Orange Clove Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies infused with bright citrus and warm winter spices. Inspired by traditional holiday flavors, these cookies combine the richness of shortbread with the depth of molasses, honey, and aromatic spices like clove, cinnamon, and ginger. Finished with a glossy orange glaze, they are perfect for festive gatherings, gift boxes, or cozy afternoons with tea or coffee.
Their texture is soft and slightly crumbly, while the flavor balances sweetness, spice, and fresh orange notes. As they bake, they fill the kitchen with a comforting aroma that feels unmistakably seasonal.
🕒 Yield & Time
- Yield: About 20 cookies
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Chilling time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 12–16 minutes
🧈 Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 170 g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- A small pinch of ground clove
- A small pinch of allspice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional, can be replaced with more juice)
- A tiny pinch of ground clove
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add the orange zest and all the spices. Mix briefly until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
2️⃣ Shape the Cookies
- Roll small portions of dough into balls and gently flatten them, or
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
Place the shaped cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
3️⃣ Bake
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Bake the cookies for 10–14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
4️⃣ Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, optional orange liqueur, and a tiny pinch of clove.
- The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust with a little more juice if needed.
5️⃣ Glaze and Finish Baking
- Spoon or dip the glaze over the warm cookies, allowing it to spread gently.
- Return the glazed cookies to the oven for 2 minutes.
- Turn the oven off and leave the cookies inside for another 1–2 minutes to help the glaze set and develop a delicate crackled finish.
🍪 Cooling & Storage
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They keep well for several days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
✨ Final Notes
These Orange Clove Cookies are elegant, aromatic, and full of holiday character. The combination of citrus zest and warm spices makes them comforting yet refreshing, while the orange glaze adds a beautiful finish. They are ideal for festive dessert tables, edible gifts, or moments when you want a cozy, homemade treat with refined flavor.