Name: Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; Zest of 1 orange; 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; Zest of 1 orange

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Introduction

These Irresistible Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze combine warm spices and bright citrus for a delightful treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies offer a tender texture and a refreshing glaze that will keep you coming back for more.

Three soft cookies stacked on top of each other on a white plate, each cookie light brown with small orange zest bits inside. The top cookie is drizzled with white icing that looks creamy and thick. On the right side of the plate, there are fresh round orange slices showing a juicy bright orange color. The background shows whole oranges and halves blurred on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
Zest of 1 orange
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Zesty Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in 1 large egg, the zest of 1 orange, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust thickness if needed.
Step 10: Once cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle with orange zest. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, use fresh spices and freshly squeezed orange juice rather than bottled juice.
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the dough.
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a good-quality plant-based margarine.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the glaze fresh, consider glazing just before serving. If refrigerated, allow cookies to come to room temperature and reheat slightly for the best texture.

How to Serve

A stack of three round cookies placed in the center of a white plate with a shiny surface, each cookie having a rough texture with small bits inside, topped with white icing drizzled roughly in lines and small orange zest pieces scattered on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with halved and whole bright orange fruits around it, adding a fresh and colorful background. The cookies have a golden-brown color that contrasts with the white icing and orange decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Absolutely. You can freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container.