Irresistible Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze

Introduction

These cookies pull together warm spices and bright citrus for a fast, festive bake. Soft centers and a glossy orange glaze make them feel special without fuss. Prep and bake can fit into a busy afternoon, and the recipe scales well. For another speedy treat with big flavor, try Irresistible Red Velvet Cookies and Cream Brownies.

Why This Recipe Works

The balance of baking powder and baking soda gives a gentle lift and tender crumb while keeping the cookie shape intact. A modest amount of butter and a single egg keep the dough easy to mix and quick to chill or bake. Ground spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—work together to create depth without overwhelming the orange notes. Fresh orange zest and juice punch up brightness so the cookies taste vibrant even when baked fast. Powdered sugar glaze sets quickly and adds a glossy finish that keeps them looking bakery-ready. Overall, this recipe prioritizes simple steps and ingredients that deliver consistent results every time.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a soft, slightly chewy center with crisped edges when baked just until the tops set. Cinnamon and ginger give warm background spice while cloves and nutmeg add aromatic complexity. The orange zest lifts the spices and keeps the cookies from feeling heavy. The glaze adds sweet-tart contrast and a silky mouthfeel that complements the spiced cookie. These textures and flavors make the cookies great for tea, coffee, or quick gifting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (helps give the cookies a perfect structure.)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (ensures the cookies rise beautifully.)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (contributes to a delightful texture.)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds a warm, comforting flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (brings a hint of spice to the mix.)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (enhances the overall aroma.)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (complements the spices for a cozy warmth.)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness of the dough.)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (creates a rich and tender cookie.)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the cookies to perfection.)
• 1 large egg (binds the ingredients together for a seamless dough.)
• Zest of 1 orange (infuses the cookies with bright, zesty flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (enhances the orange flavor while keeping the dough moist.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cookies.)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (provides the sweetness needed for the glaze.)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (gives the glaze a tangy freshness.)
• Zest of 1 orange (makes for a lovely garnish that brightens the glaze.)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until evenly combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions and stir just until incorporated.
6. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
7. Lightly flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon for even baking.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Whisk powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth to make the glaze.
11. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra orange zest.
12. Allow glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use a microplane for quick, fine orange zest that disperses flavor evenly. Measuring flour by spooning into the cup and leveling gives more reliable cookies when you’re short on time. If you want thicker cookies, briefly chill the dough for 10 minutes before scooping. For fewer dishes, mix dry ingredients in the same bowl you’ll use to fold wet ingredients once creamed. For a larger batch or a slightly different citrus profile, check the bakery-style technique in ultimate bakery-size orange scone cookies for ideas you can borrow.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and preserve glaze. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. You can also freeze scoops of raw dough on a tray, then bag them for quick future baking.

Short Closing Note

This recipe gives busy bakers a fast route to warm, scented cookies that still feel homemade and thoughtful. Small steps, fresh orange, and a quick glaze are all you need for big flavor.

Conclusion

For a different take on citrus-spice cookies, see this inspiration from Orange Marmalade Spice Cookies – Sprinkle Bakes.

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Quick Irresistible Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Glaze

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Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

These cookies combine warm spices and bright citrus for a festive bake, featuring soft centers and a glossy orange glaze.

• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
• Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until evenly combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions and stir just until incorporated.
6. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
7. Lightly flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon for even baking.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Whisk powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth to make the glaze.
11. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra orange zest.
12. Allow glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a microplane for fine orange zest. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

• Author: Chef Hanna
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 12
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg