Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies
Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies: Zesty Spiced Perfection
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about baking cookies in your kitchen, the scents wafting through your home creating a warm embrace. When you choose to whip up these Soft and Chewy Orange Clove Cookies, you’ll not only bring the sweetness of sugar and spice into your life but also an explosion of citrus flavor that dances on your palate. These cookies are the perfect blend of zesty and cozy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Biting into a soft, chewy cookie can transport you to happy memories with each morsel. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven, share them with family and friends, or package them as gifts, you’ll discover that these cookies deliver a happiness boost. It’s not just a recipe, it’s a celebration of flavors to inspire comfort and joy.
Why Make This Recipe
- The vibrant flavors of orange and spices bring a festive cheer, making these cookies an ideal treat for any gathering.
- Their soft and chewy texture is irresistibly delightful, perfect for anyone who loves cookies that deliver a bit of bite without being overly crisp.
Make these delightful cookies to brighten your day, surprise a friend, or simply indulge yourself in some well-deserved comfort food.
Easy Method for Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies
Creating these cookies is an enjoyable process, and they come together more easily than you might think. Follow our simple guide, and soon you’ll have a batch of cookies that not only taste amazing but also make your home smell heavenly. Ready to get baking? Let’s go!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into mixing and baking, ensure you have all the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2-3 large oranges)
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fancy molasses
For the Optional Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon fresh orange zest (optional, for glaze)
Directions to Create These Cookies
- Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
- Before mixing, gather all your ingredients. Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature; this step is crucial for creating a smooth, emulsified dough, which contributes to the perfect final texture. Take them out of the fridge an hour or two before starting this delightful baking adventure.
- Zest the Oranges
- Using a microplane or a fine grater, carefully zest your oranges, concentrating on just the bright orange part and avoiding the bitter white pith. This zest adds a significant burst of orange flavor. Set aside a bit of extra zest for garnish if you desire that extra flair.
- Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, preferably using an electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes. You will achieve a light, fluffy mixture that is pale yellow in color. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are well-combined.
- Incorporate Eggs, Honey, Molasses, and Orange Zest
- Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Follow this with the honey and fancy molasses, mixing until well combined. Finally, add in your freshly grated orange zest and beat for another minute to evenly distribute the delicious flavor.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, ground ginger, grated nutmeg, and ground cardamom. Good practice is to sift or thoroughly whisk to prevent any lumps and ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain; it’s okay if a few small lumps are present in your dough.
- Add Orange Juice
- Pour in the fresh orange juice, and mix on low speed for a few more seconds until it’s fully incorporated into the dough. You’ll notice that the dough is soft and slightly sticky – just the way we want it!
- Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. This chilling step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together, firms up the butter (preventing excessive spreading), and relaxes the gluten, resulting in a perfectly textured cookie.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
- Once your dough has adequately chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking as they rise in the oven.
- Prepare the Dough for Baking
Remove one disk of chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. If the dough feels too cold, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes until it becomes pliable but be cautious to prevent it from getting too warm.
- Cut Out Cookies
Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter or any shape you prefer, cut out your cookies. Transfer them carefully to your prepared baking sheets, making sure you leave about 1 to 2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Gather any dough scraps, gently re-roll them once or twice, and cut out more cookies.
- Bake the Cookies
Bake one sheet at a time in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Keep an eye on your cookies, as the exact baking time can vary based on your oven and cookie size. It’s wise to rotate the tray halfway through to ensure they bake evenly. Avoid overbaking to retain that delightful softness.
- Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. They will be delicate when hot, so use caution when transferring. After 5 minutes, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat this process with the second disk of dough.
- Prepare the Optional Orange Glaze
While your cookies are cooling, let’s prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, sift the powdered sugar and gradually add the fresh orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, whisking constantly until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If you would like an extra punch of flavor and visual appeal, a pinch of additional orange zest can be added.
- Glaze the Cooled Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool (this is essential to preventing the glaze from melting), it’s time to glaze them. You can drizzle it with a spoon, dip the tops for full coverage, or spread it with a small offset spatula. A simple drizzle is often the most elegant and effective.
- Allow Glaze to Set and Garnish
Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch any drips. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes or until it hardens slightly. If you want an extra touch, sprinkle a little of the reserved orange zest over the wet glaze before it sets.
- Storage
Store your finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Interestingly, they tend to become even more flavorful after a day or two. They also freeze beautifully without the glaze for up to 3 months; simply thaw completely at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Storage Tips for Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies
- At Room Temperature: These cookies can sit nicely in an airtight container for about 3-5 days. Storing them in a cool location helps them maintain their chewy texture.
- In the Refrigerator: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Ensure they’re stored in an airtight container to avoid absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to thaw them completely before glazing.
Best Ways to Serve Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies
When it comes to serving these delightful cookies, creativity can elevate them to new heights. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a chewy orange clove cookie with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The spices in the cookie harmonize perfectly with the warmth of your beverage, creating an inviting afternoon treat.
- As a Gift: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or box. Add a sprig of fresh mint or some dried orange slices for a festive touch that says you put in that extra love.
- Cookie Platter: Create a platter with various cookies of different flavors and textures, combining these with chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin, or ginger snaps.
- A Sweet Ending: Serve them as a delightful end to a holiday meal. Their zesty notes coupled with spices can help cleanse the palate beautifully.
- Topped with Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, warm a cookie in the microwave, then top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of warm chocolate as an optional luxurious finish.
Tips to Make Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies
- Tip: Make sure your butter is adequately softened for easy creaming with the sugar. This setting ensures a fluffy cookie dough that results in soft cookies.
- Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough. This step not only helps with the texture but is vital to curbing excessive spreading when they bake.
- Experiment with Glaze: If you wish to make the glaze a bit more exciting, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for another layer of flavor.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality spices and fresh oranges for the best flavor profile. Freshly grated zest will always outshine the pre-packaged alternatives.
- Monitor Baking Time Closely: The cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quite quickly. Begin checking around the 8-minute mark and adjust based on your oven’s performance.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re in the mood for a twist on this recipe, consider these variations:
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be an excellent addition for texture. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can skip this without sacrificing flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Incorporate dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough to enhance the flavor profile. Orange and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven!
- Herbal Add-in: Consider adding a pinch of dried lavender for a floral touch that complements the citrus perfectly.
FAQs about Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to a week before baking. Alternatively, roll it into balls and freeze for baking fresh cookies whenever you desire.
Q: How do I keep the cookies moist?
- Store them in an airtight container.
- Don’t overbake them.
- Consider adding a slice of bread to the container; it helps keep moisture in.
Q: What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
A: Simply dust a bit of flour on your hands while rolling them or chill the dough for a little longer to help firm it up.
Q: Can I use substitutes for the honey and molasses?
A: Absolutely, you can swap honey with agave nectar or maple syrup, and dark corn syrup could replace molasses if it’s not on hand.
With these delightful cookies, you’re sure to impress friends and family alike. Perfect for celebrations, gifts, or a simple afternoon treat, these Soft and Chewy Orange Clove Cookies deliver a unique experience that envelops your senses. Enjoy baking and even more so, enjoy sharing and indulging in these of the best cookies you’ll ever make!
Print
Soft & Chewy Orange Clove Cookies
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy cookies bursting with zesty orange and warm spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fancy molasses
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted (for optional glaze)
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon fresh orange zest (for glaze)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients, ensuring the butter and eggs are at room temperature.
- Zest the oranges, focusing on the bright orange part.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then honey, molasses, and orange zest, mixing until combined.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add fresh orange juice and mix until incorporated.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool before glazing with optional orange glaze.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.
Notes
For a twist, add chocolate chips or nuts. Experiment with different spices in the glaze for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, orange, clove, baking, dessert
