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These orange clove cookies capture winter magic in every bite with their zesty citrus punch and warm clove undertones. Every December when oranges flood the markets, I turn to this treat that fills my home with the most incredible holiday smell. The tender middle and crunchy outside always take me back to cozy winter days with hot tea and stacked cookie plates.
I baked these cookies for my neighbor’s winter gathering way back and haven't gone through a single December without them since. They've become that must-have treat my family asks for repeatedly.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Provides the foundation and soft texture in each cookie
- Salt: Enhances flavors and cuts through sweetness
- Unsalted butter: Adds buttery goodness that lets orange and clove notes stand out
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and creates nice browning on edges
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and richer flavor
- Powdered sugar: Makes a silky, optional topping
- Oranges: Pick ones that feel heavy with smooth, bright peels for best zesting
- Ground cloves: Go for recently ground spice for strongest flavor impact
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Warm your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and get baking sheets ready with parchment paper. This helps cookies brown evenly without sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a big bowl, mix softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Whip for about four minutes until it looks pale and fluffy. This step traps air bubbles that help create that perfect cookie texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and salt until everything looks uniform. This step makes sure your cookies won't have flour pockets.
- Combine and Zest:
- Slowly add your flour mix into the butter blend until barely mixed. Then fold in a tablespoon of finely grated orange zest and one quarter teaspoon ground cloves so the flavors spread throughout.
- Portion and Bake:
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto your prepared sheets, leaving two inches between each. Bake for twelve to sixteen minutes until you see golden edges and the middles feel just set.
- Cool and Ice:
- Let cookies sit on the tray for five minutes before moving to a cooling rack. For the optional topping, mix powdered sugar with a splash or two of water or milk until it's runny. Drizzle or spread over fully cooled cookies.
Fresh orange zest will always be my favorite part of this recipe. The moment I start grating that peel, I'm instantly transported to childhood memories of making kitchen gifts during the holidays. These treats once became the star of our family cookie exchange and now they're my go-to for edible presents.
Flavor Boosters
Keep these treats in a sealed container at room temperature and they'll stay soft for around four days. Put wax paper between layers if you've iced them to keep them looking nice. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer where they'll last up to three months. Always let them come to room temperature before eating.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies taste wonderful alone but really shine next to a cup of hot chocolate or tea. Pile them on a plate for holiday parties or wrap a few in parchment with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. For something extra special, stick two cookies together with a bit of buttercream or melted chocolate.
Creative Twists
When you can't find fresh oranges, try using tangerine or clementine zest for a slightly different citrus kick. Ground cinnamon works great instead of cloves if you want a milder spice flavor. You can also swap half the all purpose flour with white whole wheat flour to add a subtle nutty taste.
With their lovely smell, soft bite, and holiday spirit, these cookies have become a winter tradition for my family. They're wonderful fresh from the oven or tucked into festive packages for friends.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I ensure a soft texture for these cookies?
Beat the butter and sugars really well until they look pale and fluffy. Don't leave them in the oven too long - a slight golden edge means they'll stay soft inside.
- → Can I skip the powdered sugar icing?
Absolutely! The cookies taste great plain, but the icing adds a nice sweet touch and makes them look prettier.
- → What orange element works best for flavor?
Go for fresh orange zest every time. It packs the strongest citrus punch and really lifts both the smell and taste.
- → Is it possible to freeze these cookies?
For sure, just pop the baked cookies in an airtight container and freeze them. Let them sit at room temperature when you want to eat them.
- → Can margarine replace unsalted butter?
You can use margarine in a pinch, but butter will give you a much tastier cookie with a better crumb structure.