Greek
⭐ Highly Rated
30 minmedium
GreekDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsMelomakarona are beloved Greek Christmas cookies, though they are enjoyed year-round. These oval-shaped delights are made with olive oil instead of butter, giving them a unique texture and flavor. The dough is infused with orange zest and warm spices, then baked until golden. After baking, the cookies are briefly soaked in a honey-cinnamon syrup, allowing them to absorb just enough sweetness without becoming soggy. Finally, they are generously sprinkled with finely chopped walnuts and a dusting of cinnamon. The result is a cookie that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during celebrations or simply enjoying with a cup of Greek coffee. The combination of olive oil, honey, and spices makes them distinctly Greek and utterly irresistible.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, vegetable oil, and honey until well combined.
Add orange zest, vanilla extract, and a splash of orange juice to the oil mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Take a tablespoon of dough and shape it into an oval, slightly flattened cookie. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with remaining dough, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown but not too dark.
While cookies bake, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, and a cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove cookies from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Working in batches, dip warm cookies into the hot syrup for about 10 seconds per side.
Place soaked cookies on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon.
Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.
Melomakarona - Greek Honey Walnut Cookies
4.1 (43)
Traditional Greek spiced cookies soaked in fragrant honey syrup and topped with crushed walnuts. These aromatic treats are soft, sweet, and perfectly balanced with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.
medium
55 min
24 servings
Ingredients
0 of 10 checked
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cups olive-oil
- 1/2 cups vegetable-oil
- 4 cups flour, sifted
- 1/4 cups honey
- 1 pieces orange, zested and juiced
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
- 1 teaspoons vanilla-extract
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Honey Syrup
- 1 cups honey
Topping
- 1 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
Chef Tips
expert advice•The key to perfect melomakarona is not over-soaking them in syrup - just a quick dip on each side is enough.
•Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor, preferably a mild variety that won't overpower the spices.
•Make sure the cookies are still warm when you dip them in syrup, as they absorb it better.
•You can adjust the sweetness of the syrup by adding more or less honey.
•For a more intense orange flavor, add more zest or a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the dough.
•These cookies actually taste better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
•If you prefer a crunchier texture, reduce the soaking time in syrup.
