There is nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home during the holidays. These Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe bring a burst of citrusy brightness paired with cozy spices that capture the spirit of the season perfectly. With a tender, crumbly texture and a glossy, crackled glaze, these cookies are the ultimate treat to share with family and friends, making any Christmas celebration feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role. From rich butter to fragrant spices and zesty orange, every element contributes to the lovely depth of flavor, gorgeous texture, and festive appearance that make these cookies shine.
- Butter (170 g, softened): The base for the shortbread, giving it that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of floral warmth.
- Fancy molasses (2 tbsp): Deepens the flavor with a rich, dark note and enhances the festive spiciness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and elevates all other flavors beautifully.
- Orange zest (1 large orange) & dehydrated orange rings (optional): Adds vibrant citrus brightness and texture.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms the palate with a classic holiday spice.
- Ginger (1/2 tsp, to taste): Adds a lively, zesty kick to complement the orange.
- Grated nutmeg (1/4 tsp, to taste): Brings a subtle, nutty warmth.
- Cardamom (1/4 tsp): Adds an exotic, aromatic note that pairs perfectly here.
- Clove and allspice (a pinch each): Intensifies the festive spice mix for complexity.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with sweet smoothness.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups/300 g): Provides structure to the dough for soft shortbread cookies.
- Icing sugar (1 1/4 cups/150 g): Used in the glaze for a sweet, glossy finish.
- Orange juice (2 tbsp): Adds fresh citrus tang to the glaze.
- Cointreau (2 tbsp): Imparts a delicate orange liqueur flavor in the glaze (optional but magical).
- Pinch of clove: Enhances the glaze’s aromatic spiciness.
How to Make Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Base
Start by softening your butter, then beat it together with honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies are tender and not heavy.
Step 2: Adding the Spices and Orange Zest
Mix in the fragrant spices — cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice — along with the freshly zested orange. This blend gives the cookies their signature festive aroma and flavor all in one delightful bite.
Step 3: Combining Flour to Form Dough
Gradually stir in the flour, first with a whisk then with a spoon, until the dough just comes together. It will feel soft, pliable, and a bit sticky. If it’s too tough, loosen it with a few drops of water or milk, or dust in a bit more flour as needed. Then cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Shaping and Stamping the Cookies
If you have cookie stamps, form small balls of dough, dust both dough and stamp with flour, then firmly press the stamp onto the dough. Carefully lift and place the shaped cookie onto your baking sheet. Trim any uneven edges with a smaller cutter and reuse the scraps. If you don’t have stamps, simply roll out the dough and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cookies on a lined baking sheet, bake for 10-14 minutes until edges are just starting to brown. It’s better to slightly underbake so they stay tender once glazed.
Step 6: Glazing for That Festive Finish
While the cookies bake, whisk together icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau, and a pinch of clove until thick yet runny, like honey. Right after baking, dip or drizzle each cookie with the glaze and return them to the hot oven for 2 minutes. Then turn the oven off and let the cookies sit inside for an additional 1-2 minutes. This creates an irresistible crackled glaze that adds both texture and sparkle.
Step 7: Cooling and Storing
Allow your cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This ensures the glaze sets beautifully and the cookies stay fresh.
How to Serve Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, sprinkle some finely chopped dehydrated orange rings atop the glaze before it sets, or dust with a little extra icing sugar for a snow-kissed look. A few whole cloves arranged artfully on the platter can also highlight the spices inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of mulled cider or a robust holiday spiced tea. They also make a charming companion to creamy eggnog or a smooth latte, balancing the richness with their zesty spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your festive spread into a showstopper by arranging the cookies around a pine wreath or serving them in a beautiful tin lined with parchment decorated with citrus slices and cinnamon sticks. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with twine makes an easy and heartwarming gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Orange Clove Christmas Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week, maintaining both their tender crumb and crackled glaze.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, place parchment layers between them in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before glazing if unglazed, or freeze pre-glazed cookies for quicker holiday prep.
Reheating
Warm the cookies slightly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to revive their soft texture and refresh the glaze’s shine. Avoid microwaving as it can make them too soft or soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the Cointreau in the glaze with extra fresh orange juice to maintain that lovely citrus flavor without the alcohol.
What if I don’t have a cookie stamp?
No worries! Rolling the dough and cutting festive shapes with cookie cutters works just as well and allows for personalization with classic holiday designs.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but be mindful that the texture might be slightly different — still delicious, just a little more delicate.
What is the best way to store these cookies for gifting?
Layer the cookies with sheets of parchment paper inside a sturdy, airtight tin or box. Adding a festive ribbon and a handwritten note makes the gift even more special.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare and chill the dough up to 24 hours ahead, then simply shape and bake whenever you’re ready. This also helps develop the flavors in the dough.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a touch of warmth and joy to your holiday baking, these Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe are an absolute must-try. Their perfect balance of bright citrus and rich spices makes them not just a cookie, but a cherished seasonal experience. I hope you have as much joy baking and sharing these as I’ve had creating and savoring every bite!
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Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 18-25 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Orange Clove Christmas Cookies are festive spiced shortbread treats bursting with warm spices and bright citrus notes. The buttery dough is infused with honey, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice balanced by fresh orange zest and juice. The soft, pliable dough is stamped or cut into shapes, baked until just lightly browned, then glazed with a zesty orange and Cointreau icing that crisps beautifully in the oven. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies offer a delicate crunch with a rich, aromatic glaze that’s both elegant and delightfully traditional.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 170 g butter, softened
- 2 tbsp (40 g) honey
- 2 tbsp (40 g) fancy molasses
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large orange, zested
- Few dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- A pinch of clove
- A pinch of allspice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 and 1/2 cups (300 g) flour
Glaze
- 1 and 1/4 cup (about 150 g) icing sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) orange juice (or slightly more)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Cointreau (or slightly more)
- A little pinch of clove
Instructions
- Cream the wet ingredients: In a bowl, using a mixer, cream the softened butter, honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed for around one minute, until well combined and fluffy.
- Add spices and orange zest: Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, allspice, and orange zest to the creamed mixture. Beat for about 10 seconds just to incorporate the spices evenly.
- Mix in the flour: Gradually stir in the flour, first mixing with a whisk, then transitioning to a spoon until the dough forms. The dough will be soft, pliable, and slightly sticky. Adjust consistency by dusting with a bit of flour if too sticky or adding drops of water or milk if too tough. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape dough for stamped cookies (optional): If using a cookie stamp, shape small dough balls (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon) and dust both the dough balls and the stamp lightly with flour. This helps prevent sticking when stamping.
- Stamp the cookies: Press the flour-dusted stamp firmly down onto a dough ball until it flattens and spreads to the edges of the stamp. Carefully lift the stamp to reveal the stamped design. Transfer the cookie to a lined baking sheet. Trim any uneven edges with a smaller round cookie cutter and reuse scraps.
- Alternative shaping method: If you do not have cookie stamps, roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (approximately 175°C). Arrange the cookies on a lined baking sheet with some space between each.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for about 10-14 minutes depending on their size and your oven until the edges are slightly browned. Aim to slightly underbake them, as they will be returned to the oven later after glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cookies bake, whisk together icing sugar, orange juice (starting with 2 tablespoons), Cointreau (starting with 2 tablespoons), and a pinch of clove in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency with more juice or liqueur if needed until the glaze is thick yet pourable, similar to runny honey.
- Glaze the cookies and finish baking: Once baked, remove cookies from the oven and let cool slightly until easy to handle, but keep the oven on. Dip each cookie quickly into the glaze or pour glaze over them on the baking sheet. Return the cookies to the oven for 2 minutes with the heat on, then turn off the oven and leave cookies inside for another 1-2 minutes. This technique creates a crisp, crackling glaze.
- Cool and store: Let the cookies cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy these festive, spiced treat cookies!
Notes
- You can adjust spice levels to your taste, especially ginger and nutmeg.
- If you prefer an alcohol-free glaze, substitute Cointreau with extra orange juice.
- Dusting dough and stamps with flour helps prevent sticking without adding extra sugar.
- Reusing dough scraps helps reduce waste—just re-roll and cut again.
- Undercooking slightly before glazing ensures a softer center with a crispy glaze finish.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
