I still remember the moment I cracked the code on these Orange Clove Cookies. It was one of those test kitchen experiments where I was chasing that perfect balance between zesty brightness and cozy spice warmth. I’d been toying with citrus spice cookies for a while, always loving the idea of homemade orange cookies but craving a twist that wasn’t just the usual orange zest sugar sprinkle. When I finally added a dash of ground clove to the batter, something magical happened. That subtle clove flavor transformed these into a clove flavored cookies dream—warm, inviting, with just enough citrus zing to keep things lively.
What makes this version of Orange Clove Cookies special is the way the citrus tang and holiday spiced cookies vibes come together with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s not overly sweet but has enough depth to keep you sneaking bites when you think no one’s watching. Plus, I used a simple orange zest cookie recipe base that’s easy to whip up without hunting down weird ingredients.
If you’re ready to dive into a flavor adventure that feels familiar but fresh, these Orange Clove Cookies are waiting in your kitchen. Grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake something that’ll fill your home with that warm, spiced-citrus aroma that just can’t be beat.
Gather These Ingredients:
This Orange Clove Cookies comes together with pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference.
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour – the structure for your citrus spice cookies
- 1 tsp baking powder – for that perfect lift and lightness
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – balances the rise along with baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt – to bring out those flavors in your homemade orange cookies
- 1 tbsp ground cloves – the star that turns these into clove flavored cookies; look for fresh ground cloves in the spice aisle or international section for the best flavor punch
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – use good quality butter; I always reach for European-style butter for a creamier texture
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – keeps the cookie gently sweet without overshadowing the spices
- Zest of 2 large oranges – fresh orange zest is a must here; it brightens the whole cookie and brings signature citrus zing
- 1 large egg – binds everything together
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds that background sweetness and depth
Want to switch things up in your Orange Clove Cookies? Try using brown sugar instead of granulated for a deeper caramel note, or add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a more pronounced holiday spiced cookies vibe. If fresh orange zest isn’t handy, a splash of orange extract is a good stand-in. For a dairy-free twist, swap butter with coconut oil, which brings subtle tropical notes.
A little recipe tip: zest your oranges before juicing or slicing so you capture maximum aroma. Also, it’s worth pre-softening that butter by leaving it out for about 30 minutes—soft butter helps everything come together smoothly, making your Orange Clove Cookies texture just right.
Let’s Make This Happen!
This Orange Clove Cookies takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect midweek treat or weekend experiment with friends. Ready? Let’s do this.
- Mix the dry ingredients first. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves. This is where the clove flavored cookies begin their magic. Setting this aside keeps your Orange Clove Cookies evenly spiced and fluffy.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a larger bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture I love. While you’re at it, the kitchen will start smelling like the cozy holiday spiced cookies dreams.
- Add the wet flavor boosters. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest until just combined. This step is where your Orange Clove Cookies gets its bright character. The zest whispers citrus without overwhelming the warm spice.
- Bring it all together. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Overmixing is a common hiccup here; if your dough seems sticky, don’t panic—pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes before scooping.
- Shape your cookies. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. For a playful twist, press a whole clove into the top of each before baking—adds a charming look and a flavor punch.
- Bake to perfection. Pop your cookies into a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know your Orange Clove Cookies are ready when the edges firm up, and the centers still look just a bit soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Resist the urge to eat warm (or don’t—no judgment here!).
- Cleanup bonus. While your cookies cool, grab a moment to peek at some other crowd favorites like my Turkey Burger Chili, a meaty, bold dish that pairs perfectly with your cookie break.
Little kitchen-tested trick: chilling your dough really helps with shaping and flavor depth. It makes your Orange Clove Cookies less spread-y and brings out the clove notes beautifully.
Serving Ideas & Pairings!
My favorite way to dig into this Orange Clove Cookies is with a steaming cup of chai or a bold black tea—the spice dance is unreal together. The chewiness and hint of citrus are perfect after a savory meal or just as a sweet-afternoon pick-me-up.
This cookie also shines during holiday gatherings or as part of a cozy winter cookie platter. They pair beautifully with spreads like pumpkin whipped feta dip which adds a tangy contrast or alongside some sharp cheeses if you want to put out a cookie board for guests.
Leftover Orange Clove Cookies? Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or fold into a warm bowl of oatmeal for a quick flavor boost. You can even dip one side in dark chocolate for an extra indulgent twist!
For something seasonal, try sprinkling a touch of orange sugar crystals atop the dough before baking, or swap cloves out for allspice for a slightly different but still holiday spiced cookies feel. People always comment on how these homemade orange cookies stand out—bright, warmly spiced, and something that makes them smile.
If you love layered spice flavors like these, check out this Tetù (Sicilian Chocolate Spice Cookies) – Mangia Bedda recipe for a chocolatey cousin to your Orange Clove Cookies.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- Can I prep this Orange Clove Cookies in advance? Absolutely! The dough chills really well—up to 3 days in the fridge. It actually deepens the clove flavor, making your homemade orange cookies even better. Just scoop and bake when ready.
- What can I use instead of ground cloves in this recipe? If cloves aren’t your thing, cinnamon or nutmeg works nicely for a different but still cozy vibe. Cinnamon turns this into more of a holiday spiced cookies classic, while nutmeg gives earthy warmth.
- How do I scale this Orange Clove Cookies recipe up or down? Simple math works here! Double all ingredients to make a larger batch for parties or halve it for a smaller stash. Just keep your mixing times the same and watch the baking—smaller batches might bake a bit faster.
- Can I substitute butter with something else? Yes! Coconut oil is my top swap for dairy-free Orange Clove Cookies, delivering slight tropical notes that marry surprisingly well with clove flavor. Remember, solid coconut oil works best (chilled but still scoopable).
- Are these cookies gluten-free friendly? I’ve tested a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour and got a pretty good texture, but you might want to add a bit more binder like xanthan gum to keep your cookies from crumbling.
- What’s the best way to store these Orange Clove Cookies? Airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.
- Can I add mix-ins to the dough? For sure! Chopped candied ginger or dried cranberries bring extra textures and tangs that go wonderfully with the orange and clove. I tried chocolate chips once, and while tasty, they slightly overshadowed the spice profile.
If you want more cookie inspiration, these Orange Spice Thumbprint Cookies are a fun next step to try after your batch—or peek at a trusted Homemade Orange Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe for a simpler twist on citrus spice cookies.
My Final Take
This Orange Clove Cookies recipe earned a permanent spot on MilaBites because it blends approachable baking with bold, unforgettable flavor. The balance of fresh orange zest and that warm bed of cloves gives a comforting but playful twist on traditional cookies. Plus, it’s incredibly easy for home cooks—no fancy gadgets required.
My Top Orange Clove Cookies Tips:
– Always use fresh orange zest for maximum brightness
– Chill your dough for 15-30 minutes before baking to firm up flavors and shape
– Don’t overmix your dough to keep the texture tender
I’ve tested several variations: swapping cloves for allspice for a milder holiday spiced cookies feel, adding chopped candied ginger for zing, and even a chocolate-dipped finish that’s perfect for gift boxes. The original zest-and-clove version still gets the most compliments around my kitchen table.
If you’re up for a fun kitchen adventure, these Orange Clove Cookies are the recipe to try next. The flavors feel familiar but with an exciting twist that will keep you coming back for more. For more recipe fun, check out my Turkey Burger Chili for a savory contrast or this Italian Love Cake that’s a cake-lover’s dream.
Happy baking, fellow cooks! Let’s make your kitchen smell like the holidays any day of the year with these sunny, spicy orange clove cookies. Your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Orange Clove Cookies
Delight in these aromatic Orange Clove Cookies, featuring zesty citrus and warm clove spices, perfect for a cozy treat any time of year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Optionally, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sparkle.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cookies are slightly golden around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, let the dough rest refrigerated for an hour before baking and enjoy with a hot cup of tea.