Orange Clove Cookies bring warmth and a burst of delightful flavors to your kitchen. The aromatic combination of orange zest and clove creates a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or treat yourself to a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to satisfy.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 110
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Orange Clove Cookies
These Orange Clove Cookies are not just delicious; they fill your home with an inviting aroma that’s reminiscent of holiday celebrations. Their soft, chewy texture pairs perfectly with the warming spices of clove and cinnamon. Plus, the zesty orange adds a bright, refreshing note that elevates each bite. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
How to Make Orange Clove Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
Step 3: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in tender cookies.
Step 4: Combining Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. This combination adds flavor and moisture to your cookies.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Forming the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Baking the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as you want them to remain soft.
Step 8: Cooling and Dusting
Allow the cookies to cool before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. This final touch adds a sweet finish that looks beautiful and tastes divine.
How to Serve Orange Clove Cookies
Serve these cookies warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a lovely addition to holiday dessert trays or gift boxes for friends and family. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take your dessert to the next level!
How to Store Orange Clove Cookies
Store your Orange Clove Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Clove Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the orange zest; it’s essential for enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
- If you prefer a milkier cookie, you can replace orange juice with milk or substitute part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add dark chocolate chips for a rich twist.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Citrus Mix: Experiment with lemon or lime zest for a different citrus flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. - What can I use instead of orange juice?
Feel free to replace the orange juice with another juice, like apple or cranberry, though it will alter the flavor profile. - How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. They will continue to cook a little while cooling on the baking sheet. - Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. You might need to adjust the liquid to keep the dough from becoming too dry. - What if I don’t have ground cloves?
If you don’t have ground cloves, you can replace it with allspice or nutmeg for a similar depth of flavor.
Conclusion
These Orange Clove Cookies are a delightful treat that combine vibrant citrus and warm spices to create a cozy baking experience. They’re easy to whip up, making them perfect for any baking session, whether it’s for special occasions or just because. We encourage you to give this recipe a try, and enjoy the festive flavors with every bite!
Print
Orange Clove Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies infused with orange zest and clove for a warm and inviting flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool before dusting with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
