Desserts

Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze

Name: Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze); 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (for glaze)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Bright, zesty orange meets warm clove in these crisp-but-tender cookies, finished with a sweet spiced glaze. They smell like holiday baking the moment they come from the oven — bright citrus, cozy cloves, and a hint of cinnamon. The dough is simple to work with, and the thin glaze adds a glossy, flavorful finish that melts on your tongue. If you enjoy citrus-spiced treats, you might also like this take on dark chocolate orange shortbread cookies for another bright, buttery option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per cookie (1 of 24)

Calories per serving: 170 kcal
Protein: 1.5 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 0.4 g
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 55 mg

Why Make This Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze

These cookies are a quick way to bring warm, festive flavors to your kitchen. The orange zest and juice brighten the rich butter and sugar base, while ground cloves and cinnamon give a fragrant spice note. The spiced glaze adds sweetness and a glossy finish that makes each cookie feel special. They’re great for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or as a simple homemade gift.

How to Make Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. You’ll cream the butter and sugar, fold in citrus and spices, shape the dough into rounds, bake until the edges are just golden, then drizzle a simple spiced glaze over cooled cookies. Follow the step titles below for clear action points.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze), 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze), 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (for glaze)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and salt until well blended.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 3: Baking

Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 to 1 1/4 tablespoons each) and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form uniform disks. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheet for 3–4 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Finishing

For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with milk, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops more milk. Drizzle or spoon the glaze over cooled cookies and let it set for 15–20 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze

Serve these cookies at room temperature. They pair beautifully with black tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For parties, arrange on a platter with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish. They also make a charming addition to a cookie gift box.

How to Store Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place layers between parchment to protect the glaze.
Refrigerator: If you prefer chilled cookies, store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add glaze after thawing. You can also freeze the raw dough balls for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze

Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming and a more even texture.
Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
Zest the orange before juicing to avoid bruising the fruit and to keep the zest dry.
Don’t overbake: cookies will firm up as they cool. Pull them when edges are lightly golden.
If your glaze thickens while you’re working, stir in a drop or two of milk until it loosens.
For more orange flavor without extra liquid, add up to 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract in place of part of the vanilla.
To make smaller bite-size cookies, reduce baking time to 8–10 minutes and watch closely.

Delicious Variations

Orange-Almond: Replace 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup almond flour and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist.
Honey Glaze: Swap powdered sugar glaze for honey thinned with a little warm water and a pinch of cinnamon.
Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted dark chocolate and let set for a richer treat.
Extra Spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a deeper spice profile.
Citrus Mix: Use 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest in addition to orange zest for a brighter citrus bouquet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My dough is too sticky to roll. What can I do?
A: Chill the dough in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Cold dough is easier to handle and will firm up, making it simple to roll into balls.

Q: The cookies came out flat. Why did that happen?
A: Flat cookies often result from using too much butter or not enough flour, or from overmixing the dough. Make sure butter is measured correctly and mix only until combined.

Q: How do I keep cookies soft instead of crisp?
A: Bake until edges are just golden and the centers still look slightly soft. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture for a day or two.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Texture may vary slightly; chill the dough if it’s too soft.

Q: How do I fix a glaze that’s too runny or too thick?
A: If glaze is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add small drops of milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?
A: Butter gives the best flavor and texture. Margarine can work but may change flavor and texture. Using oil is not recommended because it will make the dough too soft and change the cookie structure.

Q: Can these cookies be made ahead for a party?
A: Yes. You can bake them a day or two ahead and store in an airtight container. If you need to make them further in advance, freeze unglazed baked cookies and add glaze after thawing.

Conclusion

These Orange Clove Cookies with Spiced Glaze bring bright citrus and warm spices together in an easy, crowd-pleasing cookie that smells amazing and tastes even better. They’re simple to make, adaptable, and perfect for holiday trays, gifts, or everyday treats — give them a try for a cozy, flavorful bake. For another festive orange-clove inspiration, see this recipe for Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread.