Name: Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489737H10M39S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon orange juice and zest from the orange; ¼ cup (56.75 g) butter, room temperature; ⅓ cup (72.67 g) coconut oil, melted (any vegetable oil will work if you don’t like coconut); ⅓ cup (40 g) powdered sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; 2¾ cups (385 g) all-purpose flour; 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature; 1 tablespoon sour cream; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon cloves; 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice and a little zest

If you’re a fan of bright, zesty flavors with a warm, comforting spice kick, then this Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to blow you away. I absolutely love this recipe because it balances the fresh, citrusy punch of orange with a cozy blend of cinnamon and cloves, making every bite feel like a burst of sunshine with a little hug. When I first tried this, I was hooked—not only because of the taste but also because they’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends or cozy nights in. Stick around, and I’ll guide you through every step to make sure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright Citrus Flavor: The fresh orange zest and juice bring a lively, refreshing note that makes these cookies stand out.
Balanced Warm Spices: Cinnamon and cloves add a cozy depth, perfect for any season but especially comforting in cooler months.
Soft Yet Slightly Crisp: The cookies bake to just the right texture—lightly crisp on the outside with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Simple to Make: This recipe is straightforward with ingredient swaps and tips, so you’ll feel confident even if you’re new to baking cookies.

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a round cookie with a rough, crumbly beige base. The cookie has one smooth layer of white frosting swirled on top, with tiny specks visible in the frosting. In the center of the frosting sits a small orange triangular slice as a decoration. In the background, several similar cookies sit on a metal baking tray lined with white paper, each frosted and topped with either an orange slice or a dark star-shaped spice. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies, orange spice cookies, citrus sugar cookies, easy orange cookies, festive holiday cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in these Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies comes from combining classic cookie ingredients with the unexpected twist of fresh orange and warming spices. Trust me, picking quality ingredients here will seriously pay off with flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of granulated sugar mixed with fresh orange zest beside a bright whole orange with a section cut away showing juicy flesh, a stick of pale yellow butter at room temperature, a small pool of melted coconut oil in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl containing a mix of ground cinnamon and ground cloves, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl holding a fine white powder representing cream of tartar, a small white bowl with baking soda, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl holding sour cream, and a small white bowl of fresh orange juice — all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies, orange spice cookies, citrus sugar cookies, easy orange cookies, festive holiday cookies

Granulated sugar: Rubbing it with the orange zest helps release essential oils that deepen the orange flavor.
Fresh orange juice and zest: Always use fresh for the brightest, most natural citrus flavor—you’ll taste the difference over bottled juice.
Butter: Room temperature is key for creamy, fluffy dough that holds together nicely.
Coconut oil (or any vegetable oil): Adds moisture and a slight richness—coconut oil gives a subtle tropical hint, but any neutral oil works if you prefer.
Powdered sugar: Helps make the dough tender and contributes to that soft, delicate texture.
Egg: Use at room temperature to help the dough emulsify and bind properly.
Baking soda and cream of tartar: Work together to give these cookies a gentle lift and soft crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights all the other flavors.
Cinnamon and ground cloves: Classic warm spices that pair beautifully with citrus—don’t skip them!
All-purpose flour: Lightly spoon into your measuring cup for an accurate measure—avoids dense cookies.

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

One of the reasons I always go back to this Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe is because it’s so easy to tweak to your taste or mood. Whether you want to tone down the spice or go all out with extra zest, you can personalize it to make it your own.

Orange Cranberry Twist: Adding dried cranberries to the dough gives a lovely tart contrast—my family goes crazy for this holiday version!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; just be sure it contains xanthan gum so the cookies hold together.
Buttercream Swap: If you prefer a classic vanilla buttercream instead of the orange-spiced frosting, simply replace the orange juice and zest with milk and a splash of vanilla extract.
More Spice: Increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of nutmeg for an even cozier cookie—great for fall evenings with tea.

How to Make Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Infusing Sugar With Orange Zest

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—trust me, parchment is a game changer for clean cookies that don’t stick. In your mixing bowl, rub the granulated sugar and orange zest together using your fingers. This simple step releases the oils from the zest so the orange flavor really shines through. You’ll notice the sugar starts to smell unbelievably fresh and fragrant—this little ritual makes such a difference.

Step 2: Creaming Butter, Oil, and Sugars

Next, add the room temperature butter, melted coconut oil (or your preferred oil), and powdered sugar to the bowl with the orange sugar. Using your paddle attachment, beat everything together on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy. This is key because it traps air in your dough and makes the cookies tender rather than dense. The texture will almost look whipped, and you’ll want to scrape down the bowl a couple of times so everything blends well.

Step 3: Adding Egg and Orange Juice

Beat in the egg and fresh orange juice on medium speed for about 2 minutes. I’ve found that using room temperature eggs here really helps the mixture emulsify better, giving you a smooth dough without any curdling. If your kitchen is cold, let eggs sit out for 30 minutes beforehand.

Step 4: Incorporating Dry Ingredients Gently

Now it’s time to bring in the magic of baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and flour. Add these on low speed and mix just enough until the dough comes together. It might look a bit crumbly, but don’t panic—that’s normal. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until it holds together in a ball. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so patience and gentle folding win the day.

Step 5: Shaping and Baking

Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop (or your hands) to portion the dough into large balls. Arrange 8 on each baking sheet, giving them space because they’ll spread a bit. To get that perfect flat top, I love to spray a glass with cooking spray and then dip its base in sugar before gently pressing down on each dough ball to about ½ inch thickness. This trick helps prevent sticking and adds a little sparkle to the cookies. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye for the edges to turn just a light golden brown. Pull them out, and resist the urge to frost before they’re fully cooled!

Step 6: Preparing the Spiced Orange Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up the frosting. Beat together the room temperature butter, sour cream, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and 2 cups powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Then add orange juice, zest, and the remaining powdered sugar, increasing the speed to medium-high. Keep beating for about 2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with a bit more powdered sugar if too thin or a touch more orange juice if too thick. Spread or pipe the frosting on cooled cookies. I like my cookies chilled with the frosting nicely set, but you do you!

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Pro Tips for Making Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Fresh Zesting: Always zest your orange before juicing to make sure none of the juice dilutes the zest-packed flavor.
Room Temp Ingredients: Butter and eggs at room temperature ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
Watch Your Bake Time: Cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly; set your timer and check them right at 8 minutes for soft edges.
Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier — plus, no oddly shaped cookies to worry about.

How to Serve Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

A white plate holds four round cookies with a light beige color and a slightly rough texture. Each cookie has a thick, creamy layer of light beige frosting spread evenly on top. Two cookies are decorated with a thin triangular slice of orange placed near the edge, while the other two cookies have a star anise placed in the center. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and a cream-colored lace cloth is softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies, orange spice cookies, citrus sugar cookies, easy orange cookies, festive holiday cookies

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple and fresh here—sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of extra orange zest or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting before chilling. For parties, candied orange slices or edible gold flakes add a gorgeous touch and a little texture. It’s all about balancing eye candy with taste.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks like chai tea, spiced coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate. I also like to serve them alongside a big bowl of fresh fruit salad for a lighter, refreshing contrast after dessert. If you want to go the extra mile, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to a warm cookie is beyond dreamy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, stack these cookies on a pretty platter interspersed with sprigs of fresh rosemary or orange slices for a rustic flair. Gift-wise, wrapping a dozen in parchment paper tied with twine and a small orange cinnamon stick always earns compliments. I’ve even used festive cookie cutters on the dough for themed parties—everyone loves that personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the frosting is nicely set, I keep these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. In my experience, they stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days, which is perfect if you want to bake ahead for a party. The cool actually enhances the texture of the frosting and the cookie itself.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing unfrosted baked cookies wrapped individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw and then frost them fresh. Freezing fully frosted cookies can sometimes affect the texture of the frosting, making it less creamy once thawed.

Reheating

To bring out their fresh-baked warmth, pop chilled cookies in a 300°F oven for about 3-5 minutes. Just be careful not to melt the frosting too much—I usually remove the frosting if reheating, then add a fresh dollop after warming. This little trick revives that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, form it into balls, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This rest time can actually intensify the orange and spice flavors. Just remember to bring the dough back to room temperature before baking for the best texture.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

If you don’t have cream of tartar, the cookies might not rise quite as much, but you can substitute it with baking powder (since baking powder contains cream of tartar). Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder in place of the baking soda and cream of tartar combined for a good result.
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange?

You can, but fresh orange juice and zest always provide a fresher and more vibrant flavor. If you do opt for extract, use it sparingly (start with ½ teaspoon) because it can be quite strong and sometimes artificial-tasting.
How do I get perfectly flat cookies?

I’ve learned this trick: after scooping cookie dough balls, flatten them with a glass dipped in sugar (and sprayed with cooking spray). This prevents sticking and creates an even, beautiful flat surface perfect for frosting.
Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a vegan butter or margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a chicken egg. The frosting can be made dairy-free by swapping butter for a plant-based spread and using coconut cream instead of sour cream.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s just the right balance of zesty and cozy, simple yet special. I love how the orange brings brightness and the spices warm you up inside—the kind of cookie that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, hosting friends, or just want a little treat to brighten your afternoon, these cookies won’t disappoint. I can’t wait for you to give them a try—I’m pretty sure they’ll become a staple in your kitchen as they did in mine.