Name: Orange Clove Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (can use margarine for a dairy-free option); 1/2 cup Honey (can be substituted with agave syrup); 1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used, though the flavor will differ slightly); 2 cups All-purpose Flour (gluten-free flour blend may be substituted); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adjust spices to personal preference); 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger (adjust spices to personal preference); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (adjust spices to personal preference); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (adjust spices to personal preference); 1 teaspoon Ground Clove (adjust spices to personal preference); 1 teaspoon Allspice (adjust spices to personal preference); 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest (finely chopped dehydrated or candied orange slices can enhance flavor); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (almond extract or orange extract can be used for a twist); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (only a pinch is needed); 1 cup Icing Sugar (powdered sugar is necessary for the glaze’s texture); 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice (more Cointreau can replace orange juice); 1 Tablespoon Cointreau (substitute with any citrus liqueur or skip for a non-alcoholic version); 1 pinch Ground Clove (use a small pinch for balance)

Ingredients

1 cup Butter (can use margarine for a dairy-free option)

1/2 cup Honey (can be substituted with agave syrup)

1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used with a slight flavor difference)

2 cups All-purpose Flour (gluten-free flour blend may be substituted)

1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

1 teaspoon Ground Ginger

1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom

1 teaspoon Ground Clove

1 teaspoon Allspice

1 Tablespoon Orange Zest (finely chopped dehydrated or candied orange slices can enhance flavor)

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (almond or orange extract can be used for a twist)

1/4 teaspoon Salt

For the glaze:

1 cup Icing Sugar (powdered sugar necessary for texture)

2 Tablespoons Orange Juice (can replace with more Cointreau)

1 Tablespoon Cointreau (substitute with any citrus liqueur or skip for non-alcoholic)

1 pinch Ground Clove

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, honey, and molasses until smooth.

Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, spices, and salt—and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract. If using, fold in finely chopped dehydrated orange slices for extra flavor.

Step 5: Shape the dough using a cookie stamp or cutter, and place the cookies on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.

Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau, and a pinch of ground clove until smooth.

Step 8: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, glaze them and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the glaze.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine and use agave syrup instead of honey.

Adjust the spice blend to your liking, adding more or less clove and cinnamon for a personalized flavor.

Replace vanilla extract with almond or orange extract to give the cookies a unique twist.

Adding finely chopped dehydrated or candied orange slices enhances the citrus aroma and adds texture.

Skip the Cointreau in the glaze for a family-friendly, non-alcoholic version.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with texture.

How can I make the glaze without alcohol?

Simply omit the Cointreau and replace it with additional orange juice or a splash of water. The glaze will still be flavorful and delicious.