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Melomakarona

Melomakarona * Phoenikia recipe image
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.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 112.7
Dietary: Vegetarian
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
  1. 1
    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.
  2. 2
    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.
  3. 3
    In a large bowl, cream the remaining 1 cup butter with vegetable oil until light and fluffy.
  4. 4
    Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar on medium speed until smooth.
  5. 5
    Slowly add orange juice, cognac, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, beating well after each addition.
  6. 6
    In a small bowl, sift together baking powder, baking soda, and 2 cups of flour.
  7. 7
    Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat for a few minutes until incorporated.
  8. 8
    Switch to mixing by hand or low speed, adding the remaining flour gradually until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead briefly if needed.
  9. 9
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. 10
    Take small pieces of dough and shape them into oblongs about 2.5 inches long and 1 inch high.
  11. 11
    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.
  12. 12
    Place the shaped cakes on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
  13. 13
    Bring the reserved syrup back to a boil.
  14. 14
    Dip each cooled cake into the hot syrup, ensuring it is fully coated, then arrange on a serving platter.
  15. 15
    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.

Keywords: greek, cookies, honey, walnuts, cinnamon, spiced, baked, dessert, holiday, christmas, traditional, syrup, orange, brandied, nutmeg, cloves, pastry, filling, soft, moist
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/melomakarona-phoenikia-3/