Melomakarona are soft, oval-shaped Greek cookies scented with orange and cinnamon, drenched in honey syrup and covered with crushed walnuts. In a separate bowl, Ingredients Ingredient Cookies 275 Show detail Preview View more In a large bowl mix the olive oil, cognac or brandy, orange juice, sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ground clove and orange peel. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, cloves, baking soda, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. For conventional ovens use the same temperature but we need to be cautious as it might take less time to bake. Next, get a large slotted spoon to soak the cookies. There are three components to this recipe: the syrup, the cookie dough and the crushed walnut topping. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, semolina and baking soda. Something that's a cross between your favorite soft cookie and honey-rich baklava! Reduce speed to medium-low. Now, I've never had them before so I have no idea if they turned out right. In the bowl of an electric mixer outfitted with a whisk, beat the olive oil with 1 cup of sugar at medium-high speed until creamy. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. Using the palm of your hand, lightly flatten dough. Mix all together for one minute. these were the hit of my job's christmas partythey are a regular for my go to cookies, I made these and they are so easy to make. Melomakarona cookies are soft cake-like cookies that are scented with orange and cinnamon, soaked in honey syrup and covered with crushed walnuts. Bring to a boil over medium-high for 5 minutes or until the sugar dissolves completely. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Be the first to leave one. Preheat your oven to 170 C, if you have the fan option that's the best way to go. KOULOURAKIA - EASTER COOKIES - 500 g. BAKED GOODS, HOLIDAY SPECIALS $ 18.00. . They should be golden brown. Walnuts add texture and a welcomed nutty flavor that is essential in a good melomakarona recipe. This recipe makes 60 cookies; they keep well so that you can enjoy them for a while or gift them to family and friends. In another bowl sift flour and mix with the baking powder and baking soda. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. It is a digital cookbook and cooking guide alike, available on all platforms, that helps home cooks of every level discover, save and organize the worlds best recipes, while also helping them become better, more competent cooks. In a big bowl mix the orange juice with the baking soda very well. Make the melomakarona: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Beat butter in a separate bowl until light and fluffy; add sugar and mix well. Mix the walnuts with cinnamon turn over on the melomakarona right side again, sprinkle over the melomakarona. Melt butter and cool to about room temperature. In a large bowl whisk together the sugar, orange zest and the olive oil for a couple of minutes until the sugar starts to break down and dissolve and mixture is well combined. Place the cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. We had trouble getting the walnuts to stick. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Definitely a fan! There are many versions of these popular Greek cookies. In one bowl whisk together the oil, orange juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg until the sugar has dissolved. Take about 1 tablespoons of the cookie dough and shape it between your palms into an oval shape (like a small egg). In a large bowl mix the olive oil, cognac or brandy, orange juice, sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and orange peel. Mix the wet ingredients, mix the dry ingredients, and then mix them together. How to Make Melomakarona In a large bowl mix the olive oil, cognac or brandy, orange juice, sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and orange peel. There arent any notes yet. Shape The Melomakarona Greek Honey Cookies Layer a large baking tray with parchment paper and start shaping the melomakarona honey cookies. Press the piece between your palms to make it flat and using a teaspoon add the filling in the middle. These cookies are wonderful. Place on waxed paper; sprinkle with walnuts. Do not over knead. Get recipes, tips and NYT special offers delivered straight to your inbox. Add juice to the bowl with the zest,. Add the flour gradually to the olive oil mixture, while stirring with a wooden spoon. Get our best recipes and all Things Mediterranean delivered to your inbox. Traditionally topped with chopped walnuts, you can use any nuts you like; pistachios are especially pretty with their pale green edges. To make the melomakarona dough, combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Melomakarona: Greek Christmas Honey Cookies. 5. All Purpose flour is plain (not self-rising). Here they are: I'm all about using walnuts for savory dishes like my stuffed chicken breast, in a fun dip like muhammara, and in all sorts of baked goodies--especially holiday cookies! In another bowl sift flour and mix with the baking powder and baking soda. Learn how your comment data is processed. The more they sit the better they taste. She provides a lifetime of experience -being raised on the Mediterranean Diet-, with tried and tested family recipes, guidance on how to follow the Diet and the latest research. In bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. A lot of Omilo students have baked those delicious Greek Christmas cookies with success! Greek Olive Oil. For the melomakarona 150g thin semolina (5.3 ounces) 500g flour (soft) (17.6 ounces) 1/2 tbsp baking powder 100g orange juice (3.5 ounces) 3 tbsps cognac 100g sugar (3.5 ounces) 1 flat tbsp. Cut orange in half and place in saucepan, flesh down. Steamed Mussels in Garlic White Wine Broth, Easy Authentic Falafel Recipe: Step-by-Step. Store in muffin cups or between layers of parchment paper. Pay in 4 installments of $22.49. Let the syrup simmer without stirring for about 6-7 minutes. However, this is usually done when the recipe also contains semolina-this one does not). Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon and baking soda. Add in the sifted powdered sugar and whisk in. 6 Tbsp. Place all the melomakarona on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Yes, they are irressitable! Making the cookies Preheat the oven to 170* C (340*F). Reap the benefits of the Mediterranean diet no matter where you live! Melomakarona: Cut a small piece of dough, approximately the size of a walnut and shape it into an oval at around 7cm width and 2 cm height. When adding syrup to the melomakarona it's best do so in 2-3 batches. Store melomakarona in an air-tight container at room temperature. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. For us Brits is all purpose flour plain or self raising please? Be warned these cookies are rich, and they should be sweet, as with the kourabie, one is enough. It seems that will through off the consistency Hi, Michelle. BAKED GOODS, HOLIDAY SPECIALS, LENTEN FOODS $ 35.00. . Add the egg, melted grass-fed butter, extra virgin olive oil, eggs and rum extract. All opinions are my own. So I am not sure if the cookies were done at 20 minutes. . Bake in preheated oven at 180C / 350F for approx. Lay a piece of parchment paper on your oven's tray pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, semolina, baking powder, spices and salt to combine. Add melted butter, oil, and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Until golden. I mixed the crushed walnut and some almond inside the batter, and after cooking, soaked them in that delicious unique syrup (unique because of that whole orange!!). Cool on pans 5 minutes. If you visit Greece between Christmas and New Year's day, you are bound to try some of these cinnamon-scented honey cookies covered with loads of crushed walnuts. Bake the rest of the cookies. Slowly, add the dry flour mixture to the wet olive oil mixture (I added of the flour at a time), while mixing with a wooden spoon. A traditional melomakarona recipe! Remove and mix well to dissolve and melt the chocolate. I am a huge fan of your but these cookies didnt work for me. CAN THESE BE FROZEN? I love eating melomakarona. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 2011-2022 OliveTomato All Rights Reserved. This is an oil-based cookie recipe that produces moist cake-like cookies flavored with orange and brandy, bathed in a sweet honey syrup, and topped with chopped walnuts. Make the syrup: In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine sugar, cinnamon sticks and clove with 1 cups water. Stir in flour with a wooden spoon. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. Place the cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Leave pot aside to cool. Remove the orange and cinnamon stick from the syrup. The internet's No. For the syrup bring to a boil the honey, syrup, water, cinnamon stick and slice of lemon and let it boil for 5 minutes. (Image 6) The material that appears on Olive Tomato is for educational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. 10-20 seconds. See our Privacy Policy. Good luck. Remove from the heat and set aside. If it doesn't measure 1 cup (240 milliliters), squeeze in enough juice from the other orange. Honey: Ideally you want to use thyme honey. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden. Just let the cookies cool completely and then store in airtight container for 6 months. Repeat, forming the cookies until you have used up all the dough. Subscribe now for full access. Add the orange juice, cognac, honey, cinnamon, clove powder, baking soda, and baking powder and continue to blend. Form a well in the middle and pour in the oil, butter, orange juice, brandy and orange zest. The name means made with almond, and it can be deceptive, as there are more than one type of Greek cookie with the name. Once all the cookies are baked, transfer to large casserole dish and flip them so that the bottom part is facing up, let them cool down completely. 20 minutes, until the melomakarona are lightly browned and cooked through. My wife made these recently! Leave a comment or share on instagram and mention, Authentic Italian Lemon and Ricotta Cookies, Greek Olive Oil Cinnamon Cookies Kolourakia Lathiou, Greek Roasted Beans with Spinach- Gigantes me Spanaki, Roasted Peas with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Peppers. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Stir to combine and set the heat to medium-high. NYT Cooking is a subscription service of The New York Times. Everyone loved our cookies and looked forward to them every year. I can't wait to give these a try! Step 3: Preheat the oven to 374 Fahrenheit. In one large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. To prevent the cookies from sticking together, place sheets of wax or parchment paper between cookie layers. Dilute the baking soda in the orange juice. Start making the syrup once the cookies have cooled. Using your fingers press one side of the ball on a grater flattening like a small pancake or pierce with a fork and then fold over so that the cookie is in a oval shape, with the top having the design of the grater. Add the flour gradually to the olive oil mixture, while stirring with a wooden spoon. Bake in a preheated 375F (190C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Jump to Recipe Print Recipe. Do not add all of it at once, stir with the spoon and add flour until you have soft and shiny dough, it should not be dry. Soaking Strain the syrup through a fine mesh colander while the melomakarona cooks to remove the cinnamon sticks, orange, and any orange pulp. A recipe for melomakarona. (Here is more about California Walnuts). The name itself, melomakarona, is a combination of the two words: meli, which means honey and makarona," which comes from the ancient word makaria," meaning blessed. I'm not sure what to tell you about the walnuts. The brandy makes up 1/2 cup of the dough ingredients, but at one point you note "if using." You may already have the ingredients you need right in your pantry! I used one cup as per your recipe. I will be making again. Once the syrup is boiled, while it is hot, pour it over the cold cookies, making sure all cookies are covered with syrup. Mix. Put the sugar, water, honey, cinnamon, cloves and orange peel in a pot and mix to dissolve the sugar and honey. Join Elena Paravantes, award winning Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Writer and THE Mediterranean Diet Expert. 1 1/2 cups of ground walnuts. sugar. In a saucepan add all the ingredients for the syrup (excluding the honey) and bring to a boil. Required fields are marked *. I heat mine in the microwave for 10 seconds then drizzle more of the leftover syrup on. I know that some people freeze them, but I never have. Line a 12 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hand mix all the ingredients, the dough might be too thick and crumbly. Into a large bowl, add your wet ingredients (except for baking soda and orange juice). So flavorful and a most importantly a keeper! In a large measuring glass or medium bowl, house the fresh squeezed orange juice. Pour all the oils into the bowl of a stand mixer. You win the award for best use of left over syrup, for sure!! As an egg- and butter-free recipe, it was amazing. Bake on the center rack of your heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes; the cookies should be golden in color but they should not brown too much. And to prevent the layers of cookies from sticking together, it helps to place sheets of wax paper in between the cookies. Let syrup cool. Also, I jumped ahead when making the syrup and added the honey before boiling. Melomakarona are made throughout . Roll the dough in little balls about the size of a walnut. Mine was pretty thin. Melomakarona, Greek Christmas cookies Print Ingredients 2 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons Olive Oil 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon brandy 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1/2 tablespoon orange zest 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Easy Biscotti Recipe with Pistachios (w/Video). Get our best recipes delivered to your inbox. balls. Bring to a boil and skim the froth. Set aside to cool thoroughly after adding the honey. I used light tasting EVOO. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. 1. So on the one hand, yes, these sweets have plenty of sugar, on the other hand the olive oil, the honey, the orange zest and the walnuts are all sources of antioxidants. You can also substitute the orange juice and brandy with beer. Using your hands, roll dough into 1-inch ovals or egg-shapes, and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The good news is, these cookies are easy to make at home and the ingredients are familiar and readily available. Shipping and returns Payment options Preheat the oven to 170C (340F). Beat in orange juice and vanilla. Drizzle melomakarona with honey and chopped walnuts. I'm Suzy, cookbook author and creator. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! Melomakarona are soft, oval-shaped Greek cookies scented with orange and cinnamon, drenched in honey syrup and covered with crushed walnuts. For the syrup bring to a boil the honey, syrup and water and let it boil for 3 minutes. Get recipes, tips and offers in your inbox. Step 4: Put the juices, oil, sugar, spices powder, soda, orange zest (except flour and semolina) into a large bowl and mix them with a good wire. With a wooden spoon, mix until flour is just evenly incorporated. Melomakarona last a long time, at least 3 weeks. You can also create a texture using a fork. As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, and working in batches, dunk the hot cookies in the cool syrup, gently flipping them for about 10 seconds so they can absorb the syrup. I've used cognac before and they were delicious! If you give it a try, stop back and let us know what you thought! Fold the dough over the filling pressing down well to seal. Let it rest for 20 minutes. Let the syrup cool completely while you are preparing and baking the melomakarona. Add 15 grams baking soda to 125 ml of orange juice; stir and place in the mixer. . Any tips? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 3 lbs Melomakarona Tray ~Greek Honey Cookies~Moist and Flavorful~Made Out Of 18 Ingredients for Guaranteed Goodness~Homemade Holiday Dessert. And I baked the cookies for 20 minutes. Finely grate the zest of 1 orange into a large mixing bowl. Your email address will not be published. Whisk for 30 seconds. Learn how your comment data is processed. Melomakarona (Greek honey cookies) are one of the most popular treats throughout Greece during the Christmas Holidays and the intense aromas of delicate spices makes every house smell like Christmas.. is an egg-shaped Greek dessert made mainly from flour, olive oil, and honey. Featured in: Three Hanukkah Desserts That Skip the Fryer. Add sugar, egg yolk, whiskey, and almond extract and beat five minutes more. Add juice to the bowl with the zest, then mix in olive oil, sugar, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and salt. I find that these will actually last a good couple of weeks if stored in an air-tight container at room temperature. Add eggs one at a time, beating until just incorporated after each addition. Yes, they are irressitable! Dip cookies into the cooled syrup for 10 to 15 seconds per side. Most importantly the fat from the melomakarono comes exclusively from olive oil. So excited! The word "melomakarona" is a combination of the two words "meli", which means honey and "makarona". See our Privacy Policy. Melomacarona Greek honey cookies, Melomakarona, Recipe. Continue simmering for 5 minutes. Mix until a soft dough forms. You don't have to use alcohol it will taste a bit different, but you can omit the brandy and try more orange juice. LOL! These Greek Christmas honey cookies (melomakarona) are super quick to bake, so much fun to make and highly addictive! Shape tablespoons of dough into 1-in.-thick ovals. Let the cookies sit for at least 2-3 hours with the top side facing down so that they absorb the syrup * (Some people prefer to do the opposite: Make the syrup and let it cool off, than pour the syrup over hot cookies, instead of letting them cool down. This is done so that the honey will be better absorbed as opposed to just shaping the cookie in a solid oval shape. This is the authentic recipe my mother has been making for decades, made with olive oil and honey and we cant resist them-they are so good! Using your hands, shape each melomakarono into an oval shape, about 2 inches long each. How about a different kind of cookie this holiday season?! Can you use some other type of liquor other then brandy? I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. Hi, Sue. 1. Once the syrup is boiled, while it is hot, pour it over the cookies, making sure all cookies are covered with syrup. Using the paddle attachment , mix oils slowly. Toronto-GTA Local Delivery. Sprinkle the center of each cookie with a generous pinch of nuts, patting them lightly so they stick to cookies. For the syrup: 1 cup sugar 1 cup honey 1 cup water Directions: Beat together olive oil, sugar, orange juice and cognac. In this Greek honey and walnut cookies recipe, you will use at least cup of walnut halves becuase they are not just a good-looking garnish here. The dark-colored part is enriched with cocoa and cinnamon and is neatly wrapped with a layer of white, vanilla-flavored dough. A Greek traditional Christmas cookie. Ooo! How to make Melomakarona Greek Honey Cookies . Impress your family and/or friends and treat them with self-made melomakarona! Make the melomakarona: Preheat the oven to 320oF / 160oC. In a large mixing bowl, combine the EVOO, brandy, orange juice, orange zest, 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I made these today and wow, they are tasty! Melomakarona and kourabiedes are two words which, for Greek people, embody Christmas itself. Maybe chop them a tad bit finer?? Knead the dough just a bit until it comes together. Then you need to form the cookies with a cheese grater which I described above. In a pot add all the Prepare the dough for the melomakarona. Roll into a large bowl cover with plastic and let the dough rest for 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. In a bowl sift the flour and mix with baking soda. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add honey. Browse our collection ofGreek recipesor find allMediterranean recipes. Melomakarona Cookie 1000 g - 30 pcs. Set aside. Christopsomo (Greek Christmas Bread) Recipe Ingredients For the Cookies: 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda Pinch kosher salt So we liked to make sure they looked pretty! Place 1 in. Leave a Private Note on this recipe and see it here. Melomakarona are Greek cookies that are made from flour, olive oil, sugar and orange juice, drenched in honey and topped with walnuts. THANKS AGAIN . Click on the button on top of the page, and read the recipe also in Greek, while listening to the Greek Audio. I love the syrup. Known as Finikia in some regions of Greece, where they deep fry them. For the Christmas cookies. Amygdalota from the Islands. Flatten slightly; cookies will spread. Bake in the preheated oven until light golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. In the meantime mix the walnuts with cinnamon. Place them on a wire rack to drain. Turn over on the melomakarona right side again, sprinkle the walnut mixture over the melomakarona. I actually feel good about it because they really represent what the Greek Mediterranean diet is all about: delicious food made with good-for-you ingredients.