In the realm of Greek desserts, melomakarona stands as a time-honored delicacy, captivating taste buds with its delectable honey-dipped goodness. These oval-shaped cookies, adorned with chopped walnuts and a sprinkling of cinnamon, exude an irresistible aroma that fills the air with warmth and nostalgia. Melomakarona embodies the essence of Greek hospitality, often gracing festive tables during celebrations and holidays. As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover not just one, but a collection of melomakarona recipes, each offering unique variations on this classic treat. From traditional recipes that adhere to centuries-old techniques to modern interpretations that incorporate contemporary ingredients, this article promises to satisfy every palate and skill level.
Let's delve into the heart of these recipes and explore the culinary secrets that bring melomakarona to life. The first recipe, titled "Traditional Melomakarona," serves as a guide to mastering the classic version of this beloved cookie. Immerse yourself in the detailed instructions as you learn to create the perfect dough, infused with warm spices and citrus zest. The step-by-step guide ensures that even novice bakers can achieve golden perfection.
Next, the "Easy Melomakarona" recipe caters to those seeking a simplified approach to this delectable treat. This version streamlines the process by utilizing a food processor, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks or those new to baking. Despite its ease, this recipe delivers on flavor, yielding tender and flavorful melomakarona that rival their traditional counterparts.
For those who delight in the richness of chocolate, the "Chocolate Melomakarona" recipe offers a tempting twist on the classic. This indulgent variation incorporates cocoa powder and melted chocolate into the dough, resulting in cookies that are both decadent and delightful. The combination of chocolate and honey creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
Finally, the article concludes with the "Gluten-Free Melomakarona" recipe, catering to individuals with dietary restrictions or those seeking a healthier alternative. This recipe ingeniously adapts the traditional melomakarona recipe using gluten-free flour and natural sweeteners, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this timeless treat.
With this comprehensive collection of recipes, you'll have the opportunity to experience the versatility of melomakarona and discover your own personal favorite. Whether you prefer the timeless tradition of the classic recipe, the convenience of the easy version, the indulgence of the chocolate variation, or the health-conscious approach of the gluten-free option, these recipes guarantee a delightful culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
GREEK HONEY COOKIES (MELOMAKARONA)
Make and share this Greek Honey Cookies (Melomakarona) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Greekgal
Categories Dessert
Time 1h20m
Yield 40 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Cream butter and oil until completely mixed, add confectioner's sugar, add orange juice slowly, add vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, add 2 cups flour and beat, add two more cups flour, and then add the rest. You may not need all of the flour, just don't let it get too thick, knead the dough lightly in the bowl.
- Using teaspoon, scoop out some of the dough and roll in your palms and flatten slightly in your hands. Bake at 350 for 25 minute and cool.
- Boil syrup ingredients for 5 minute in LARGE saucepan, as it will foam up, then dip each cake (I do several at one time) in the saucepan, turning a couple of times with a wooden spoon, place the cookies on waxed paper and sprinkle with walnut and cinnamon mixture. Cool completely before storing. Best stored in tins. These cookies will keep in tins for a couple of months, but I can't stay out of them long enough to last that long!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 273.5, Fat 14.4, SaturatedFat 3.7, Cholesterol 12.2, Sodium 26.7, Carbohydrate 34.8, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 20, Protein 2.4
MELOMAKARONA (GREEK HONEY COOKIES)
Melomakarona are traditionally served in Greece at Christmastime. Using extra virgin olive oil may add a bit too much flavour to the cookies so regular Greek olive oil is best if you can get it. Greek amber honey can be purchased at Mediterranean grocery stores. This is a recipe from Christine Cushing. Enjoy!
Provided by Nif_H
Categories Dessert
Time 1h5m
Yield 34 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- COOKIES ~.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Beat together first 4 ingredients. Sift flour, baking powder, cloves, and baking soda 3 times.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the oil mixture and knead gently.
- Pinch off 2 1/2 tablespoons portions of dough and form into little flat oblongs (football shapes). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet 2-inches apart.
- Bake in oven at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
- SYRUP ~.
- Boil honey, sugar, water, and cinnamon for 5 minutes.
- Pour syrup over hot melomakarona cookies.
- Allow to soak for 15 minutes, take them out of the syrup and place on large plate.
- Sprinkle with finely chopped walnuts.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 274.6, Fat 11, SaturatedFat 1.3, Sodium 31, Carbohydrate 43.5, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 30.8, Protein 2.4
MELOMAKARONA (GREEK OLIVE OIL-HONEY COOKIES)
These classic Greek holiday cookies are made from a combination of olive oil and semolina. This gives them a cakelike texture that's crumbly yet still very moist, thanks to a soak in a fragrant, honey-sweetened syrup spiked with cinnamon and orange. Traditionally topped with chopped walnuts, you can use any nuts you like; pistachios are especially pretty with their pale green edges.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Time 50m
Yield About 4 dozen cookies
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Make the syrup: In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine sugar, cinnamon sticks and clove with 1 1/3 cups water. Cut orange in half and place in saucepan, flesh down. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in honey. Set aside to cool completely, leaving the cinnamon, clove and orange in the syrup until ready to use.
- Heat the oven to 375 degrees and line 4 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick liners, or lightly grease the pans with olive oil.
- Finely grate the zest of 1 orange into a large mixing bowl. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. If it doesn't measure 1 cup (240 milliliters), squeeze in enough juice from the other orange. Add juice to the bowl with the zest, then mix in olive oil, sugar, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and salt.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, semolina and baking soda. Gradually, fold in the flour mixture into the olive oil mixture. With a wooden spoon, mix until flour is just evenly incorporated.
- Using your hands, roll dough into 1 1/2-inch ovals or egg-shapes, and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Using the palm of your hand, lightly flatten dough. Bake until cookies are golden, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through for even baking.
- Right before the cookies are done, remove the orange, cinnamon sticks and clove from the syrup. As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, and working in batches, dunk the hot cookies in the cool syrup, gently flipping them for about 10 seconds so they can absorb the syrup. Remove cookies from the syrup using a slotted spoon and arrange them on a tray or plate. Sprinkle the center of each cookie with a generous pinch of nuts, patting them lightly so they stick to cookies.
- Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To prevent the cookies from sticking together, place sheets of wax or parchment paper between cookie layers.
Tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set, but not overbake to prevent dryness.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before dipping in the honey syrup to prevent sogginess.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Greek honey cookies, also known as melomakarona, are a delicious and traditional dessert enjoyed during the holiday season in Greece and Cyprus. These cookies are characterized by their soft and chewy texture, rich honey flavor, and aromatic spices. While the recipe may seem intimidating at first, it is actually quite straightforward and can be easily followed by home bakers of all skill levels. By following the tips and instructions provided in this article, you can create these delectable treats that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you are looking for a festive addition to your holiday table or simply a sweet indulgence, Greek honey cookies are a perfect choice that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love