. A woman's hand is holding the right edge of the plate. The setting is decorated with green pine needles, pinecones, dried orange slices, and lit candles, all on a white marbled surface. 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 extra orange juice for 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 optional dehydrated orange rings, followed by all the spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky. If too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too stiff, add a splash of milk or water.
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 the dough into balls sized between 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon each, depending on your preference. If using a cookie stamp, dust the dough balls with flour before stamping. Alternatively, roll the dough and use cookie cutters.
Step 6: Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers just set. Slight underbaking keeps the texture tender.
Step 7: While baking, whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau (if using), and ground clove to make a thick but pourable glaze.
Step 8: When cookies are cool enough to handle, dip or drizzle each with the glaze. Return them to the oven for 1–2 minutes to set the glaze and create a crackled finish.
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 for bright flavor.
Chill the dough longer for a firmer texture and more developed spice profile.
For alcohol-free cookies, omit the Cointreau and use additional orange juice in the glaze.
If your glaze is too runny, add more icing sugar; if too thick, thin with juice or a little water.
These cookies pair wonderfully with black tea, spiced chai, or mulled wine for an extra festive touch.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The flavors intensify after a day or two. Reheat gently if desired, but they are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature to maintain their tender texture.

How to Serve

A round white plate filled with eight cookies shaped like flowers, each cookie covered with a light white glaze that drips over the edges showing a light brown, textured surface underneath. On top of the cookies are placed three dried orange slices, three dark brown star anise spices, and two cinnamon sticks, adding extra detail and color. A woman's hand holds the right edge of the plate. Around the plate are green pine branches, more dried orange slices, pine cones, and two lit candles in glass jars, giving the scene a warm, cozy, festive feeling on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of dehydrated orange rings?

Yes, fresh orange juice is used in the glaze, and adding more orange zest can replace dehydrated orange rings in the dough to maintain bright citrus notes.