Use just a pinch of ground clove; the coarse sugar rim and orange zest should remain the leading notes.
A delicate orange-clove dough gets a sparkling rim of coarse sugar, sliced from a chilled log into crisp, giftable coins.
The recipe card lists measured ingredients, numbered steps, storage guidance, and a nutrition estimate when available. Total time includes the listed preparation, rest, baking, and cooling periods for this recipe.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Orange Clove Sugar-Rimmed Shortbread Coins Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- mixer
- parchment
- shallow plate
- knife
- baking sheets
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Prepare the ingredients: Rub orange zest and ground clove into granulated sugar, then beat with butter.
Make the dough or filling
- Make the dough or filling: Mix in flour and salt.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Form two 1 1/2-inch logs, roll their outsides in coarse sugar, wrap and chill 2 hours.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Slice 24 coins about 1/3 inch thick and arrange on lined sheets.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 16–19 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Cool on the sheet.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Press the sugar gently into the log before wrapping so the rim adheres.
Technique & texture
Chill until firm enough to slice without flattening the round profile.
Finishing & serving
Rotate the log after every few cuts to avoid one-sided pressure.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 7 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 7 days. |
| Refrigeration | As described | No refrigeration needed after baking. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze the sugar-coated log up to 1 month. slice from cold. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze baked coins airtight up to 2 months. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw uncovered at room temperature to retain the crisp rim. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole cloves?
Grind them finely before measuring; large pieces are unpleasant in a delicate cookie.
Why did the sugar rim fall off?
The log may have been too dry at the surface; roll it while slightly tacky and press gently.
Can I omit the clove?
Yes; use only orange zest for a bright citrus coin.
Browse more cookie ideas in the Christmas Shortbread Cookies collection.
