Melomakarona (A Greek Christmas Cookie) ๐ช
Overview:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 40-50 cookies
Calories: 295 per serving
Rating: โญโญโญโญโญ (5 reviews)
Description:
Indulge in the delightful aroma of Christmas with these Melomakarona, traditional Greek cookies soaked in a honey syrup. The combination of orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon makes them a festive favorite across Greece during the holiday season. These cookies will fill your home with an irresistible scent that lingers for days, evoking the spirit of the season.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 | Light olive oil |
| 1/2 | Butter |
| 1 | Beer |
| 1 | Ground cinnamon |
| 1 1/2 | Ground cloves |
| 2 | Oranges, zest of |
| 1 | Sugar |
| 2 | Semolina |
| 6 | Flour |
| 1/2 | Baking soda |
| 1/2 | Baking powder |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1 1/2 | Sugar |
| 1 1/2 | Thyme honey |
| 1 | Water |
| 3/4 | Walnuts |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine light olive oil, butter, beer (or orange juice), ground cinnamon, ground cloves, orange zest, and sugar. Beat until thoroughly blended.
- Sift one cup of flour with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Blend into the oil mixture.
- Gradually add semolina, one cup at a time, mixing well.
- Incorporate the remaining flour gradually until a firm dough forms. Adjust the flour quantity as needed.
- Mix by hand, as an electric mixer may become ineffective after adding the first few cups of flour.
-
Shape and Bake:
- Roll the dough into cylinders about two inches long and one inch in diameter. Flatten with hands and place on greased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
-
Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, thyme honey, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Cook on low heat for four minutes, skimming off any foam that forms on top.
-
Soak the Cookies:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and pour hot syrup over them.
- Arrange the cookies in a rimmed baking pan and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Allow the cookies to soak overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Alternatively, dip the cookies in batches directly into the hot syrup and let soak for 8-10 minutes.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the cookies to a platter, sprinkling each layer evenly with finely chopped walnuts.
- Wrap with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be stored for months and make a delightful treat throughout the holiday season.
Enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of Melomakarona, a cherished Greek tradition that brings warmth and joy to every bite!
