Go Back
A plate of golden-brown Greek melomakarona cookies topped with walnuts and drizzled with honey syrup, served with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
Print Recipe

Greek Melomakarona

Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies made with a fragrant blend of orange, cinnamon, and honey. These soft, syrup-soaked treats are topped with crunchy walnuts and are a staple during the holiday season.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Resting Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Dessert, Holiday Treats
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Wire rack

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-purpose flour (can mix with semolina for texture)
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Baking soda (reacts with orange juice for fluffiness)
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • ½ tsp Cloves (ground)
  • 1 tbsp Orange zest

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup Olive oil (Greek extra virgin for best flavor)
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • ½ cup Orange juice
  • 2 tbsp Brandy (optional)

Honey Syrup

  • 1 cup Honey (Greek thyme honey preferred)
  • 1 cup Water
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 Cloves

Garnish

  • Chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough:
    In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and brandy (if using).
    In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
    Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Do not overmix.
    Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • Shape the Cookies:
    Take small portions of dough and shape into ovals.
    Press a fork lightly on top to create ridges.
    Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake:
    Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
    Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Make the Honey Syrup:
    In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
    Simmer for 5 minutes, then add honey and mix well.
  • Soak the Cookies:
    Dip warm cookies into the hot syrup for 10-15 seconds.
    Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess syrup.
  • Garnish and Serve:
    Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
    Let them rest for a few hours to absorb flavors.