Introduction to Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze
Welcome to a delightful baking journey! If you’re searching for a cozy recipe that brings warmth and joy, look no further than these Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze. Picture the comfort of the holidays, the aroma of spices filling your kitchen, and delicious cookies just waiting to be shared with loved ones. As a busy mom myself, I know how precious time is. That’s why these cookies are not just easy to make, but they also lend an irresistible charm to any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be adding this recipe to your beloved favorites!
Why You’ll Love This Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze
These Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze are more than just treats; they’re a warm hug in cookie form! You’ll love how quick they come together, perfect for those busy days when time slips away. The delightful blend of orange zest and spices creates a unique flavor that dances on your taste buds. Plus, whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these cookies are a hit with everyone!
Ingredients for Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze. Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouth-watering delights:
- Unsalted butter: This is the base that creates a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. Remember to soften it beforehand!
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of floral notes. You can substitute with maple syrup if needed.
- Fancy molasses: It brings deep, caramel-like flavor. Blackstrap molasses works too, but it’s less sweet.
- Fine sea salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip it!
- Orange zest: Freshly grated from a large orange, this is what infuses the cookies with a bright, citrusy aroma.
- Dehydrated orange rings: Optional, but finely chopped, they add an extra burst of orange flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: This warming spice perfectly complements the orange and cloves.
- Ground ginger: Gives a bit of warmth and spice; adjust to your taste for a kick!
- Freshly grated nutmeg: Just a pinch is enough for its nutty essence.
- Ground cardamom: Adds a sweet and aromatic touch which makes these cookies stand out.
- Ground clove: A little goes a long way, adding depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- Ground allspice: Brings an exciting blend of flavors, reminiscent of holiday thoughts and spice rack aromas.
- Pure vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds sweetness and balances the spices.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Icing sugar: Essential for the spiced glaze, giving it that glossy, smooth finish.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Enhances the orange flavor. Feel free to substitute with additional zest if you’re short on juice.
- Cointreau: This orange liqueur in the glaze adds a refined touch. For a non-alcoholic option, more orange juice works just fine.
- A pinch of ground clove: Yes, you’ll use this again in the glaze for that extra kick!
For exact quantities, check the bottom of the article, where you can also find a printable version!
How to Make Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze
Step 1: Creaming the Base
Start your cookie adventure by creaming together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about one minute. The goal here is to create a smooth and fluffy base. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies their delightful texture. I like to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well. Trust me, this creamy base is worth the extra minute!
Step 2: Mixing in the Spices and Zest
Once you’ve created your creamy base, it’s time to spice things up! Add the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, allspice, and freshly grated orange zest directly to the mixture. Mix it for about ten seconds. This step combines the spices and zest evenly, ensuring every bite delivers that warm, fragrant, orange goodness. I always get excited at this stage because the smell of spices fills my kitchen and brings back memories of baking with my mom!
Step 3: Forming the Dough
Now, it’s time to add the all-purpose flour to your spiced mixture. Begin by gradually incorporating the flour using a whisk to lightly combine. Once it starts to come together, switch to a spoon to knead the mixture into a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. If you find the dough is too wet, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour; it’s all about getting that perfect consistency. The dough should be soft but not too sticky, making it manageable for shaping later on!
Step 4: Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is an essential step. Cover the prepared dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and makes the dough easier to handle. Trust me, taking this extra time will pay off when you shape your cookies without a mess!
Step 5: Shaping the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, it’s time to shape your cookies! Dust your hands and a cookie stamp lightly with flour. Take a small portion of dough—about one teaspoon to one tablespoon in size—and roll it into a ball. Stamp the ball down to flatten it, or use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. Don’t forget to roll out the scrap dough, as you want to maximize every bite. Experience tells me that various shapes make cookie platters look extra festive!
Step 6: Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) while you’re shaping the cookies. Arrange them on lined baking trays, making sure to provide some space between each one. Bake for around 14 minutes, or until the edges just start to brown. The key here is not to overbake! Your cookies will go back into the oven after glazing, so trust your instincts. The aroma wafting from the oven at this stage is simply irresistible!
Step 7: Preparing the Spiced Glaze
While the cookies are baking, it’s the perfect time to whip up the spiced glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together icing sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and Cointreau until a thick, pourable consistency forms. If the glaze is too thick, simply add a little more orange juice or Cointreau. I sometimes replace the liqueur with juice for family gatherings, and it tastes just as delightful! This glaze is what will elevate your cookies to a whole new level!
Step 8: Glazing and Finishing
Once your cookies are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Now, here’s where the magic happens: dip each cookie into the spiced glaze or pour it over while they are still on the sheet. Then, return the cookies to the oven for just 2 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and let them rest inside for 1 additional minute. This little trick helps the glaze set perfectly. Once completely cooled, transfer the glazed cookies to a wire rack. Their glossy finish will leave everyone eager for a taste!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easier creaming and a fluffier texture.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the dough; it makes shaping easier and improves flavor.
- Adjust spice levels according to your taste; more ginger or cinnamon for a kick!
- Use a cookie scoop for even cookie sizes, ensuring uniform baking.
- Allow cookies to cool before glazing for a perfect finish.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl works best, but any sturdy bowl will do.
- Hand mixer or whisk: Both can get the job done, but a mixer saves time.
- Cookie stamp or cookie cutters: If you don’t have these, use the bottom of a glass!
- Baking sheets: Ensure they are lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wire rack: Essential for cooling; you can also use a plate or cutting board.
Variations on Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze
- Try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch.
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- For a richer flavor, include dark chocolate chips or chunks in the dough.
- Experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or lime, for a unique twist!
- Replace Cointreau with almond extract for a different flavor profile in the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Present them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh orange slices or clove stems for an attractive display.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- These cookies make wonderful gifts—package them in decorative boxes with a cheerful ribbon.
- Enjoy them with a good book or during a family gathering to spread the joy!
FAQs about Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze
As you dive into baking these Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze, you might have some questions. Here are a few frequently asked ones:
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week. When you’re ready, just shape and bake!
What’s the best way to store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
Can I freeze the cookies? Yes! Once baked and cooled, freeze them in a single layer. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
What if I don’t have Cointreau? No worries! Simply swap it for more orange juice. The flavor will still shine!
How can I make these cookies vegan? You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use maple syrup instead of honey for a delicious vegan version!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze brings not just delightful treats, but a sprinkle of joy to everyday moments. The process, filled with warmth and enticing aromas, can transform a simple afternoon into a cherished memory. Every bite is a reminder of togetherness and the little pleasures life offers. So, whether you’re sharing them with family, enjoying them during a cozy night in, or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to spread smiles. Trust me, they’ll add a delightful charm to your kitchen, season after season!
Print
Orange Clove Cookies Spiced Glaze: A Must-Try Delight!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and aromatic cookies infused with clove, orange zest, and a spiced glaze perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 170 g unsalted butter, softened
- 40 g honey (2 tablespoons)
- 40 g fancy molasses (2 tablespoons)
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger, or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Pinch of ground clove
- Pinch of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 300 g all-purpose flour (2 and 1/2 cups)
- 150 g icing sugar (about 1 and 1/4 cups)
- 30–45 ml freshly squeezed orange juice (2–3 tablespoons)
- 30–40 ml Cointreau (2–3 tablespoons)
- Pinch of ground clove
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt using a mixer on medium speed for approximately one minute until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, allspice, and the orange zest to the creamed mixture. Beat for about ten seconds to evenly distribute the spices and zest.
- Gradually add the flour, working first with a whisk to lightly combine, then switch to a spoon to form a cohesive, soft, and slightly sticky dough. Adjust consistency if needed with extra flour or a few drops of water or milk.
- Cover the prepared dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up for easier handling and shaping.
- Dust dough balls (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon in size) and a cookie stamp lightly with flour. Stamp the dough to flatten and transfer to a lined baking sheet. Trim edges if needed and re-roll scraps. Alternatively, roll out dough and use cookie cutters to desired shapes.
- Preheat oven to 175°C. Arrange shaped cookies on lined baking trays and bake for 14 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to brown. Do not overbake as cookies will re-enter the oven after glazing.
- While cookies bake, whisk together icing sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 2 tablespoons Cointreau, and a pinch of clove until a thick, pourable glaze forms. Add more orange juice or Cointreau as needed for desired consistency. Replace alcohol with more juice if preferred.
- Allow baked cookies to cool slightly. Dip each cookie into the glaze or pour glaze over while still on the sheet. Return cookies to the oven for 2 minutes, turn off heat, and let rest inside for 1 additional minute to set glaze.
- Transfer glazed cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container once fully cooled to maintain texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace Cointreau with additional orange juice.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before storing to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
