Best Greek Melomakarona Recipe | Honey-Spiced Christmas Cookies 🍯✨

Table of Contents: Greek Melomakarona Recipe

Greek Melomakarona Recipe

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Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of Greece with this authentic Melomakarona recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a sweet treat any time of year, these honey-drenched cookies are a timeless favorite.

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Introduction: Greek Melomakarona Recipe

There’s something magical about Greek Melomakarona—soft, spiced cookies soaked in honey syrup and topped with crunchy walnuts. These traditional Greek desserts are a cherished part of Greek culture, often prepared during the Christmas season but enjoyed year-round. Their rich aroma of orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves fills the kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.

What makes Melomakarona so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cookie itself is tender and fragrant, thanks to olive oil, orange juice, and aromatic spices. Once soaked in a fragrant syrup made with honey, sugar, and orange peel, they become irresistibly moist and sweet. Topped with chopped walnuts, they offer a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a sweet treat to share with loved ones, or simply craving a taste of Greece, this Greek Melomakarona recipe is a must-try. It’s a labor of love that rewards you with a batch of cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

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Alternate Names & Variations

Melomakarona are also known as Greek honey cookies, and they share similarities with other traditional Greek desserts like Kourabiedes (buttery almond cookies) and Finikia (honey-dipped cookies with sesame seeds). Some variations include adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch or swapping walnuts for pistachios or almonds.

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Ingredients: Greek Melomakarona Recipe

For the Cookies:

• – 1 cup (240 ml) mild olive oil
• – 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• – 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice
• – 1 tablespoon orange zest
• – 2 tablespoons cognac or brandy (optional)
• – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• – 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• – 1/2 cup (90 g) fine semolina
• – 3 1/2 cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
• – 2 teaspoons baking powder
• – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Syrup:

• – 1 cup (240 ml) water
• – 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• – 1/2 cup (170 g) honey
• – 1 cinnamon stick
• – Peel of 1 orange

Topping:

• – 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
• – Optional: melted dark chocolate for drizzling

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and sugar until creamy. Add the orange juice, zest, cognac (if using), cinnamon, and cloves, and mix well. Gradually stir in the semolina, flour, baking powder, and baking soda until a soft dough forms.

2. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the dough into oval or round cookies, about 2 inches in size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden. Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet.

4. Make the Syrup: While the cookies bake, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and orange peel in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel.

5. Soak the Cookies: Dip each cookie into the warm syrup, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Place them on a wire rack to drain excess syrup.

6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the cookies with chopped walnuts. For an extra touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.

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Recipe Card Block

This Greek Melomakarona recipe takes about 1 hour total, with 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cook time. It yields approximately 24 cookies, each with about 150 calories.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

The secret to perfect Melomakarona lies in the balance of ingredients. Olive oil keeps the cookies moist, while semolina adds a delicate texture. The orange zest and cinnamon infuse the dough with warmth, complementing the honey syrup’s sweetness. For a shortcut, you can skip the brandy or replace it with vanilla extract. Always use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store Melomakarona in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—freeze them before adding the syrup, then thaw and soak them when ready to serve.

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People Also Ask: Greek Melomakarona Recipe

What is the difference between Melomakarona and Kourabiedes?

Melomakarona and Kourabiedes are both traditional Greek desserts, but they differ in texture and flavor. Melomakarona are soft, honey-drenched cookies with a spiced aroma, while Kourabiedes are buttery, almond-flavored cookies dusted with powdered sugar.

How do you make traditional Greek honey cookies?

To make Greek honey cookies, combine olive oil, sugar, orange juice, and spices to form a dough. Shape into ovals, bake until golden, and soak in a honey syrup. Top with chopped walnuts for a finishing touch.

Can you freeze Melomakarona cookies?

Yes, you can freeze Melomakarona cookies for up to 3 months. Freeze them before adding the syrup, then thaw and soak them in syrup when ready to serve.

What are the ingredients in Melomakarona?

The main ingredients in Melomakarona include olive oil, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, semolina, flour, baking powder, baking soda, honey, and walnuts.

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Conclusion

Bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen with this Greek Melomakarona recipe. These honey-drenched cookies are a true delight, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Try this recipe today and savor the flavors of a traditional Greek dessert that’s been loved for generations.

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