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Orange Clove Christmas Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

These delicious Orange Clove Christmas Cookies bring festive cheer with a warm blend of spices and a bright citrus glaze. Perfectly soft with a subtle scent of orange and clove, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough

  • 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)

For the Glaze

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookies evenly.
  2. Cream Butter and Sweeteners: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, honey, and molasses until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a rich base for the dough.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, allspice), and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender cookies.
  4. Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract to infuse the dough with bright citrus and sweet aromatic notes. Optionally, fold in finely chopped dehydrated orange slices for enhanced texture and flavor.
  5. Shape Cookies: Use a cookie stamp or cutter to shape the dough into festive forms, then place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
  6. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color indicating the cookies are done but still soft inside.
  7. Prepare Glaze: While the cookies bake, mix the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau, and a pinch of ground clove in a bowl until smooth to create a flavorful glaze.
  8. Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Brush or drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cookies, then return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the glaze beautifully.

Notes

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • Refrigerate cookies for up to 7 days if you want to extend shelf life.
  • Freeze cookies for up to 3 months; allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
  • Adjust spices to your preference to make the cookies more or less spicy.
  • For a dairy-free version, use margarine instead of butter and substitute honey with agave syrup strictly if vegan compliance is also desired.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, orange clove cookies, festive cookies, holiday baking, spiced cookies, orange zest cookies, Christmas dessert

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/orange-clove-christmas-cookies-recipe/