Orange and Clove Cutout Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)
Orange zest and extract bring citrus flavor to a brown-sugar dough seasoned with ground cloves. Roll it thin for crisp cutout cookies and check the first tray early rather than using a long drop-cookie baking time.
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House placeholder — AdSense units launch here# Ingredients You’ll Need:
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
02 - 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
06 - 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
07 - 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
10 - Optional: coarse sparkling sugar for the tops
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
02 - Whisk flour, cloves, baking soda and salt together.
03 - Mix brown sugar with zest, then beat in softened butter. Add egg and orange extract.
04 - Work the flour mixture into the butter mixture in portions, scraping the bowl. Divide dough in two.
05 - Roll on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut with a roughly 3-inch cutter and transfer to the trays; add optional sugar.
06 - Bake each tray about 9–11 minutes, until the edges deepen slightly in color and feel firm.
07 - Rest cookies on the tray for three minutes, then move to a rack. Cool completely before packing.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 - Use the colored outer peel for the tablespoon of zest and avoid the bitter white layer beneath it.
02 - The timing is for a thin cutout, not a heaped spoonful of dough.
03 - Gather scraps gently and reroll with only enough flour to prevent sticking.
04 - The dough already includes brown sugar and the optional top sugar.