Description
Experience the warmth of a Greek Christmas with these traditional honey-soaked cookies. These aromatic treats combine citrus, warm spices, and a rich honey syrup for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture topped with crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
- Water
- Sugar
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Orange (halved)
- Honey
- Fine semolina
- Soft flour
- Baking powder
- Orange juice
- Cognac
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ground clove
- Vanilla
- Baking soda
- Olive oil
- Vegetable oil
- Orange zest
- Chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a sturdy pot, combine water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and the halved orange; boil for four minutes, then remove from heat, stir in honey, and let cool entirely.
- Whisk together the fine semolina, soft flour, and baking powder in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution.
- In a large bowl, whisk the orange juice, cognac, sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground clove, and vanilla, then add baking soda and whisk quickly until it foams.
- Pour in the water, olive oil, vegetable oil, orange zest, and honey into the large bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the liquids and knead gently by hand until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly sticky, taking care not to overwork it.
- Preheat the oven to 180C (356F) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
- Shape walnut-sized pieces of dough into smooth oblong eggs, place on trays, and use a fork to lightly press the tops and pierce three times.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cookies are an even golden brown.
- Immediately dip the hot cookies into the cold syrup using a slotted spoon for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Place the soaked cookies on a platter and sprinkle immediately with plenty of finely chopped walnuts.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your syrup is completely cold before you begin baking the cookies; the contrast between the hot cookie and cold syrup is what creates the perfect soak without making them soggy. Store your finished Melomakarona in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them moist and flavorful for several weeks.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek