Greek Christmas Honey Cookies - Melomakarona

When I first tried Melomakarona was the first Christmas that I had in Greece. They are Christmas desserts that are very popular in Greece. I'm not a big fan of honey but they taste delicious and honey makes them better.

Ingredients for Melomakarona

150 g fine semolina

550 g flour

1/2 tbsp baking powder

100 g orange juice

100 g sugar

1 tbsp cognac

1 tbsp powered cinnamon

1/3 Tsp nutmeg

1/3 clove

1/2 baking soda

1 vanilla extract

90 g water

125g olive oil

125 g vegetables oil

50 honey

Zest of an orange

Ingredients for syrup

600 sugar

300 g water

2 cinnamon stick

3 cloves

1 orange

180 g honey

Ingredients to garnish

200 g chopped walnuts

Step 1

We have to make the syrup first. In an bowl we add the ingredients except for honey. Boil for 4 minutes until the sugar dissolve and remove from the stove. Stir in the honey and let it cool.

Step 2

In another bowl add semolina, flour and baking powder and mix well.

Step 3

In another bowl add orange juice, cognac, sugar, the spices and mix well. Add the baking soda and stir until it starts to foam. Pour in the oil, water, orange zest and honey. Stir well until is combined.

Step 4

We have to combine the mixture from bowl 2 and 3 and start to knead the dough for the Melomakarona. When the dough is smooth and soft is ready.

Step 5

Preheat the oven in 180°C. In a baking pan add an baking sheet and start shaping the dough in an egg shape or the shape you desire. Bake them for 15 - 20 minutes.

Step 6

When the Melomakarona come out of the oven dip them in the syrup to absorb the syrup. Remove them and add the walnuts. Store the Melomakarona at room temperature in an container.

Hope you enjoy them.