World Flavors Cookbook

Melomakarona

Honey-soaked spiced olive oil cookies topped with crushed walnuts — Greece's most beloved Christmas sweet.

Cuisine: Greece

Ingredients

• 400g flour
• 100g semolina
• 150ml olive oil
• 100ml orange juice
• 80g sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves
• For syrup: 200g honey, 200g sugar, 200ml water, cinnamon stick
• Walnuts, finely crushed, to top

Instructions

1. Mix oil, orange juice, and sugar. Add flour, semolina, baking powder, soda, and spices.
2. Knead briefly to a soft dough. Do not overwork.
3. Shape into oval cookies. Press with a fork.
4. Bake at 180C for 20 minutes until golden.
5. Make hot syrup: boil water, sugar, and honey for 5 minutes.
6. Dip hot cookies in hot syrup for 30 seconds each.
7. Top with crushed walnuts while sticky.