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These orange clove cookies bring back winter memories with every bite, blending bright citrus flavors with gentle warmth from ground cloves. I make this batch every December when oranges are plentiful, filling my kitchen with an amazing holiday smell. The tender middle and crispy edges always take me back to cozy holiday afternoons with hot tea and stacks of cookies.
I first baked these cookies for my neighbor’s Christmas gathering many years ago and haven't missed a December without them since. They've become one of those treats my family begs for year after year.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Provides the foundation and soft texture for the cookie
- Salt: Enhances flavors and cuts through the sweetness
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luxurious taste that lets the orange and clove notes pop
- Granulated sugar: Supplies sweetness and helps create that golden-brown finish
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and rich undertones
- Powdered sugar: Makes a silky optional topping
- Oranges: Pick ones with tight, bright skins without blemishes for the best zest
- Ground cloves: Go for newly ground spice for maximum flavor impact
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and get your cookie sheets ready with parchment paper. This helps them cook evenly and not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- Mix the room temperature butter with granulated and brown sugars in a big bowl. Beat them together about four minutes until they look pale and fluffy. This step traps air for softer cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, stir flour and salt together until well combined. This step makes sure your cookies have the same texture throughout.
- Combine and Zest:
- Slowly add the flour mix to your butter mixture, stirring just until blended. Now fold in a tablespoon of fresh orange zest and one quarter teaspoon ground cloves so they spread throughout the dough.
- Portion and Bake:
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared sheets, leaving two inches between each. Bake for twelve to sixteen minutes until you see light golden edges and the centers feel just set.
- Cool and Ice:
- Let the cookies sit on the tray for five minutes before moving to a cooling rack. If you want icing, mix powdered sugar with a splash or two of water or milk until smooth, then drizzle over fully cooled cookies.
My most treasured part is always using fresh orange zest. Whenever I grate an orange peel, the smell instantly carries me back to making holiday gifts in my childhood kitchen. These cookies once became the star at our family cookie exchange and now they're my go-to for edible gifts.
Flavor Boosters
Keep these cookies in a sealed container at room temperature and they'll stay soft for around four days. Place wax paper between layers if you've iced them to keep them looking nice. For longer storage, put them in the freezer where they'll last up to three months. Just let them come to room temperature before eating.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies taste great by themselves 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 homemade gift. For something extra special, stick two cookies together with a bit of buttercream or melted chocolate.
Creative Twists
If you can't find fresh oranges, try using tangerine or clementine zest for a slightly different citrus kick. You can swap in ground cinnamon instead of cloves if you don't like strong spices. You can also try using half white whole wheat flour with your regular flour for a bit of nutty flavor.
With their wonderful smell, soft texture, and festive feel, these cookies have become a winter must-have in my house. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or packed in holiday gift boxes for friends.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I ensure a soft texture for these cookies?
Beat the butter and sugars completely until they're airy and light. Don't leave them in the oven too long, as taking them out at just the right time keeps them soft.
- → Can I skip the powdered sugar icing?
Absolutely, the icing isn't necessary. The cookies taste wonderful plain, but adding icing gives them extra sweetness and makes them look prettier.
- → What orange element works best for flavor?
Fresh orange zest packs the strongest citrus punch, making both the smell and taste more vibrant.
- → Is it possible to freeze these cookies?
Definitely, you can store baked cookies in a sealed container in the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature before you serve them.
- → Can margarine replace unsalted butter?
You can use margarine instead, but butter will give you a more luxurious flavor and better cookie texture.