Melomakarona (Greek Honey Christmas Cookies)

>>>>This recipe is part of my ebook « Vivian Is Cooking Greek – 44 Authentic Recipes to Try at Home » <<<<

🌟 Difficulty	⏱️ Time	🍽️ Serves	🔪 Skill level
★★ Easy	~1.5 hr	~40 cookies	Beginner–Intermediate

Every country has a recipe for xmas cookies, find today here the greek way :)
It's full of honey, cinnamon and walnuts! You will be surprised how tasty they are although quite sweet and heavy in calories... Despite this, when I make them for Xmas, we tend to finish them so fast that I have to redo for Xmas once again :)
Not many succeed to make them in Greece, so do not underestimate my recipe as it is a sure one for success... and I share it today with you together with the small secret that goes with it ;)

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (optionally replace 1 cup with semolina)
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 orange (untreated)
• 1 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup brandy
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, for filling or topping)

For the syrup:

• ¾ cup honey
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1–2 slices orange or lemon peel

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Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Mix
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

2. Prepare Wet Mix
In another bowl, whisk olive oil, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and brandy.

3. Make the Dough
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.

4. Shape Cookies
Form small oval shapes (slightly larger than a walnut). Place on a lined baking tray and gently flatten.

5. Bake
Bake at 180°C (fan) for 20–25 minutes until golden and firm.

6. Prepare Syrup
In a saucepan, bring water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and citrus peel to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes, remove from heat, and stir in honey.

7. Soak Cookies
While cookies are still warm, place them in a dish and pour warm syrup over them. Let soak for about 1 hour.

8. Finish
Remove and place on a plate. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and sugar while still slightly warm.

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✨ Serving Tips & Variations

• Do not overwork the dough to keep cookies tender.
• Syrup must be warm when poured over warm cookies for best absorption.
• Flavor improves after a few hours or the next day.
• Store in airtight container at room temperature.
• Optional luxury version: dip full or half in dark chocolate.
• Perfect with Greek coffee or tea during the Christmas season. Ideal for sharing at festive gatherings.

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Don't they look great? And they taste even better... Eat with moderation :)