"Discover the best honey cookies (melomakarona) recipe! Easy, traditional Greek Christmas cookies with honey syrup, walnuts, and spices. Perfect holiday treat!"
Here’s a list of all the ingredients for **honey cookies (melomakarona)** in a SEO-friendly format, optimized for keywords like "melomakarona recipe," "Greek honey cookies," and "traditional melomakarona ingredients":
- **Flour** - 500g (all-purpose flour for the perfect cookie texture)
- **Semolina** - 100g (adds a unique crumbly texture to the cookies)
- **Baking powder** - 1 tsp (for a soft and fluffy cookie base)
- **Baking soda** - 1/2 tsp (helps the cookies rise slightly)
- **Orange zest** - from 1 orange (adds a fresh citrus flavor)
- **Orange juice** - 100ml (freshly squeezed for authentic taste)
- **Olive oil** - 200ml (traditional ingredient for rich flavor)
- **Vegetable oil** - 100ml (balances the olive oil taste)
- **Sugar** - 100g (for sweetness in the dough)
- **Cinnamon** - 1 tsp (warm spice for a festive aroma)
- **Cloves** - 1/2 tsp (ground cloves for a hint of spice)
- **Walnuts** - 150g (chopped, for topping and filling)
**For the honey syrup:**
- **Honey** - 300g (use Greek honey for authenticity)
- **Sugar** - 200g (balances the sweetness of the honey)
- **Water** - 300ml (to create the syrup base)
- **Cinnamon stick** - 1 (infuses the syrup with flavor)
- **Cloves** - 2-3 (optional, for extra spice in the syrup)
**Optional toppings:**
- **Powdered sugar** - for dusting (optional, for a festive look)
- **Extra chopped walnuts** - for garnish
This **melomakarona recipe** is perfect for anyone looking to make **traditional Greek honey cookies** at home. The combination of olive oil, orange, and honey syrup creates a deliciously moist and aromatic treat!
Advertisement
Steps
# How to Make Honey Cookies (Melomakarona): A Step-by-Step Guide
Melomakarona, also known as Greek honey cookies, are a traditional dessert enjoyed during the holiday season. These soft, spiced cookies are soaked in a fragrant honey syrup and topped with crushed walnuts, making them a festive treat. Follow this detailed guide to create authentic melomakarona cookies at home.
---
## **Ingredients for Melomakarona Cookies**
### For the Cookies:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
### For the Honey Syrup:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 strip of orange peel
### For the Topping:
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
---
## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Honey Syrup**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
---
### **Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough**
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, vegetable oil, and sugar until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
---
### **Step 3: Shape the Cookies**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Take small portions of dough (about 1-2 tablespoons each) and shape them into oval or round cookies.
3. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
4. Use a fork to gently press lines onto the surface of each cookie for a traditional design.
---
### **Step 4: Bake the Cookies**
1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
---
### **Step 5: Soak the Cookies in Syrup**
1. Once the cookies are warm (not hot), dip each one into the cooled honey syrup, ensuring they are fully coated.
2. Let the cookies soak for 10-15 seconds, then transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess syrup.
---
### **Step 6: Add the Walnut Topping**
1. While the cookies are still sticky from the syrup, sprinkle the tops with finely chopped walnuts.
2. Press the walnuts gently to ensure they adhere to the cookies.
---
### **Step 7: Serve and Store**
1. Allow the melomakarona cookies to cool completely before serving.
2. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
---
## **Tips for Perfect Melomakarona**
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure the syrup is completely cool before dipping the cookies to prevent sogginess.
---
Enjoy these delicious honey cookies as a festive treat or a sweet gift for loved ones. With their rich flavors and aromatic spices, melomakarona are sure to become a holiday favorite!