Melomakarona – Greek Christmas Honey Cookies
User Reviews
4.6
27 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
30 -40 cookies
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Calories
197 kcal
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Course
Baked Goods
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Cuisine
Greek
Melomakarona – Greek Christmas Honey Cookies
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Melomakarona - these Greek Christmas Honey Cookies soaked in honey syrup and topped with chopped nuts are sticky and totally irresisitble!
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Ingredients
For the syrup
- 250 ml (1 cup) water
- 225 g (1 cup) sugar granulated
- 300 g (1 cup) honey mild tasting honey or agave syrup
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 piece orange peel
For the melomakarona
- 120 ml (½ cup) light olive oil
- 115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter or vegan baking spread
- 115 g ( ½ cup) sugar caster or granulated
- 60 ml (¼ cup) orange juice freshly squeezed
- 60 ml (¼ cup) cognac rum or brandy
- 1 orange zest only
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- pinch nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 500 g (4 cups + 2 tbsp) plain flour or as needed
Topping
- 150 g (1 cup) walnuts finely chopped
- 125 g (1 cup) pistachio nuts finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cinnamon optional
- 1 tbsp rose petals completely optional - they just look pretty
Instructions
Make the syrup
- Put all the ingredients in a large saucepan, stir together then bring to the boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring, for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Discard any foam that forms on top of the syrup.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Keep the syrup warm until the cookies are ready.
Prepare the cookies
- Preheat the oven to 170C (340F). Line two large baking trays with silicone mats or baking parchment.
- Put the oil, butter and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer and beat together with the paddle attachment for about 5 minutes. Alternatively you can use an electric hand mixer.
- Mix the orange juice, brandy, spices, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda – the mixture will fizz and froth.
- Add it to the mixing bowl together with the salt and orange zest and beat together on medium. Gradually add the flour until the dough forms a ball – you can also fold it in by hand. Once the cookies hold their shape you can stop adding flour. Only use as much as you need.
- Roll the cookies into small balls (size of a walnut). Press to an oval shape, roll and press against a cheese grater to add a bit of texture. Place on the trays, slightly spaced apart. Bake for 25-30 minutes until evenly colored and firm.
Soak in the syrup
- Remove from the oven and drop them, a few at a time, into the simmering syrup for 1-2 minutes, flipping them over to soak evenly. Continue until all the cookies are used up.
- Layer the cookies on a platter, spoon any remaining syrup over them and sprinkle with the chopped nuts and cinnamon (if using). Keep at room temperature, loosely covered with foil.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
197kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
26g
(9%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
6mg
(2%)
Sodium
46mg
(2%)
Potassium
81mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
15g
(30%)
Vitamin A
88IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
20mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 30-40 cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 197kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 46mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 81mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 88IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
27 reviews
Excellent
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