Make these delightful Glazed Little Orange Cookies with Cinnamon and Cloves for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with warm holiday scents. These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Get ready to elevate your cookie game with these Glazed Little Orange Cookies infused with cinnamon and cloves. The charming combination of spices and zesty orange creates a heavenly aroma that you won’t be able to resist. These cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying at festive gatherings. With a tender texture and a sweet glaze, every bite is a burst of flavor. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy the moments that matter. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients you need to whip up these delicious cookies. You’ll need items for both the cookie dough and the glaze, ensuring a delightful treat.
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 cup (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon whole milk
- Zest of 2 medium oranges
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Cointreau or Grand Marnier (optional, substitute orange juice in place)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add in the eggs, olive oil, milk, and orange zest. Mix all the ingredients until a rough dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to develop its flavor.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into portions, rolling each into a rope. Flatten the rope gently and cut it into diamond shapes. Arrange the pieces on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies feel dry to the touch. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for about an hour before glazing.
Step 3: Make the Glaze and Coat the Cookies
While the cookies cool, sift the confectioners’ sugar into a bowl. Add the fresh orange juice and Cointreau (if using), mixing until smooth to create the glaze. Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze, ensuring they are well coated. Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack and let them harden overnight for at least 12 hours before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To ensure your Glazed Little Orange Cookies turn out perfect, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using fresh orange zest will enhance the flavor significantly, so avoid dried alternatives if you can. Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to dry cookies. If your glaze seems too thick, add a small amount of orange juice or water to achieve the desired consistency. Lastly, storing your cookies in an airtight container helps maintain their freshness.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, consider substituting the Cointreau with more orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. You can also experiment by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a different texture. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg. These cookies are versatile, allowing you to get creative while still keeping their delightful essence intact.
FAQ
How can I achieve a stronger, richer orange flavor in my cookies?
To enhance the orange flavor, use fresh orange zest and consider adding a bit more orange juice to both the dough and the glaze.
What is the best way to store the cookies after they have been glazed?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their glaze, avoid stacking them until the glaze has fully hardened.
Can I use dried orange zest or bottled orange juice instead of fresh ingredients?
While dried orange zest and bottled juice can work in a pinch, using fresh ingredients will yield the best flavor and aroma.
Why did my cookies spread too much or go flat during baking?
Cookies may spread if the dough is too warm or if there is not enough flour. Ensure proper measuring and chill the dough if needed.
How can I fix the glaze if it’s too thick or too runny?
If the glaze is too thick, add a little orange juice or water to thin it out. If it’s too runny, add more sifted confectioners’ sugar.
Conclusion
These Glazed Little Orange Cookies with Cinnamon and Cloves are sure to become a cherished holiday favorite. Soft, fragrant, and full of warm seasonal flavor, they capture the spirit of the season in every bite. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies will fill your home with joy and irresistible aroma.
For more festive and heartwarming cookie recipes, explore our Christmas Recipes Collection on Meal Magic Recipes, and find even more sweet inspiration on Pinterest.
Glazed Little Orange Cookies with Cinnamon and Cloves
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- Spatula
- baking sheet
- wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon whole milk
- zest of 2 medium oranges orange zest
- 2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Cointreau or Grand Marnier (optional) Substitute with orange juice if desired.
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder in a bowl, then make a well and add eggs, oil, milk, and zest before mixing into a rough dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F, line a baking sheet, and roll the dough into ropes, flattening and cutting them into diamond shapes.
- Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes until dry to the touch, then cool on a wire rack for about an hour.
- Sift confectioners’ sugar, mix with orange juice and Cointreau to create the glaze, then dip each cookie in the glaze and return to the rack.
- Let the glaze harden overnight for at least 12 hours before serving.
Notes
