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Melomakarona – Greek Christmas Honey Cookies

Melomakarona RecipeGreek Christmas Honey Cookies

Melomakarona RecipeGreek Christmas Honey Cookies

Recipe by George Zolis
5.0 from 1 vote

Experience the magic of Christmas with our Greek Melomakarona Honey Cookies recipe. Infused with the warmth of cinnamon, clove, and a citrusy syrup, these homemade delights embody the essence of holiday celebrations. From crafting the aromatic syrup to shaping and baking the perfect cookie, our guide ensures a seamless journey into the heart of Greek culinary traditions. Dive into the festive spirit as you dip these golden treats in a honeyed elixir and garnish with chopped walnuts. Transform your holiday gatherings with the irresistible blend of Greek flavors, making Melomakarona a cherished addition to your festive table. Bring the joy of Greece to your Christmas celebration with each sweet, homemade bite.

Course: DessertCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Melomakarona Ingredients

  • For the Syrup
  • 500 g Honey

  • 1 kg Sugar

  • 700 g Water

  • Juice of half a lemon

  • 2 Cinnamon sticks

  • For the Melomakarona Cookies Dough
  • 1 & 1/2 cup Olive oil

  • 1 & 1/2 cup Corn oil

  • 1 cup Sugar

  • 1 cup Orange juice

  • Zest of 2 oranges

  • 1/2 cup Cognac or Brandy

  • 8 cups All purpose flour

  • 2 cups Fine Semolina

  • 2 tsp Baking powder

  • 1 tsp Baking soda

  • 1 tsp Baking Ammonia powder

  • 1 tsp Clove powder

  • 2 tsp Cinnamon powder

  • 1 pinch Salt

  • 150 g Walnuts, chopped

How to make Melomakarona (Greek Christmas Honey Cookies)

  • Making the Syrup
  • Place a pot over heat. Add the sugar, honey, water, cinnamon sticks, lemon juice and mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for an additional 9 minutes.
  • Let the syrup cool.
  • Making the Melomakarona Cookies Dough
  • In a big bowl add the sugar, olive and corn oil and mix well.
  • Add the cinnamon powder, clove powder, orange zest, cognac (or brandy), orange juice and mix well.
  • Add a pinch of salt, baking powder, baking soda, baking ammonia and mix well.
  • Next, add the semolina and mix.
  • Add the flour and mix well until dough.
  • Take a small portion of the dough each time and shape it into cookies.
  • Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Preheat the oven to 170 C (340 F) and bake for 35 minutes.
  • To assemble
  • Dip the hot cookies into the cold syrup for a few seconds to allow them to absorb the syrup.
  • Τransfer the melomakarona to the oven rack to drain any excess syrup.
  • Serve the cookies on a plate and garnish with chopped walnuts.

Recipe video

Greek Christmas Delight: Homemade Melomakarona Honey Cookies Recipe

Crafting the Syrup | Sweet Elixir for Melomakarona | Begin your Melomakarona adventure by preparing the irresistible syrup that adds the perfect touch of sweetness

Boiling Bliss | In a pot, combine sugar, honey, water, cinnamon sticks, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for an additional 9 minutes. Let the aromatic syrup cool, ready to infuse your cookies with Greek flavors.

Melomakarona Cookie Dough Magic | Creating the Cookie Base | Now, let’s dive into making the flavorful dough that forms the heart of these Greek Christmas cookies

Mixing Euphoria | In a large bowl, blend sugar, olive oil, and corn oil. Introduce cinnamon powder, clove powder, orange zest, cognac (or brandy), and orange juice, ensuring a harmonious mix of flavors.

Flourish of Flavors | Add a pinch of salt, baking powder, baking soda, and semolina. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. The aromatic scent of Greek spices will fill your kitchen.

Cookie Shaping | Take small portions of the dough, shaping them into delightful cookies. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to be transformed into golden delights.

Oven Symphony | Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and bake the Melomakarona for 35 minutes, allowing them to develop a perfect golden hue.

Finishing Touches

Dipping and Draining | Complete your Melomakarona masterpiece with the final steps.

Syrup Soak | Dip the freshly baked cookies into the cold syrup for a few seconds, allowing them to absorb the sweetness that defines Melomakarona.

Draining Gracefully | Transfer the cookies to an oven rack, letting any excess syrup drain away.

Festive Presentation | Serve your Melomakarona on a plate, adorned with chopped walnuts for a festive touch. The perfect balance of honey, spices, and citrus awaits your taste buds.

Nutrition Facts

90 servings per container


Calories194

  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 8.15g 13%
    • Saturated Fat 1.05g 5%
  • Sodium 3mg 1%
  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Potassium 48mg 2%
  • Total Carbohydrate 29.7g 10%
    • Dietary Fiber 0.65g 0%
    • Sugars 18.2g
  • Protein 2.05g 4%
  • Calcium 9.5%
  • Iron 1%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.