Description
A cozy twist on classic sugar cookies, these Orange-Clove Citrus Sugar Cookies combine bright orange zest and warm clove spice for a soft, chewy, and fragrant treat perfect for holidays, tea time, or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (226 g) plant-based or turkey-based butter alternative, softened
3 tbsp fresh orange zest (from about 3 oranges)
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 ½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp ground cloves (optional but recommended)
1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp orange extract
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Optional: orange gel food coloring for deeper color
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter alternative and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- If desired, add a few drops of orange food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
- Scoop dough using rounded tablespoons, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Swap orange zest with lemon or grapefruit zest for a different citrus flavor.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg for deeper spice.
Use real unsalted butter for a dairy-based version.
Top with an orange glaze for a dressed-up presentation.
Mini white chocolate chips make a fun addition.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
