Orange Clove Cookies (Printable)
Fragrant cookies pairing bright orange zest with warm ground cloves for a festive treat perfect with tea.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cloves
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 teaspoons orange zest
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For Decoration (optional)
11 - 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
12 - Additional orange zest
# How To Cook:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cloves. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and additional orange zest if desired.
07 - Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
08 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The orange hits you first, bright and cheerful, then the clove comes in warm and lingering.
- These cookies somehow taste like the holidays without being too heavy or sweet.
- They actually get better after a day, making them perfect for baking ahead.
02 -
- Don't overbake these, they continue cooking on the hot pan and we want them soft.
- Fresh orange zest matters, dried peel won't give you that bright aromatic punch.
- The clove flavor develops overnight, so these are even better the next day.
03 -
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it's too warm and sticky to work with.
- For gifting, pair with a bag of Earl Grey tea for the ultimate present.