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"melomakarona" greek christmas honey cookie

(1 rating)
WWCook1 avatar
Recipe by
Maria *
@WWCook1
Athens

Another traditional Christmas cookie. These are soft cookies dipped in a honey syrup and covered with chopped walnuts. This is another of the few recipes my grandmother handed down to my mom and then my mom to me. I'm so grateful to have and remember them every time I bake these cookies.

(1 rating)
yield serving(s)
prep time 25 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For "melomakarona" greek christmas honey cookie

  • 1 c
    olive oil
  • 1 c
    vegetable oil
  • 3/4 c
    fresh orange juice
  • Tbsp
    grated zest of one orange
  • 1 Tbsp
    ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp
    ground cloves
  • 2 tsp
    baking soda
  • 2 tsp
    baking powder
  • 1/4 c
    cognac/brandy (or orange juice if non alcoholic)
  • 1 c
    sugar
  • 7 1/2 c
    all purpose flour & pinch of salt
  • 1 c
    walnuts & ground cinnamon for sprinkling
  • FOR SYRUP
  • 4 c
    honey
  • 1 c
    sugar
  • 1 c
    water
  • 1
    cinnamon stick
  • 3-4
    whole cloves
  • •1-2-inch piece lemon rind
  • 1 tsp
    lemon juice

How To Make "melomakarona" greek christmas honey cookie

  • 1
    Place all the ingredients except flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a large mixing bowl and knead. In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the orange juice and brandy to mixer and mix well.
  • 2
    Slowly incorporate the flour cup by cup until the mixture forms a dough that is not too loose but not quite firm either. It will be dense and wet but not sticky. Once the flour is incorporated fully stop mixing.
  • 3
    To roll cookies, pinch a portion of dough off about the size of a walnut. Shape in your palms into a smooth oblong shape, almost like a small egg. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Shape and roll cookies until the sheet is filled. Press the tines of a large fork in a crosshatch pattern in the center of each cookie. This will flatten them slightly in the center. The cookies should resemble lightly flattened ovals when they go in the oven.Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes until lightly browned. (The cookies will darken when submerged in syrup.)
  • 4
    While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon rind. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon, cloves, and lemon rind and stir in lemon juice.
  • 5
    Place the ground walnuts in a shallow plate or bowl next to the stove top. When the cookies come out of the oven and while they are still very warm, carefully float the cookies in the syrup and allow the cookies to absorb syrup on both sides, a few at a time, for about 5 minutes. If you prefer them softer, let stand longer.Using a fork or small spatula, remove the cookie from the syrup and place on a platter or plate.
  • 6
    Over every layer press ground walnuts lightly into the tops of the cookies (syrup will help it adhere) and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon.
  • 7
    Extra Tips: The consistency of the dough should be rather stiff. The syrup should be simmering gently, while the melomakarona are being dipped. Enjoy! Do not refrigerate Melomakarona as they will harden. Let cool & store in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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