Dessert

Orange Clove Cookies

Name: Orange Clove Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange); 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (for dusting, optional)

Flora Chen January 5, 2026

Total Time: 37 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Fragrant cookies blend zesty orange and warm cloves for a festive twist

These Orange Clove Cookies strike the perfect balance between bright citrus zing and cozy holiday spice. Soft, golden, and speckled with warm cloves and cinnamon, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up—even for beginner bakers. Dust them with a little powdered sugar for that extra festive flair, grab your favorite mug of tea, and get ready to fall in love with a cookie that’s as cheerful to share as it is to bake.

Key Ingredients

Before you dive in, let’s gather the simple pantry staples and fresh citrus notes that make these cookies shine.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for soft, golden cookies.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Delivers a gentle lift for light, airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with orange juice to give an initial rise and tender crumb.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the warm spices.
1 teaspoon ground cloves: Infuses a deep, aromatic warmth perfect for holiday baking.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds sweet-spicy depth that complements the citrus.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Enriches the dough and keeps cookies tender.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a delicate, crisp edge.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a soft center.
1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange): Packs bright, citrus oil for fresh flavor.
1/4 cup fresh orange juice: Moistens dough and delivers tangy, fruit-forward notes.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for dusting, optional): Sprinkles a snowy finish and extra sweetness.

How To Make Orange Clove Cookies

These cookies come together in a few simple stages—whisking dry ingredients, creaming butter and sugar, blending in citrus, and baking until edges are just golden. Follow these steps for cozy, spiced treats that smell like holidays in every bite.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is uniform in color and clump-free. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

6. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft.

8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to finish setting.

9. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with confectioners’ sugar for a touch of snowy sweetness if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These Orange Clove Cookies are versatile delights that pair beautifully with a variety of treats and settings. Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, here are four fun ways to serve them:

Cozy Tea Time: Arrange cookies on a small plate alongside a steaming mug of Earl Grey or chamomile for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Festive Platter: Layer cookies on a decorative tray with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Gift Box: Stack cooled cookies in a ribbon-tied box or mason jar with parchment paper for a homemade holiday gift that’s sure to impress.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a fun twist on dessert.

Tips For Perfect Orange Clove Cookies

Getting these spiced treats just right is easier than you think. Keep your butter at room temperature for proper creaming, don't overmix the dough, and trust the baking times—golden edges mean a soft, chewy center.

These cookies have a delightful balance of spice and citrus that makes them perfect for the holiday season.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and softness.
For an extra twist, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough before baking for texture and flavor contrast.
The recipe can also be doubled if you plan to share them more widely during festive gatherings—just bake in batches.

How To Store It

Proper storage keeps your Orange Clove Cookies tasting fresh and zesty long after they leave the oven. Follow these methods to preserve texture and flavor:

Room Temperature: Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Store at room temperature for up to one week.
Refrigeration: For an extra-crisp edge, layer cookies in a sealed container and chill for 2–3 days before serving. Bring to room temperature for best flavor.
Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months—bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Lay cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are quick answers to common baking questions so you can whip up these cookies with confidence.

How long does it take to prepare and bake these Orange Clove Cookies?

From start to finish, you’ll spend about 10 minutes mixing and scooping the dough, 10–12 minutes baking, plus about 5 minutes of initial cooling on the sheet pan and another 10–15 minutes on the wire rack. In total, plan for roughly 35–40 minutes.

My dough feels too sticky to handle. What can I do?

If the dough is tacky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This firms up the butter and makes scooping easier. You can also lightly dust your hands or the scoop with flour to prevent sticking without altering the cookie texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough or finished cookies?

Yes. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months and thawed at room temperature.

How should I store the cookies to keep them fresh?

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week. If you add the optional confectioners’ sugar dusting, wait to dust until just before serving to keep the coating looking crisp.

Why does the recipe call for both baking powder and baking soda?

Baking soda reacts with the fresh orange juice’s acidity to give initial lift and a tender crumb, while baking powder provides additional, slower-acting leavening. Together they ensure the cookies rise just enough without becoming cake-like.

How can I intensify the orange flavor in these cookies?

Use a microplane to zest only the bright orange part of the peel for maximum oils and minimal bitterness. Allow the zest to come to room temperature before mixing so the oil blooms. You can also increase the zest by up to 1½ tablespoons or stir in a teaspoon of orange extract for a bolder citrus punch.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Fold in up to ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate, or toasted nuts after the flour is incorporated. Gently mix to avoid overworking the dough, then bake as directed.

I don’t have ground cloves. What can I substitute?

You can replace the 1 teaspoon of ground cloves with ½ teaspoon each of ground allspice and ground nutmeg for a similar warm spice profile. Alternatively, increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons and add a pinch of ginger for a cinnamon-forward twist.

What Makes This Special

These Orange Clove Cookies stand out because they merge the bright, sunny zing of fresh orange juice and zest with the cozy warmth of cloves and cinnamon—an unexpected duo that feels both festive and irresistibly comforting. The simple mixing and baking process keeps things accessible, so you can print this recipe, stash it in your holiday binder, and revisit it whenever you need a citrus-spiced pick-me-up. Let me know in the comments if you give them a whirl, or drop any questions below—I’m always here to help make your baking adventures even sweeter.

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