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Melomakarona, Greek honey cookies sprinkled with walnuts
Delicious Greek sweet, honey cookies with walnuts

Melomakarona with Walnuts

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Cakes and Desserts
Melomakarona is the scent of Greek Christmas: orange, cinnamon, and honey. This cookie is technically brilliant: we bake a crumbly, biscuit-like dough, then soak it in syrup. The result is a texture that is simultaneously crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth soft, full of spicy nectar. The walnut topping crowns this festive jewel.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 20 mins
⌛ Total Time 50 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 320 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Greek

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Large bowl for dough
  • Saucepan for syrup
  • Sieve

Allergen Information

⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Tree Nuts (Walnut)

Instructions

1 ✓

Prepare the syrup first: boil 1/2 cup sugar, honey, and about 1/3 cup water for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Tip: Cold syrup is crucial so the hot dough doesn't disintegrate in it.
2 ✓

Sift the flour with baking soda and cinnamon. Mix in the 1/4 cup sugar.

Tip: Sifting aerates the flour, making the cookie more crumbly.
3 ✓

Mix the remaining water (approx. 1 tbsp), oil, and orange juice, then pour into the dry ingredients. Knead quickly.

Tip: Do not overwork! If gluten strands get too strong, the cookie will be tough, not crumbly.
4 ✓

Shape oval balls, flatten slightly, and press a pattern on top with a fork. Place on a lined baking sheet.

Tip: The fork grooves aren't just decoration: they help the cookie absorb syrup.
5 ✓

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes until dark golden brown.

Tip: Good color indicates the dough is baked through and has structure.
6 ✓

Dip the hot cookies immediately into the cold syrup for 10-20 seconds, then remove to a platter.

Tip: Temperature difference forces the syrup into the dough pores (capillary action).
7 ✓

Sprinkle immediately with chopped walnuts.

Recipe FAQ

Why did they fall apart when dipping?
Either you soaked them too long, or both the cookie and syrup were hot. The rule is: hot cookie into cold syrup, or vice versa!
How long do they keep?
At room temperature, covered, they stay delicious for 2-3 weeks as honey acts as a natural preservative.

Ingredients

  • 14 oz All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup Sugar (for dough)
  • 1/2 cup Sugar (for syrup)
  • 3.5 fl oz Olive Oil (mild)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice
  • 3.5 oz Honey (for syrup)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 3.5 fl oz Water (total for dough and syrup)
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp Walnuts (chopped)