Spiced Orange Clove Cookies

Warm, zesty, and a little spicy, Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze make the kitchen smell like a hug. This simple cookie brings bright orange, warm clove, and a sweet shiny glaze together in a cozy bite. If you love citrus desserts, you might also enjoy a savory sweet pairing like our cranberry orange glazed turkey breast. Make these cookies when you want an easy treat that fills the house with comforting smells.

Why Make This Recipe

• Quick & easy: simple pantry spices and common baking staples.
• Family favorite: kids love the sweet orange glaze and soft centers.
• Budget-friendly: little spice goes a long way for big flavor.

What makes this recipe stand out is the clean orange brightness against the warm clove. The aroma feels like a small celebration—perfect for chilly afternoons or cookie plates for neighbors. Baking these can bring back warm kitchen memories and add new ones you’ll want to repeat. For a fun twist with bold colors, see our Halloween black orange chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves (start with less if you prefer milder spice)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the zesty glaze:
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (adjust for thickness)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Pinch of salt

Notes: use unsalted butter so you control salt; sift powdered sugar for a smooth glaze; room-temp egg blends easier.

How to Make Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. (Why: a hot oven gives even rise and parchment prevents sticking.)
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside. (Tip: mix spices well so each cookie tastes balanced.)
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. (Why: creaming traps air for a tender texture.)
4. Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth. Scrape the bowl so no streaks remain.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two additions. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. (Tip: overmixing makes cookies tough.)
6. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes in the fridge to firm up. (Why: chilled dough spreads less and bakes into thicker, chewier cookies.)
7. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Flatten slightly with your palm for even baking.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges set and the centers still look soft. You want a golden edge, not deep brown. (Tip: cookies continue to set as they cool.)
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They will be warm, soft, and smell of orange and spice.
10. Make the glaze: whisk powdered sugar with orange juice, zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust juice for drizzling thickness.
11. Drizzle or dip cooled cookies in the glaze. Let the glaze set for 15–20 minutes before stacking. (Why: setting keeps the glaze glossy and not sticky.)

How to Serve Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze

• Serve warm with a mug of tea or hot cocoa for a cozy snack. The glaze will still be slightly soft and shiny.
• Arrange on a platter with candied orange slices or whole cloves for a pretty holiday table.
• Pack a few in a small gift box or tin for neighbors and friends—these cookies travel well.

How to Store Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze

• Room temperature: keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment between layers to protect the glaze.
• Fridge: store up to 1 week if you need longer life—bring to room temp before serving for best flavor.
• Freezer: freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• To reheat: warm a cookie for 7–10 seconds in the microwave or 3–5 minutes in a 300°F oven to refresh softness.

Tips to Make Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze

• Use fresh orange zest for the brightest flavor—zest before juicing the orange.
• Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid dry, dense cookies.
• If cloves are strong for you, reduce to 1/2 teaspoon and taste the dough.
• Chill dough; it makes cleaner edges and chewier centers.
• For a shiny glaze, sift powdered sugar and mix just until smooth—don’t overheat.

Variation (if any)

• Gluten-free: swap a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks it.
• Vegan: use 3/4 cup vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, set 5 min) in place of the egg; adjust baking time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use whole cloves instead of ground cloves?

You should use ground cloves for even flavor. Whole cloves are too strong and hard; if you only have whole cloves, grind them very finely or simmer a few in the orange juice, then remove them before using.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. Bring chilled dough to room temp for 10–15 minutes before scooping, or bake straight from the fridge—just add a minute to baking time.

My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?

Common causes are too-warm dough, too-soft butter, or too much sugar. Chill the dough before baking and make sure the butter is softened, not melted. Also space cookies well on the sheet and avoid overbaking.

How thick should the glaze be?

Aim for a glaze that slowly drips from a spoon. If it’s too thin, add powdered sugar; if too thick, add a few drops of orange juice. Thicker glaze makes a brighter, white finish; thinner glaze soaks in more.

Conclusion

These Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze bring warm spice and bright citrus to your kitchen in a simple, family-friendly treat. The smell of orange and clove as they bake is comforting, and the glossy glaze adds a cheerful finish—perfect for sharing or a cozy tea break. If you want more orange-spiced cookie ideas, check out Orange Marmalade Spice Cookies – Sprinkle Bakes for inspiration. Please leave a comment and a star rating if you try this recipe, and share it on Pinterest or Facebook to spread the warmth. What twist did you try? Let us know below!

Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze

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• Author: chef-ava
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Warm, zesty, and a little spicy, these cookies combine bright orange, warm clove, and a sweet shiny glaze for a cozy treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (for glaze)
• Pinch of salt (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two additions and stir until just combined.
6. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes in the fridge.
7. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies, and flatten slightly.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look soft.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice, zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
11. Drizzle or dip cooled cookies in the glaze and let set for 15–20 minutes.

Notes

Use unsalted butter for better control of salt; sift powdered sugar for a smooth glaze; make sure the egg is room temperature for easier blending.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg