Irresistible Glazed Orange Cookies with Cinnamon & Cloves are a delightful treat that brings warmth and brightness to your kitchen. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply a sweet ending to a busy day. The aromatic combination of orange, cinnamon, and cloves creates a special moment with every bite, showcasing flavors that wrap you in a comforting embrace. I remember the first time I baked these cookies; the fragrant scent filled my home, and my family’s smiles made every minute spent in the kitchen worthwhile.
Why Make This Recipe
These cookies offer not just a delicious dessert, but also a heartfelt experience. The combination of spices and citrus zest makes these treats a standout choice that everyone in the family will love. They’re quick to prepare, ensuring that even busy bakers can enjoy something homemade. Imagine these cookies, glazed with a sweet orange coating, sitting on your kitchen counter, inviting everyone to indulge.
"These cookies have become a family favorite, and the glaze is simply divine," says a happy home baker.
The vibrant flavors make them ideal for gatherings, and they pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them a versatile option for different occasions.
How to Make Irresistible Glazed Orange Cookies with Cinnamon & Cloves
Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process that brings joy to your baking routine. Start by preparing your cookie dough. You’ll mix together your dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, cocoa, and spices, then incorporate the wet ingredients along with the fragrant orange zest. After a short resting period, you’ll roll the dough, shape it into diamonds, and bake until perfectly set and firm.
Once baked and cooled, the real fun begins with the glaze. A simple mix of confectioners’ sugar and fresh orange juice creates a luscious topping that adds a sweet, tangy finish to each cookie. With just a quick dip in this glaze, your cookies will transform into an irresistible treat, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Ingredients
To create Irresistible Glazed Orange Cookies with Cinnamon & Cloves, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp Dutch-processed cocoa
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- Zest of 2 medium oranges
For the Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp Cointreau or Grand Marnier (optional)
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences, and if you want a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the sugar a bit.
Directions
To begin making the cookies, first prepare the dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder. Once well mixed, create a well in the center, adding the eggs, olive oil, milk, and orange zest. Mix everything until fully combined and then gently knead until the dough is smooth. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes.
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After the resting period, divide the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece into 1/2-inch ropes, flatten them slightly, and cut into 1.5-inch diamond shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about an inch apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until they’re set and firm to the touch. Once done, cool them on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners’ sugar with fresh orange juice and the optional liqueur until smooth. If necessary, adjust the consistency with more sugar or juice to achieve your preferred thickness. After the cookies have cooled completely, dip each one in the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off before placing them back on the rack. Let the cookies dry at room temperature overnight to achieve that delightful frosty finish.
How to Serve Irresistible Glazed Orange Cookies with Cinnamon & Cloves
Serving these cookies is as simple as placing them on a pretty plate and inviting friends and family to enjoy. You can pair them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or serve them as part of a dessert table at a special occasion. These cookies also make a thoughtful homemade gift, especially when packaged nicely in a decorative tin.
For a fun twist with kids, consider decorating the cookies with colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of additional glaze for a festive look.
How to Store
To keep your Irresistible Glazed Orange Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll typically last for up to a week, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and glaze them for a freshly baked taste.
Tips to Make
For success in baking these cookies, remember to accurately measure your flour and sugar, as too much can lead to a dry cookie. Also, gently knead the dough to avoid overworking it, which can toughen the cookies. If you’re short on time, you can skip the resting period, but letting the dough sit helps develop flavor and improves texture.
Adding a pinch of salt to your glaze will enhance the sweetness and add a sophisticated touch. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices too; a hint of nutmeg or ginger can provide exciting flavor variations!
Variations
While the original recipe is delightful, there are numerous creative twists you can try. Substitute the orange zest with lemon or lime for a different citrusy angle. You could also experiment by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
For a seasonal version, consider adding crushed peppermint or even a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze for a festive flair around the holidays.
FAQs
What can I pair these cookies with for a dessert platter?
These cookies pair wonderfully with general desserts like brownies, fruit tarts, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and check for baking powder that’s gluten-free as well.
What should I do if my glaze is too thin?
If your glaze is too thin, gradually add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh orange juice will provide a brighter flavor. If using bottled, opt for high-quality juice.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, check out these family-friendly options: Protein Muffins and Smash Cake.
For more fun baking ideas, be sure to visit us on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/
Irresistible Glazed Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder.
- Create a well in the center, adding the eggs, olive oil, milk, and orange zest. Mix everything until fully combined.
- Knead gently until the dough is smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into four pieces, roll each into 1/2-inch ropes, flatten slightly, and cut into 1.5-inch diamond shapes.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about an inch apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until set and firm.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking the confectioners’ sugar with fresh orange juice and optional liqueur until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency with more sugar or juice if needed.
- Dip cooled cookies in the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, and let dry at room temperature overnight.