Dessert

Festive Orange Clove Christmas Cookies for Holiday Cheer Recipe

ByThomas Greene November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

Introduction

These Festive Orange Clove Christmas Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten your holiday season. Infused with warm spices and bright orange zest, they offer a delightful balance of citrus and cozy flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends.

A golden round plate filled with star-shaped cookies topped with white icing that highlights the ridges and valleys of each cookie’s surface, arranged in a slightly overlapping pile. Each cookie is decorated with a thin, round slice of dried orange placed on top, showing bright orange and light yellow segments with a textured, slightly shiny look. The plate rests on a dark surface adorned with green pine branches dusted with white frost, dried orange halves, and small pine cones around it, creating a cozy holiday feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Butter (softened)
1/2 cup Honey
1/4 cup Molasses
2 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Ginger
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon Cardamom
1/2 teaspoon Clove
1/2 teaspoon Allspice
1 tablespoon Orange Zest
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Icing Sugar
2 tablespoons Orange Juice
1 tablespoon Cointreau (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Ground Clove (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Stir in the molasses, then gradually add the flour and salt, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, allspice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape the dough into a log or press it into a cookie stamp or cutter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/2 inch thick pieces and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown.
Step 7: While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze by mixing together the icing sugar, orange juice, Cointreau (if using), and ground clove until smooth.
Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and brush the glaze over them. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes to set the glaze.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer citrus flavor, try adding a little fresh orange juice to the dough as well as the zest.
If you don’t have Cointreau, substitute with another orange-flavored liqueur or simply omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
Use cookie stamps with festive patterns for a beautiful holiday presentation.
Chilling the dough properly helps maintain the shape and enhances the texture of the cookies.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well; place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and refresh the glaze if needed by warming slightly and brushing on a little extra glaze.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a stack of seven star-shaped cookies with eight pointed ridges each, coated with a smooth white icing glaze and dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The cookies are placed on and around several slices of bright orange, adding vibrant color to the arrangement. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, surrounded by festive decorations including dark brown pine cones, gold glittery baubles, green pine sprigs, and a soft white snowflake ornament in the top left corner. The warm, cozy atmosphere highlights the contrast between the bright cookies and the rich holiday decor. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firm texture for easier slicing.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

The spices contribute to the warm holiday flavor, but you can simplify by using a pre-made pumpkin pie spice or gingerbread spice blend in an equal amount as a substitute.