Greek Melomakarona Honey Cookies with Walnuts
These traditional Greek honey cookies are soft, spiced, and soaked in an aromatic honey syrup, topped with chopped walnuts for a festive treat. Melomakarona are a beloved Christmas dessert known for their rich flavor and irresistible texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil mild-flavored
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 0.25 cup brandy or orange juice for alcohol-free
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground cloves
- 5 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for shaping
- 1 cup walnuts finely chopped, divided
- 1 cup water for syrup
- 1 cup honey preferably Greek thyme honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole cinnamon stick for syrup
- 1 whole orange peel strip, for syrup
Notes
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks; they soften over time. Make-ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for 1 day. Syrup can be made 2 days ahead and reheated. Substitutions: Use all orange juice instead of brandy. For nut-free, omit walnuts and top with sesame seeds. Serve dusted with powdered sugar or with Greek coffee.