How to Bake Traditional Greek Melomakarona Cookies
Welcome to the delicious and aromatic world of traditional Greek Melomakarona cookies! Melomakarona are a staple in Greek households, especially during the holiday season. These honey-soaked cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and spices that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma. If you’re new to baking or looking for a simple guide to making these delightful treats, you’re in the right place! Follow along as we dive into the simple steps to bake traditional Greek Melomakarona cookies.
Ingredients:
Before we start, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need. For about 40 cookies, you’ll require:
For the cookie dough:
- 1 cup olive oil
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 orange, zested
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2-3 cups all-purpose flour (you may need a bit more or less, depending on the dough)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the syrup:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A few whole cloves
- 1 orange, sliced
For the topping:
- Chopped walnuts
- Ground cinnamon
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and sugar. Add the orange juice, brandy (if you’re using it), ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and orange zest. Mix these ingredients well until the sugar is dissolved. In a smaller bowl, mix the baking soda with a little orange juice until it dissolves, then add this to the mixture. Gradually add the flour mixed with the baking powder, kneading gently until the dough is soft, pliable, and no longer sticks to your hands.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take small portions of the dough and shape them into oblong cookies. You don’t want them too big; think of an oversized olive. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each cookie.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Pop your cookies into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are nicely golden and firm to the touch. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for just about 5-10 minutes. They should still be warm when soaked in the syrup but not hot.
Step 4: Prepare the Syrup
While your cookies are in the oven, it’s time to prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, and slices of an orange. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and eliminate the spices and orange slices.
Step 5: Soak the Cookies
Once your cookies are slightly cooled, and your syrup is ready, it’s time to bathe those golden beauties. Dip each cookie in the syrup for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring they’re well coated but not overly soaked. Once dipped, place them on a wire rack to drain any excess syrup.
Step 6: Add the Topping
While the cookies are still sticky from the syrup, sprinkle them generously with chopped walnuts and a dash of ground cinnamon. This not only adds to the flavor but also gives them a beautiful, inviting appearance.
Enjoy!
Congratulations! You’ve just baked a batch of traditional Greek Melomakarona cookies. Allow them to cool completely before serving. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, especially over a cup of coffee or tea. The blend of spices, honey, and the crunch of walnuts make these cookies a delightful treat that promises to transport you straight to the heart of Greek culinary tradition.
Baking Melomakarona may seem like a long process, but the steps are pretty straightforward. The joy of baking these cookies comes not just from the delicious end product but from the process itself, which is filled with the rich aromas and traditions of Greek cooking. Enjoy the baking, enjoy the flavors, and most importantly, share the joy these cookies bring.
Happy Baking!
