Melomakarona
Description
Melomakarona are beloved Greek holiday cookies known for their soft, tender crumb and intense honey flavor. These oblong cakes are made with a rich dough spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, then filled with a sweet walnut paste. After baking, they are dipped in a warm syrup infused with orange juice and brandy, resulting in a moist, sticky, and aromatic treat. The combination of the spiced dough, nutty filling, and fragrant syrup makes them perfect for festive gatherings or quiet winter afternoons.Directions
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In a saucepan, combine honey, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes to make the syrup. Remove from heat and set aside.
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For the filling, mix 1 pound of finely chopped walnuts with 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 5 tablespoons of the prepared syrup. Reserve the remaining syrup.
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In a large bowl, cream the remaining 1 cup butter with vegetable oil until light and fluffy.
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Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar on medium speed until smooth.
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Slowly add orange juice, cognac, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, beating well after each addition.
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In a small bowl, sift together baking powder, baking soda, and 2 cups of flour.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat for a few minutes until incorporated.
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Switch to mixing by hand or low speed, adding the remaining flour gradually until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead briefly if needed.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Take small pieces of dough and shape them into oblongs about 2.5 inches long and 1 inch high.
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Flatten each piece between your palms, place 1 teaspoon of the walnut filling in the center, and enclose completely by pressing the dough edges together firmly.
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Place the shaped cakes on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
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Bring the reserved syrup back to a boil.
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Dip each cooled cake into the hot syrup, ensuring it is fully coated, then arrange on a serving platter.
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Sprinkle with the remaining 2 ounces of chopped walnuts and extra cinnamon if desired. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 112.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.5g10%
- Saturated Fat 1.6g8%
- Cholesterol 4.0mg2%
- Sodium 16.8mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.5g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
- Sugars 5.1g
- Protein 1.6g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
greek, cookies, honey, walnuts, cinnamon, spiced, baked, dessert, holiday, christmas, traditional, syrup, orange, brandied, nutmeg, cloves, pastry, filling, soft, moist
