Melomakarona (Greek Honey-Walnut Cookies)
Soft, olive-oil spice cookies scented with orange and cinnamon, dipped in warm honey syrup and showered with walnuts. A Greek Christmas must.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup Sugar (dough)
- 1/2 cup Orange juice
- 1 Orange (zest)
- 2 tbsp Brandy
- 1 tsp each Cinnamon and ground cloves
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 4 cups Flour
- 1/2 cup Fine semolina
- 1 cup Honey (syrup)
- 1 cup Sugar (syrup)
- 1 cup Water (syrup)
- 1 cup Walnuts, finely chopped
Directions
- Whisk oil, sugar, orange juice, zest, brandy, spices and baking soda. Mix in flour and semolina just until a soft dough forms.
- Shape into 36 ovals, press the tops with a fork, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Bring honey, sugar and water to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Dip the cooled cookies in the warm syrup for 30 seconds, then sprinkle with walnuts.
Calorie breakdown
Per cookie: olive oil 53 · flour & semolina 59 · syrup (absorbed) 30 · walnuts 21 · sugar & juice 14 · brandy & spices 3
💡 Lighter tip: One cookie is plenty; they're rich and satisfying.
Helpful for this recipe
Cookie sheetsShop on Amazon →Greek thyme honeyShop on Amazon →How to choose real extra virgin olive oilRead the guide →Our guide to safe, non-toxic cookwareSee picks →