If you’re craving a cozy, heartwarming treat perfect for the holiday season, look no further than this Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe. Imagine buttery, tender shortbread kissed with bright orange zest and rounded out by a warming blend of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Each bite melts in your mouth and carries the unmistakable scent of Christmas, making these cookies not just a dessert, but a festive experience. I’m excited to walk you through every step so you can bring these delightful cookies to your holiday table with ease.

A pile of round, light brown cookies with wavy edges and a thin white icing glaze sits stacked on a white plate with a slightly scalloped edge. One cookie is broken in half and placed on top, showing a dense, crumbly inside with bits of orange peel. Around the cookies are dried orange slices with a dark orange and brown color, and two long brown cinnamon sticks are laid on the right side of the plate. Small sprigs of green evergreen pine needles peek out, along with dark star anise pods scattered among the cookies and orange slices. The background features warm glowing candles and dark brown wicker balls on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to create the magic in this recipe. From rich butter to fragrant spices and fresh orange zest, each component plays an essential role in building the perfect texture and flavor.

Butter (170 g, softened): Provides the rich, tender base that makes the shortbread melt in your mouth.
Honey (2 tbsp, 40 g): Adds natural sweetness and a slight floral note that complements the spices beautifully.
Fancy molasses (2 tbsp, 40 g): Deepens the flavor with its robust and slightly smoky profile.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors, balancing the dough perfectly.
Orange zest (from 1 large orange): Brings a fresh, bright citrus aroma that lifts the entire cookie.
Dehydrated orange rings, finely chopped (optional): Adds bursts of intense citrus flavor and a lovely texture contrast.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): A quintessential Christmas spice that warms every bite.
Ginger (1/2 tsp or more): Offers a gentle heat and zing that pairs wonderfully with orange.
Nutmeg (1/4 tsp, grated): Imparts a sweet, nutty note to deepen the spice blend.
Cardamom (1/4 tsp): Lends an exotic floral undertone that elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary.
Clove and allspice (a pinch each): Add that distinct holiday spice punch for depth.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Flour (2 and 1/2 cups, 300 g): The foundation that holds it all together, giving the cookies their structure.
Icing sugar (1 and 1/4 cups, approx. 150 g) for glaze: Sweetens and smooths out the glaze’s texture.
Orange juice (2 tbsp, 30 ml) for glaze: Adds a zesty brightness and thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.
Cointreau (2 tbsp, 30 ml) for glaze: Introduces a subtle orange liqueur warmth for an indulgent finish; can be substituted with extra orange juice.
Pinch of clove for glaze: Ties the glaze back to the cookie’s core flavors with a hint of spice.

How to Make Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Base

Start by creaming the softened butter with honey, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl using a mixer. This combination provides a luxuriously smooth and flavorful base for your dough. It’s the perfect start to infuse sweetness and texture evenly.

Step 2: Adding the Spices and Orange Zest

Once the butter mixture is creamy, add all the warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and allspice—along with the fresh orange zest. Beat briefly, just enough to evenly distribute the fragrant spices. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistible holiday aroma that hints at what’s coming.

Step 3: Incorporating the Flour

Gradually add the flour. Start by whisking it in, then switch to a spoon for gentle mixing until the dough forms a soft, pliable, and slightly sticky ball. This dough consistency is crucial to get beautifully tender yet sturdy cookies. If needed, adjust with a touch of flour or a few drops of water or milk for balance.

Step 4: Chilling the Dough

Wrap the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, makes it easier to handle, and helps the flavors meld together even more deeply.

Step 5: Shaping Your Cookies

If you have cookie stamps, shape small balls from the dough and dust both the dough and stamp lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Press the stamp firmly into the dough and carefully remove the shaped cookie onto a baking sheet. If you spot uneven edges, simply trim with a smaller cutter and reuse the scraps. No stamps? No problem. Roll out the dough and cut into festive shapes with cookie cutters.

Step 6: Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius). Arrange your cookies on lined baking sheets and bake for 10 to 14 minutes. Watch closely—the edges should develop a subtle golden brown but it’s better to slightly underbake for a tender crumb, especially since the cookies will go back in the oven after glazing.

Step 7: Preparing and Applying the Glaze

While the cookies bake, whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau, and a pinch of clove until you have a thick but slightly runny glaze, similar to runny honey. Adjust the orange juice or liqueur as needed for perfect consistency. When cookies come out of the oven and have cooled enough to handle, dip each cookie into the glaze or drizzle the glaze on top, then place them back on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Setting the Glaze

Return the glazed cookies to the oven for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat, letting them sit inside for 1 to 2 more minutes. This step gives you that irresistible crisp, cracking glaze—both beautiful and delicious. Finally, cool completely before storing or serving.

How to Serve Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of round cookies with a scalloped edge, all covered in a pale glaze that has a slightly rough texture with some visible specks. The top cookie has a star-shaped bite taken out, revealing a soft, fluffy interior with light brown tones. Underneath the cookies, thin dried orange slices add contrast in orange and deep red shades. A whole cinnamon stick rests next to the cookies. The background features warm, glowing candles of different sizes, casting soft amber light and creating a cozy, festive mood on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle the cookies lightly with finely chopped dehydrated orange rings or a dusting of powdered sugar. A few edible gold flakes also add a luxurious sparkle that makes these cookies perfect for gifting or festive gatherings.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like mulled cider, chai tea, or a creamy cappuccino. Their spice and citrus notes cut through the richness of hot beverages, creating a perfect balance on your palate during cozy winter afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Orange Clove Christmas Cookies on a rustic wooden board lined with fresh pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks for a festive centerpiece. Stack them tied with a red satin ribbon for charming gifts, or serve them in a decorative tin that keeps them fresh and adds to the holiday vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their tender texture and rich flavors beautifully for up to a week, making them ideal to bake ahead for holiday parties.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies once cooled and glazed. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

If you’d like to revive the fresh-baked feel, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This helps to soften the shortbread slightly and restore the crispness of the glaze, without losing any of that beautiful chew.

FAQs

Can I substitute honey if I don’t have any?

Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners in place of honey. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will vary slightly, but the cookies will still be deliciously moist.

What if I don’t have Cointreau for the glaze?

No worries! Simply replace the Cointreau with an equal amount of fresh orange juice. This keeps the glaze beautifully citrus-forward and alcohol-free, perfect for all guests.

Can I make this dough gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or similar ingredients for structure. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty and festive.

How do I prevent the glaze from getting too runny?

Adjust the orange juice and Cointreau gradually when mixing your glaze. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. If it’s too runny, add a bit more icing sugar until the consistency is just right.

Why are the cookies a bit sticky? Is that normal?

Yes, the dough should be soft and a little sticky to ensure tender shortbread that melts in your mouth. Dust your hands or work surfaces with a little flour as you handle the dough to make shaping easier.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe becomes one of your holiday favorites. There’s something so special about baking and sharing these spiced, zesty bites that makes the season feel even warmer. It’s a recipe that invites togetherness, joy, and a little bit of indulgence, all wrapped up in a crisp, glowing glaze. So grab your mixer, your spices, and celebrate Christmas with these irresistible cookies that are sure to spread smiles!

Orange Clove Christmas Cookies – Festive Spiced Shortbread Recipe