Melomakarona (Greek Honey Cookies)

Submitted by Nif_H

"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!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 5mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Yields: 34 cookies

ingredients

• Cookies

• 1 cup olive oil
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 6 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 3 3⁄4 cups pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

• Syrup

• 2 cups greek amber honey
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups chopped walnuts (to garnish)

directions

1. COOKIES ~.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Beat together first 4 ingredients. Sift flour, baking powder, cloves, and baking soda 3 times.
4. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the oil mixture and knead gently.
5. 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.
6. Bake in oven at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
7. SYRUP ~.
8. Boil honey, sugar, water, and cinnamon for 5 minutes.
9. Pour syrup over hot melomakarona cookies.
10. Allow to soak for 15 minutes, take them out of the syrup and place on large plate.
11. Sprinkle with finely chopped walnuts.