I still remember the first time I tasted these irresistible Orange Clove Cookies. It was during a cozy holiday gathering at a friend’s house, the air filled with laughter and the scent of spices that instantly felt like a warm hug. One bite of those citrus spice cookies, with their delicate chew and that brilliant pop of clove and fresh orange zest, and I just knew I had to make them myself. These Orange Clove Cookies quickly climbed into my regular baking lineup, becoming a go-to whenever I want a little festive sweetness without fuss.
What makes these clove flavored cookies so special for me is how they blend the bright zing of orange and that subtle holiday warmth of clove into each tender bite. They’re sweet but not overpowering—a perfect balance that reminds me of those classic holiday spiced cookies but with a fresh twist. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly simple, so it fits right into my busy kitchen life without any drama. Trust me, if you’re into citrus clove baking that’s comforting and just a little unexpected, this recipe is a winner you’ll want to share with anyone who walks through your door.
I always love how this recipe invites creativity too. You can stick with the classic orange spice biscuits vibe or get playful with additions, making every batch feel like a fun kitchen win. If you’re ready to spice up your cookie game with these joyful Orange Clove Cookies, I’m so excited to walk you through the whole process. Let’s get baking and turn your kitchen into that cozy, delicious space where memories are made!
What You’ll Need:
This Orange Clove Cookies keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll be gathering:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (grab this at any grocery store; you can use gluten-free flour if you want a twist)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (classic pantry staple)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (it helps balance the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (this is the star of the clove flavored cookies, find it in the spice aisle)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (fresh is best—it’s what makes these citrus spice cookies pop)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness that keeps the texture perfect)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (feel free to swap half for brown sugar for a deeper flavor in your orange spice biscuits)
- 1 large egg (holds everything together like a champ)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (my secret upgrade for extra depth in these holiday spiced cookies)
Out of orange zest? No problem. A teaspoon of orange extract works great in this Orange Clove Cookies too. Butter can be swapped with margarine, but for that ultra-rich taste, I always go with real butter. Bonus tip: always soften your butter at room temperature for smoother mixing—that’s a simple prep trick that saves time and hassle.
This Orange Clove Cookies recipe is kind to your wallet, relying on classic ingredients you probably already have—or can find easily without splurging on specialty stuff. Leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. They thaw quickly and still taste fresh, perfect for a quick citrus clove baking fix when you need it.
Let’s Cook This Together:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Get things warming up while you prep, so everything flows smoothly.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cloves. This blend is what gives these clove flavored cookies their delightful holiday crunch.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In your mixer or by hand, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for tender orange spice biscuits, so don’t rush it.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and orange zest: Beat them in well. Your kitchen will soon smell like a little citrus paradise—this is the moment the magic starts.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix in your dry ingredients. The dough might feel a bit crumbly—that’s okay. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk; too sticky, a little more flour.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. For an extra festive touch, I gently press them down with a fork or glass to flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes: Your kitchen is about to smell incredible when this Orange Clove Cookies hits the oven. The edges should be just golden. If your cookies bake unevenly, rotate the sheet halfway through baking.
- Cool and enjoy: Let them rest on the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly.
Start to finish, this recipe comes together in about 30-40 minutes. While your Orange Clove Cookies is doing its thing in the oven, it’s the perfect time to tidy up or pour yourself a cup of tea. A great shortcut? Prepare the dough the night before and store it in the fridge—cookies ready to bake, no stress.
One kitchen nugget I learned is: patience really pays off here. Letting the dough rest relaxes the flavors, making these holiday spiced cookies taste even better.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Orange Clove Cookies truly shines when you serve it alongside a hot cup of chai or spiced coffee. The warm spices in the drink amplify those beautiful citrus clove baking notes. My absolute favorite way to enjoy this recipe is on lazy weekends or when we’re having friends over for a casual tea party. They’re sweet enough to feel like a treat but balanced enough not to overwhelm your palate.
If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or pair these orange spice biscuits with a dollop of whipped cream mixed with a pinch of cinnamon. Seasonal twist? This recipe is perfect around the holidays but also shines during vibrant spring and summer afternoons due to the fresh orange flavor.
Leftovers are never a problem here because I like to jazz them up—a quick crumble over vanilla ice cream or blended into your morning yogurt for an exciting breakfast. Sharing this cookie with my family has become a cherished tradition, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you love this, you might also enjoy these cake mix cookies delight for a quick sweet fix or chocolate cut-out heart cookies for an extra festive vibe.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Orange Clove Cookies ahead?
Absolutely! The dough freezes beautifully. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake fresh. I do this all the time to keep my citrus spice cookies easy and ready for last-minute cravings.
What’s a good swap for butter in this recipe?
You can try coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you want dairy-free options. The texture shifts a bit but it still works, and the orange and clove flavors shine through.
Can I make this for fewer people?
Totally! Halve the recipe—just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller batches can bake a little faster.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. And chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking really helps hold shape in these clove flavored cookies.
Are there other spices that work well here?
Yes! I’ve tried adding cardamom and nutmeg for a twist. They turn these holiday spiced cookies into something extra cozy.
How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer. Reheat briefly for a fresh-baked vibe.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Totally! Chopped pistachios or dried cranberries bring lovely texture and a slight crunch to your orange spice biscuits.
For more ideas on festive spice cookies, these Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread are great inspiration, and if you’re into traditional touches, check out this classic German Lebkuchen cookie recipe with honey and spices.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Orange Clove Cookies recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it’s more than just a cookie—it’s a little celebration in every bite. Whether it’s the joy of citrus clove baking filling my kitchen or the smiles when they’re shared, it’s a recipe that’s become part of my foodie family traditions.
My Top Orange Clove Cookies Tips:
1. Don’t skip the orange zest—it brightens everything up.
2. Chill the dough for better texture and easier handling.
3. Use fresh cloves if you can—they add a lively, warm flavor you just can’t beat.
I’ve loved experimenting with this recipe by swapping in cardamom or adding a drizzle of white chocolate for some fun twists. But the classic orange spice biscuits version is the one everyone requests most often.
I encourage you to make these Orange Clove Cookies your own. Add your favorite holiday spice, share them with friends, or keep them as a sweet treat for yourself. I hope you find as much joy baking and eating these as I have. Here’s to many delicious moments ahead with these citrus and clove spiced delights—happy baking, friends!
If you want a little extra inspiration for your cookie adventures, check out these Orange Marmalade Spice Cookies – Sprinkle Bakes for another citrus spice cookies hit.
Can’t wait to hear how your batch of Orange Clove Cookies turns out! Let’s keep baking and making everyday food awesome.
Orange Clove Cookies
Delight in these fragrant Orange Clove Cookies, featuring zesty citrus and warm clove spices for a perfect balance of flavors in a soft, chewy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves. Stir in orange zest.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, then add orange juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra citrus kick, sprinkle the cookies with a little coarse sugar and additional orange zest before baking.