Melomakarona

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Servings: 4 servings Difficulty: Advanced
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Traditional Greek Honey-Walnut Cookies
Melomakarona * Phoenikia recipe image
Melomakarona * Phoenikia recipe image
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Melomakarona

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 servings Calories: 70.7

Description

Melomakarona are classic Greek holiday cookies made from a tender dough of butter, oil, and flour, filled with a rich mixture of walnuts and spices. These oblong cakes are baked until golden, then soaked in a fragrant syrup infused with orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is intensely aromatic and sweet without being cloying. Traditionally served during Christmas and Easter celebrations, these cookies improve in flavor after a few days as the spices meld and the syrup penetrates the crumb.

Directions

  1. Combine the honey, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to create the syrup.
  2. Remove the syrup from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a bowl, mix the finely chopped walnuts with a portion of the softened butter, a portion of the cinnamon, and a portion of the prepared syrup to make the filling.
  4. Reserve the remaining syrup and set the filling aside.
  5. Using an electric mixer, cream the remaining softened butter with the vegetable oil until light and fluffy.
  6. Gradually beat in the icing sugar on medium speed until smooth.
  7. Slowly add the orange juice, cognac or brandy, the remaining cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the batter, mixing well.
  8. Sift together baking powder, baking soda, and a portion of the all-purpose flour in a small bowl.
  9. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat for a few minutes until combined.
  10. Mix in the remaining flour by hand, adding only enough to form a soft, pliable dough.
  11. Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
  12. Break off small pieces of dough and shape them into oblongs about 2-1/2 inches long and 1 inch high.
  13. Flatten each piece between your palms and place a teaspoon of the walnut filling in the center.
  14. Fold the dough around the filling to enclose it completely, pressing firmly to seal.
  15. Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  16. Bake in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  17. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  18. Bring the reserved syrup back to a boil.
  19. Dip each cooled cookie into the hot syrup, ensuring it is fully coated.
  20. Arrange the soaked cookies on a platter and sprinkle with the remaining chopped walnuts and extra cinnamon.
  21. Allow to cool and absorb the syrup before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 70.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.6g9%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Cholesterol 4.0mg2%
Sodium 12.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 5.3g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
Sugars 4.9g
Protein 0.5g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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