If you’re looking for a cookie that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and warm cozy spices, then you’ve just found your new favorite. This Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those treats that effortlessly balances zesty orange with gentle clove and cinnamon notes—trust me, your taste buds will thank you. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out: soft, with just enough crisp on the edges, and topped with a luscious orange-spiced frosting that keeps me coming back for more. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail these delightful cookies in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright Citrus & Warm Spice Harmony: The combination of fresh orange zest and spices like cinnamon and cloves gives the cookies a perfect balance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Soft Yet Slightly Crisp Texture: I love how these cookies maintain a tender bite inside with just a hint of golden edges for that satisfying crunch.
Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these things in your pantry already, making this recipe a go-to for last-minute cravings.
Versatile Frosting Options: The spiced orange frosting is a game-changer, but you can tweak it easily to suit your own flavor preferences.

Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe—you’ll find that the combination of fresh orange juice and zest with warm spices creates a cookie that feels festive yet approachable. Let me share a few tips on what to look for when picking ingredients.

Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe - Ingredients

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
Orange Juice and Zest: The star of the show! Fresh zest is key—buy a nice organic orange if you can.
Butter (Room Temperature): Soft butter creams easily with sugar and gives you that tender cookie texture.
Coconut Oil (Melted): Adds moisture and a subtle richness—if coconut isn’t your thing, any neutral vegetable oil works.
Powdered Sugar: Used here to lighten the dough and frosting for a delicate sweetness.
Large Egg (Room Temperature): Binds everything together and adds richness.
Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: These leavening agents help the cookies rise nicely and give them a great crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Cinnamon and Ground Cloves: These warm spices bring the comforting fall-like aroma to the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cookie—spoon it lightly into your cup for the fluffiest results.
Butter, Sour Cream, Powdered Sugar, and Orange Juice for Frosting: This mix makes a creamy, tangy topping that complements the cookie perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe is flexible enough to tweak depending on your mood or dietary needs. Sometimes I swap out a few things to suit different occasions — feel free to play around with the flavors and textures yourself!

Gluten-Free Variation: I switched out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend once, and these cookies still came out wonderfully soft and flavorful.
Vegan Alternative: Use vegan butter and flax eggs if you want to make these plant-based without losing the rich taste.
Stronger Orange Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of orange extract alongside the zest amps up the citrus kick—perfect for orange lovers like me!
Simple Buttercream Swap: When I’m short on time, I sometimes use a classic vanilla buttercream frosting instead, and it pairs surprisingly well.

How to Make Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Orange Zest and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. Then take your granulated sugar and orange zest—here’s a little trick I learned: rubbing zest and sugar together between your fingers really releases the essential oils, making the sugar fragrant and infused with fresh orange flavor. This simple step makes a huge difference in the cookie’s aroma, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars Until Fluffy

Add your softened butter, melted coconut oil, and powdered sugar to the sugar and zest mixture in a bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer. Beat this on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the texture feels light and fluffy. This is the foundation that will give you cookies that are tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Orange Juice

Next, add your room temperature egg and the tablespoon of fresh orange juice. Beat on medium speed for another couple of minutes until everything is completely combined and silky smooth. This step adds moisture and richness, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Carefully

In a separate bowl or in parts, add the baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and all-purpose flour to your wet mixture. Mix on low speed only until just combined—you’re aiming for a dough that holds together, even if it still looks a little crumbly. I’ve learned that adding a little extra orange juice here can help the dough come together if needed. Overmixing? That’s the recipe for tough cookies, so take it slow and easy.

Step 5: Shape, Flatten, and Bake Your Cookies

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop (or just a big spoon), scoop dough balls onto your lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Now here’s a pro tip: spray the bottom of a glass with cooking spray and then dip it into some sugar before flattening the cookie balls to about half an inch thick. This little trick not only prevents sticking, but also adds a delicately sweet crunch on top. Pop the cookies into the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a barely detectable golden brown—that’s your cue that they’re perfectly baked.

Step 6: Whip Up That Dreamy Orange-Spiced Frosting

While your cookies cool completely, start on the frosting. Beat together room temperature butter, sour cream, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and 2 cups of powdered sugar on low speed until smooth and creamy. Then add your orange juice, zest, and the remaining powdered sugar. Increase speed to medium-high for two minutes to get that frosting fluffy and luscious. Feel free to tweak the consistency here by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash more orange juice for a softer feel—whatever you prefer!

Step 7: Frost, Chill, and Enjoy

Once your cookies are fully cool, spread that glorious frosting on each cookie. I like to chill mine for a bit to let the flavors marry, but honestly—they taste great even right away. This frosting brings all the flavor notes together and makes these cookies truly unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter and eggs makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth, even dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: I used to ruin batches by overworking the dough — mix just until the flour disappears to keep cookies soft.
Sugar on the Flattening Glass: Sprinkling sugar on your flattening glass prevents sticking and adds an appealing sparkle on top.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience here pays off—the frosting melts right off if cookies are even a little warm.

How to Serve Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra ground cinnamon or a few tiny orange zest curls on top of the frosting—it brightens up the look and adds more aroma when you bite in. Sometimes I also dust a little powdered sugar before serving for that elegant powdered-snow effect.

Side Dishes

These cookies love company! Pair them with a cup of hot tea—earl grey or chamomile work wonders—or a fresh cup of coffee if that’s more your style. I’ve also served them alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate that’s hard to beat in cozy winter evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made these for gatherings and holidays, I arrange the cookies in a circle on decorative plates, with orange slices and cinnamon sticks artfully scattered around for an inviting presentation. Wrapping a few in translucent parchment paper tied with twine also makes wonderful homemade gifts that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store these frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge—this keeps them fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The frosting firms up just enough, and chilling actually mellows the spice and orange flavors in such a pleasant way. Just bring them to room temperature a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

Freezing cookies is something I tried to extend their life, and it works great! Freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you want fresh cookies, bake from frozen with a couple extra minutes in the oven. You can also freeze fully frosted cookies by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then storing in a container with parchment between layers.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I prefer to take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you want them warmer, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—but be careful not to melt the frosting completely unless that’s your jam!

FAQs

Can I use regular vegetable oil instead of coconut oil for this Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Coconut oil adds a subtle richness and slight flavor, but any neutral vegetable oil will work just fine if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand.
How can I make sure my cookies don’t turn out too tough?

Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and no more. Also, using room temperature butter and eggs helps keep the texture tender.
Is it necessary to chill the cookies before serving?

Nope, it’s not a must, but I prefer chilling them because it gives the frosting a nice, firm texture and enhances the flavor blend. Give it a try and see what you think!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well without sacrificing texture or flavor. Just be sure to measure your flour carefully to avoid dryness.
How do I store leftover Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Letting them warm up a bit before serving really brings back that fresh-baked texture.

Final Thoughts

I remember the first time I made these Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies—I was blown away by how the bright citrus instantly brightened up the warmth from the cinnamon and cloves. This recipe quickly became a favorite in my home because it’s both approachable and special enough to share at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for your family or looking for a little comfort cookie to savor with your afternoon tea, give this recipe a go. I’m confident you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!