Melomakarona are traditional Greek cookies that are typically made during the holiday season to be shared with family and friends. Soaking the melomakarona overnight in syrup is a crucial step in ensuring they have the perfect balance of sweetness and aromatic flavor. They’re a perfectly spiced, sweet treat to enjoy this holiday season!
Cook Time
1 hr 45 min
Total Time
13 hr 55 min
Yield
24 melomakaronas
Ingredients
Syrup
1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 g)
kosher salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 ½ cups cold water (360 mL)
Melomakarona
2 ¾ cups all purpose flour (345 g)
¾ teaspoon baking powder
⅓ cup granulated sugar (65 g)
⅓ cup orange juice (80 mL)
½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon baking soda
⅓ cup olive oil (80 mL)
⅓ cup canola oil (80 mL)
¼ cup cold water (60 mL)
1 ½ tablespoons honey
½ cup walnuts (65 g), chopped
Nutrition Info
Calories 150
Fat 7g
Carbs 19g
Fiber 0g
Sugar 10g
Protein 1g
How to Make It
1. Step
Make the syrup: Add the sugar, salt, lemon juice, honey, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cold water to a small pot. Whisk to combine, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the syrup thickens slightly, 25–30 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
2. Step
Make the melomakarona: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
4. Step
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add the baking soda and whisk for about 20 seconds, until the batter lightens in color and thickens slightly. Add the olive oil, canola oil, cold water, and honey and whisk until thoroughly combined.
5. Step
Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated, making sure not to overmix the dough.
6. Step
Using a rounded tablespoon measure, divide the dough into 24 equal portions. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball, then create an oval shape by gently squeezing two opposite sides in and rounding out the edges. Place the melomakarona on the prepared baking sheet and press down the tops to flatten. Using a fork, poke 4 sets of holes into each melomakarona, pushing only halfway through the dough.
7. Step
Bake the melomakarona for 20–25 minutes, until firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
8. Step
Place 4 melomakarona at a time in the cooled syrup. Soak for 15 seconds on each side, then return to the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining melomakarona. Using a tablespoon, pour the remaining syrup over each melomakarona. It will look like there is too much syrup, but the melomakarona will continue to absorb it as they rest. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and let sit at room temperature overnight.
9. Step
Uncover the pan and sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the melomakarona. Place each melomakarona in a paper cupcake liner, if desired, then arrange on a platter.