What does Melomakarona taste like?

They taste like a blend of honey, orange, and spice. Soft inside and syrupy outside, each bite melts into warm sweetness.

What is Melomakarona made of?

They’re made from olive oil, butter, orange juice, spices, flour, and honey syrup. The mix of orange zest and cinnamon makes them unforgettable.

Is Melomakarona healthy?

They’re richer than average cookies but made with natural fats and honey, which gives a slightly better nutritional profile when enjoyed in moderation.

What is the difference between Finikia and Melomakarona?

They’re nearly identical, but Finikia are often fried instead of baked and can include ground nuts in the dough.

Melomakarona Cookies – Authentic & Irresistible Greek Treat

Name: Melomakarona Cookies – Authentic & Irresistible Greek Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup (250ml) water; 1 cup (225g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (300g) mild-tasting honey or agave syrup; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 piece orange peel; ½ cup (120ml) light olive oil; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter or vegan baking spread; ½ cup (115g) granulated or superfine sugar; ¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice; ¼ cup (60ml) cognac, rum, or brandy (or substitute with more orange juice); 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp ground cloves; Pinch of ground nutmeg; Zest of 1 orange; ½ tsp salt; 4 cups + 2 tbsp (500g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (150g) finely chopped walnuts; 1 cup (125g) finely chopped pistachios; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (optional); 1 tbsp dried rose petals (optional)

Description

Greek honey cookies soaked in aromatic syrup and topped with nuts — a soft, spiced Christmas treat that tastes even better as it rests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the syrup:

1 cup (250ml) water

1 cup (225g) granulated sugar

1 cup (300g) mild-tasting honey or agave syrup

1 cinnamon stick

1 piece orange peel

For the cookies:

½ cup (120ml) light olive oil

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter or vegan baking spread

½ cup (115g) granulated or superfine sugar

¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice

¼ cup (60ml) cognac, rum, or brandy (or substitute with more orange juice)

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp ground cloves

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Zest of 1 orange

½ tsp salt

4 cups + 2 tbsp (500g) all-purpose flour

For the topping:

1 cup (150g) finely chopped walnuts

1 cup (125g) finely chopped pistachios

1 tbsp ground cinnamon (optional)

1 tbsp dried rose petals (optional)

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Instructions

1. Simmer syrup ingredients until slightly thickened, discard foam, cinnamon stick, and orange peel, then let cool.

2. Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C) and line two trays with parchment or silicone mats.

3. Beat oil, butter, sugar, and spices for 5 minutes.

4. Mix orange juice with alcohol, baking powder, and baking soda until foamy, then add to the bowl along with salt and orange zest.

5. Gradually mix in flour until dough is soft but holds its shape.

6. Form walnut-sized balls, shape into ovals, and texture using a cheese grater.

7. Place on baking trays and bake for 25–30 minutes until firm and golden.

8. While warm, soak cookies in cooled syrup for 1–2 minutes, flipping to coat evenly.

9. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with remaining syrup, and sprinkle with nuts and cinnamon.

Notes

• Dates and walnuts can be used as a filling, though the plain version is preferred.

• Substitute brandy with orange juice for an alcohol-free version.

• For a vegan variation, use vegan butter and agave instead of honey.

• Cookies store well for up to 2 weeks and improve in flavor over time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Christmas Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 197
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 46
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 2
Unsaturated Fat: 7
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 26
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3
Cholesterol: 6