introduction
These Orange Clove Christmas Cookies are bright, warm, and easy to make. They bake into soft, slightly crisp cookies with a clear orange scent and a gentle clove spice. The dough is simple and uses common pantry items. You can make them with kids or prepare them for a holiday plate.
If you like simple cookie recipes, you might enjoy a different twist like the almond butter chocolate chip cookie recipe I often use for quick baking almond butter chocolate chip cookies. Read on to learn how to make these festive cookies step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
You will love these cookies for their bright orange flavor and the warm hint of clove. The orange zest gives a fresh taste that feels clean and lively. The clove adds a cozy, seasonal spice that pairs well with the citrus. These cookies are lightly sweet and not heavy. They keep well and travel well. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty look. They come together fast, so you can make a big batch for guests.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a small holiday project that still feels special. The dough is easy to mix by hand or with a mixer. You do not need chilling time, so you bake soon after mixing. The ingredients are common and easy to find. This recipe makes cookies that look homemade and taste festive. They also work well on a dessert tray with other flavors. If you need a quick edible gift, these cookies fit a box or tin neatly.
What You Need for Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
You need a few basic tools and common ingredients to make these cookies. For tools, have a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spoon or spatula, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a wire rack. A hand mixer helps, but you can also mix by hand. Use fresh orange for the zest to get the best flavor. For measuring, use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar and a level tablespoon to portion dough neatly.
The short ingredient list makes shopping quick. If you plan to dust with powdered sugar, keep it ready before serving. For a neat look, place the cookies on parchment-lined trays after baking so they do not stick. If you want another cookie idea with warm spice notes, try a simple oatmeal cookie for breakfast-style baking later linked in the baking tips below.
How to Make Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
Follow these steps to mix, bake, and finish your cookies. The directions are simple and clear. Read all steps before you start so you know the flow. Measure ingredients first. Preheat the oven so it is ready when the dough is done. If you want your cookies to be more uniform, use a small scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
For a slight change, you can add a little orange juice to make a softer cookie, but reduce the flour by a teaspoon for balance. If you want thicker cookies, drop larger dough portions and add a couple more minutes to the bake time. For a different texture, fold in a small amount of finely chopped nuts or dried orange peel.
You can also learn a related method that uses oatmeal and cinnamon in cookies by checking a simple recipe that pairs well with tea and coffee apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
Serve these cookies at room temperature. Place them on a festive plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar. They pair well with hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. For holiday parties, arrange them with other small cookies and candies. To plate for gifting, stack in small boxes with parchment between layers to keep them neat. For a simple dessert plate, add a few orange slices or a sprig of rosemary for color.
How to Store Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for about 4-5 days. For a longer shelf life, freeze them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If you added powdered sugar, dust again after thawing for a fresh look. Keep them away from strong odors in the fridge or freezer to maintain their orange-clove flavor.
Easy Tips to Make Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
- Use fresh orange zest for the best bright flavor.
- Soften butter at room temperature, not melted. Soft butter creams better and gives a good texture.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to avoid dense cookies.
- Do not overmix after adding flour; stir until just combined.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Watch the first batch closely to find the perfect time in your oven, as oven temps can vary.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a rack to avoid breaking.
Try These Variations of Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
- Add 1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts for crunch.
- Mix in 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries for chew and extra color.
- Replace half of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Add a half teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry mix for a warm spice blend.
- Make a simple orange glaze with powdered sugar and a teaspoon of orange juice and drizzle on top for extra shine.
Common Questions About Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
Q: Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cloves?
A: Yes. Replace the clove with cinnamon for a softer spice. Use the same amount or slightly less to start.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes. Scoop the dough and freeze the portions on a tray. Store in a bag and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Texture may change slightly, so check after 8-10 minutes and adjust as needed.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: No. This recipe bakes well without chilling, which makes it quick to prepare.
Q: How do I get a stronger orange flavor?
A: Add more zest or a small splash (1/2 teaspoon) of orange extract. Fresh zest gives the best natural flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Orange Clove Christmas Cookies are simple to make and full of bright, warm flavor. They work for gift boxes, cookie swaps, or a quiet treat by the tree. The recipe uses few ingredients and no special skills. With small changes you can vary texture and taste to match your holiday mood.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the easy process. The cookies are quick to make and bring cheer to small gatherings or quiet afternoons. Try one batch and adjust spice levels to find your favorite balance.
Conclusion
If you want a tested recipe and a clear guide for this flavor, see a recipe that inspired these flavors at Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread.
Print
Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and warm cookies with a delightful orange scent and a gentle hint of clove, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
You can add orange juice for a softer cookie or mix in nuts for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg