Authentic Greek Melomakarona Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Greece with these Melomakarona cookies, a traditional dessert enjoyed during the holiday season and beyond. These soft, spiced cookies are infused with fresh orange juice and crowned with a luscious honey syrup that transforms them into a delectable treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a cup of tea, their fluffy texture and rich taste will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Each bite is further enhanced with a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts and aromatic spices. Ideal for festive occasions or simply to enjoy at home, this recipe yields 40 mouthwatering cookies that will surely be a hit!
40
Servings
55
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
light vegetable oil
1.5 cups
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup
oranges
2 large (juiced and strained)
vanilla extract
2 tablespoons
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
baking powder
1 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
6 cups (sifted, do not use self-rising)
english walnuts
3/4 cup (very finely chopped)
cinnamon (for walnut mixture)
1 teaspoon (mixed with walnuts)
honey
1.5 cups
granulated sugar
1.5 cups
water
1 cup
lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and vegetable oil together until fluffy and well combined.
2
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the butter mixture and mix well until incorporated. Slowly pour in the strained orange juice, followed by the vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth.
3
Begin adding the flour in batches. Start with 2 cups, mix, then add another 2 cups and mix again. Gradually add in the remaining flour until a soft, pliable dough forms. Be cautious not to overwork the dough; it should remain slightly sticky but manageable. Knead it lightly in the bowl, if necessary.
4
Scoop tablespoons of the dough and roll them into balls in your palms. Flatten slightly for even baking. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between each.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6
Prepare the syrup by combining the honey, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7
Dip each warm cookie in the syrup using a wooden spoon, making sure to coat them well. Remove and place them on wax paper or a cooling rack.
8
While the cookies are still warm and syrupy, sprinkle them with the walnut and cinnamon mixture. Allow them to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
7g
Carbs
1g
Protein
4.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Melomakarona cookies?
Melomakarona are traditional Greek cookies that are soft, spiced, and infused with orange juice and honey syrup, typically enjoyed during the holiday season.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 40 mouthwatering cookies.
What is the calorie count for one Melomakarona cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 55 calories.
What are the primary flavors in these cookies?
The primary flavors include orange juice, honey, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and walnuts.
What kind of flour should be used for this recipe?
You should use 6 cups of sifted all-purpose flour. Do not use self-rising flour.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
The cookies should be baked for about 25 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, the recipe calls for placing the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
What ingredients are in the honey syrup?
The syrup is made with 1.5 cups of honey, 1.5 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
How long should the syrup be simmered?
The syrup mixture should be brought to a boil and then allowed to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Should the cookies be warm when dipped in the syrup?
Yes, you should dip each warm cookie in the syrup, ensuring they are well coated.
What type of nuts are used for the topping?
The cookies are topped with 3/4 cup of very finely chopped English walnuts mixed with cinnamon.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a soft, fluffy, and pliable texture, which is enhanced by the honey syrup soak.
Can I overwork the dough?
No, you should be cautious not to overwork the dough; it should remain slightly sticky but manageable.
What fats are used in the dough?
The recipe uses 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1.5 cups of light vegetable oil.
What type of sugar goes into the cookie dough?
The dough uses 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each cookie contains 3 grams of fat.
How much sugar is in each cookie?
There are 4.5 grams of sugar per cookie.
Is there any protein in these cookies?
Yes, each cookie provides 1 gram of protein.
How should the orange juice be prepared?
The juice from 2 large oranges should be juiced and strained before being added to the mixture.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
When should the walnut topping be applied?
Sprinkle the walnut and cinnamon mixture onto the cookies while they are still warm and syrupy.
How do you shape the Melomakarona?
Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll them into balls in your palms, and flatten them slightly.
How should I store these cookies?
Allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers.
Are there any specific spices used in the topping?
Yes, the walnut mixture includes 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What is the total carbohydrate count per cookie?
Each cookie has 7 grams of carbohydrates.
Does the recipe include vanilla?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 17 ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the purpose of lemon juice in the syrup?
Lemon juice is added to the honey syrup mixture to enhance the flavor and aid in the syrup's consistency.
Can these cookies be served with tea?
Yes, they are described as being perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea.