Delightful Homemade Orange Clove Cookies to Savor

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing quite fills the kitchen with cozy warmth like a batch of Orange Clove Cookies. This recipe has become a staple in my home because it combines the bright, lively scent of orange zest with the rich, comforting spice of cloves. It’s one of those citrus spiced cookies that instantly makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a soft blanket beside a crackling fire. I first made these after a chilly afternoon spent with close friends, and their honest delight made it clear this was a cookie to keep in the rotation. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a quiet night at home, these holiday orange cookies are as dependable as they are delicious.

What I love about these Orange Clove Cookies is that they fit perfectly into real home cooking life. The ingredients are everyday pantry staples—no last-minute runs to specialty stores needed. Plus, the balance between the citrus and warm clove spice turns simple orange zest cookies into a spiced citrus treat that feels special without complicated techniques. If you’re hunting for a recipe you can count on, this one is it. I invite you to settle in and give this recipe a try; your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will thank you. Once you make these Orange Clove Cookies, they’ll quickly become a go-to wherever comfort and flavor meet.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cloves (a key clove spice for that warm depth)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest (I always use a bit more zest for extra zing)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

This Orange Clove Cookies recipe uses ingredients you probably have on hand—good cooking shouldn’t need a special shopping trip. If you don’t have whole cloves to grind fresh, pre-ground cloves in the baking section work just fine. For a quick budget-friendly tip, regular granulated sugar is perfect and keeps your costs reasonable here. The orange zest is essential, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled orange extract can be substituted (though I always prefer fresh zest for that bright citrus spiced flavor). Butter should be soft but not melted; I like to take it out about an hour before starting.

If you want to prep ahead, you can zest the orange and store it tightly in the fridge for a day or two. Muffin-style or small kitchen zesters are excellent tools—you’ll find these in the regular grocery kitchen gadgets aisle. As for storage, these Orange Clove Cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week. I often double the batch because extras freeze beautifully—just wrap them well, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this makes clean-up a breeze.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cloves—the clove spiced biscuits get their signature kick here.

3. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and light—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where I used to rush my Orange Clove Cookies, but taking your time really makes a difference in the texture.

4. Add the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point—the citrus and clove aromas fill the air.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low just until incorporated. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might turn out a bit tough.

6. Roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each, and place them a couple inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

7. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.

8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set and just starting to turn golden. Don’t worry if your Orange Clove Cookies look pale in the middle—that’s perfect for keeping them soft and tender.

9. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

From start to finish, this Orange Clove Cookies recipe takes about 30 minutes—quick enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for company. While the cookies bake, you can set the table or brew a pot of tea. Tip: If you’re pressed for time, form the dough balls ahead of time and freeze them on a sheet tray; then bake straight from frozen by adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

This Orange Clove Cookies pairs wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced tea or your favorite holiday coffee. The citrus and clove notes lend themselves beautifully to simple accompaniments like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

I often serve these cookies during holiday gatherings or cozy weekend get-togethers because they’re crowd pleasers without any fuss. Presentation-wise, a simple stack tied with a ribbon or a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top brightens things up nicely.

For leftovers, which rarely happen around here, I’ve found chopping these cookies and folding them into plain yogurt or mixing them into oatmeal adds a lovely spiced citrus surprise to breakfast. Seasonal variations can include adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth, or swapping half the clove for cardamom to switch things up.

Friends and family always comment on the unique combination of flavors, saying it feels bright and festive—kind of like the feeling you get from other holiday orange cookies like those from this Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread recipe, which I’ve enjoyed adapting for different occasions.

Can I make this Orange Clove Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance or frozen for up to a month. Just bake fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.

What’s a good substitute for ground cloves in this Orange Clove Cookies?
If you don’t have cloves, cinnamon or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg make great substitutes, although it will shift the flavor slightly. I’ve swapped these spices successfully when fresh cloves weren’t available.

How do I adjust this Orange Clove Cookies recipe for fewer or more people?
This recipe scales up or down easily. For fewer servings, halve the ingredients. For a crowd, double the batch and freeze extras. I like doubling it when hosting holiday parties so I have plenty on hand!

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?
You can, but fresh orange zest adds that bright citrus kick you want in these citrus spiced cookies. If using extract, start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They’re soft with a slight crisp edge—not too crumbly or hard. If you prefer crunchier clove spiced biscuits, bake a minute or two longer but watch carefully.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or dried cranberries add nice texture and tartness. I’ve tried walnuts and loved how they complement the spiced citrus treats aspect.

How should I store leftover Orange Clove Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. They retain their flavor and texture nicely.

If you want to try similar recipes, your cooking friends might enjoy these Simple Christmas Kitchen Cookies PLUS Orange Spice Roll-out, or for a slightly different texture, check out Orange-Spice Shortbread Cookies – Crumb: A Food Blog. I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s a reliable weeknight solution for a sweet treat and a classic I can count on.

This Orange Clove Cookies recipe holds a special place in my collection because it’s a simple, reliable way to bring a touch of holiday magic to everyday life. The balance of bright orange zest and warm clove spices is just right—not overpowering but unforgettable. My Best Orange Clove Cookies Tips include always using fresh orange zest for the brightest flavor, taking time to cream butter and sugar properly, and freezing extra dough balls for last-minute baking.

Over the years, I’ve tested variations like adding a bit of ground cardamom, swapping brown sugar for a richer flavor, and mixing in chopped nuts for crunch. The version most requested by my family is the classic clove and orange zest combo—the comfort of spiced citrus treats at their best.

I encourage you to make this Orange Clove Cookies your own: tweak the spices, add your favorite mix-ins, and enjoy the process. What I hope you’ll love most is how dependable this recipe is—bringing people together around a familiar, comforting flavor without fuss. For more reliable dinner ideas, try my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce to round out your citrus-themed meals or explore some sweet moments with Chocolate Cut Out Heart Cookies for that extra treat.

Warm wishes and happy baking from my kitchen to yours. These Orange Clove Cookies won’t let you down.