Imagine biting into a cookie so divine, it transports you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Greece. Melomakarona are not just cookies - they're a delectable journey of tradition, flavor, and pure culinary magic. These honey-soaked walnut delights are the ultimate comfort treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy, combining the rich warmth of cinnamon, the nutty crunch of walnuts, and a luxurious honey glaze that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
- In another bowl, mix together the olive oil and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will help to incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies light.
- Add the orange juice to the olive oil and sugar mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overwork it.
- Fold in the finely chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut (approximately 1 inch in diameter). Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand to form a disc shape.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey and water over medium heat. Stir until the honey is dissolved and the mixture is heated through, but do not let it boil.
- Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- While the cookies are still warm, carefully dip each cookie into the honey syrup, allowing them to soak for a few seconds on each side. This will give them a delicious glaze.
- After dipping, place the cookies on a serving platter. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the cookies for garnish while they are still sticky from the syrup.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh ingredients for the most authentic flavor.
- Don't overwork the dough - mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
- Watch cookies carefully while baking to achieve that perfect golden color.
- Dip cookies in honey syrup while they're still warm for maximum absorption.
- Allow cookies to cool completely to let the flavors fully develop.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, moist texture.
- For an extra touch, serve slightly warmed or at room temperature.
- These cookies actually taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
