During the festive season in Greece, it’s customary to make delicious treats to share with loved ones. One beloved Greek Christmas baking tradition is making Melomakarona – delightful honey-soaked spiced cookies that fill your home with warmth and cheer. These soft, aromatic cookies are the perfect sweet indulgence to enjoy alongside your favorite cup of tea or coffee during the holiday season. Let’s dive into the recipe for making these scrumptious Melomakarona and bring a taste of Greece into your home this Christmas.
**Melomakarona Honey Soaked Spiced Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– For the syrup:
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Peel of 1 orange
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and brandy. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed in the dough.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Take a small portion of the dough and shape it into an oval cookie, about 2 inches long. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Bake the cookies for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
8. While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
9. Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
10. Dip the warm cookies into the hot syrup, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the cookies to soak up the syrup for a few seconds before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the Melomakarona have cooled and the syrup has been absorbed, they are ready to be enjoyed!
These Melomakarona are a delightful Christmas treat that will surely become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. The combination of aromatic spices, sweet honey, and crunchy walnuts creates a harmonious flavor that captures the essence of Greek festive traditions. Share these cookies with family and friends, or package them up beautifully as gifts for a thoughtful, homemade touch. This recipe is a wonderful way to infuse your home with the cozy warmth of the holiday season. Enjoy the process of baking these Melomakarona and relish the joy they bring to your festive celebrations.
