Name: Spiced Orange Clove Cookies with Zesty Orange Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)

Ingredients

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 (for glaze)

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat well until combined.

Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.

Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons or use a cookie scoop to place balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: While cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice for the glaze until smooth. Add more juice if needed for desired consistency.

Step 10: Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon or piping bag, then sprinkle with additional orange zest.

Step 11: Allow glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger citrus flavor, try using blood orange zest and juice instead of regular orange.

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, though the texture may be slightly different.

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading and give thicker cookies.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If glazed, allow the glaze to set completely before storing to avoid stickiness. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months and glaze them after thawing. Reheat glazed cookies gently in a low oven if desired.

FAQs

Can I use powdered orange peel instead of fresh orange zest and juice?

Powdered orange peel can work in the dough but may not provide as fresh or bright a flavor as fresh zest and juice. For the glaze, fresh juice is best to achieve the right consistency and vibrant taste.

What is the best way to make sure my cookies come out soft?

Be careful not to overbake; remove cookies when edges are lightly golden and centers still look set. Using softened butter and not overmixing the dough also helps maintain a tender texture.