Delightful Melomakarona: Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of orange juice
2 cups of sugar
2 cups of vegetable oil
1 cup of olive oil
1 kg of all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 kg of honey
1 cup of ground walnuts
1/2 tsp of ground cloves for garnish
2 tsp of ground cinnamon for garnish

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, sugar, vegetable oil, and olive oil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring to combine. The dough should be soft and slightly oily.
Take a small amount of dough and shape it into a small oval. Place the oval on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and immediately soak them in the hot syrup for a few seconds, making sure all sides are covered. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a platter.
Sprinkle the soaked cookies with the ground walnuts, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing bowls - You'll need at least two large mixing bowls to combine the wet and dry ingredients separately.
Whisk - Use a whisk to stir the wet ingredients and ensure they are well combined.
Spatula - A spatula will help you scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure all the ingredients are incorporated.
Baking sheet - You'll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to place the shaped dough ovals for baking.
Saucepan - Use a saucepan to prepare the syrup by boiling the honey and water.
Slotted spoon - This will be helpful to remove the baked cookies from the syrup without excess liquid.
Platter - Arrange the soaked cookies on a platter for serving.

Recipe variations

Replace the orange juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
Add grated orange zest or lemon zest to the dough for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
Use a combination of all-purpose flour and almond flour for a nuttier taste and texture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for additional warmth and spice.
Instead of walnuts, use finely chopped almonds or pistachios for the garnish.
Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies for a decadent twist.
Replace the honey syrup with a spiced syrup made with honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
Add a tablespoon of brandy or rum to the dough for a boozy flavor.
Make the cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
For a vegan version, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Recipe overview

Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies, loved for their rich flavor and delightful texture. They are bathed in a sweet honey syrup and garnished with ground walnuts, making them a truly indulgent treat. The name 'Melomakarona' is a combination of the two words 'meli' meaning honey and 'makarona' meaning blessed. The recipe involves creating a soft, slightly oily dough, shaping it into small ovals and baking until golden brown. The cookies are then immediately soaked in a hot honey syrup, ensuring they absorb all the sweet, sticky goodness. A sprinkle of ground walnuts and spices completes the cookie, adding a crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Expect to be captivated by the aromatic scents of cinnamon and cloves wafting from your oven as these cookies bake. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to help you create these delightful Greek Christmas cookies right in your own kitchen. Get ready to taste the sweetness of the holiday season with each bite of these delicious Melomakarona.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of juice instead of orange juice?
Yes, you can try using other citrus juices like lemon juice or a combination of different citrus juices for a variation in flavor.
Can I replace the sugar with a natural sweetener?
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. However, note that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cookies.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with canola oil or sunflower oil if desired.
Can I omit the cloves?
If you don't like the taste of cloves or don't have them on hand, you can omit them from the recipe. The cookies will still be delicious with the other spices.
How should I store the melomakarona?
Store the melomakarona in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week.
Can I freeze the melomakarona?
Yes, you can freeze the melomakarona. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving or briefly warm them in the oven.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used to combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet to place the cookie dough on for baking.
Parchment Paper - Provides a non-stick surface for the cookies to bake on.
Saucepan - Used to prepare the syrup.
Slotted Spoon - Helps remove the cookies from the syrup.
Platter - A large plate or serving dish to place the soaked cookies on.
Spatula - Used to transfer the cookies onto the platter.

Origin stories

Melomakarona is a traditional Greek dessert most commonly enjoyed during the holiday season of Christmas. The name comes from a combination of two words, "meli" meaning honey and "makarona" which refers to blessed or happy, hence the sweet treat is often referred to as the "honey-made happy cookie". In ancient Greece, these sweet cookies were made and served at funerals, but over time, they became a staple of festive occasions instead. It's said that each bite of a melomakarono is a taste of Greek Christmas spirit. Rich in flavor, drenched in aromatic syrup, and sprinkled with crushed walnuts, these cookies embody the warmth and sweetness of holiday gatherings. In Greece, home bakers often compete with each other on who makes the best melomakarona, resulting in a beautiful array of variations on the traditional recipe, each unique and delightful in its own way.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.