Melomakarona

Melomakarona: The Magic of Christmas in Every Bite

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. There’s something magical about the twinkling lights, the smell of pine trees, and the warmth of family gatherings. For me, it’s a season where love and joy prevail, filling every corner of the home. But if there’s one thing that truly encapsulates the spirit of a Greek Christmas, it’s melomakarona — those heavenly honey-soaked cookies that symbolize tradition, togetherness, and festive cheer.

Growing up, Christmas wasn’t just about presents or carols; it was about flavors that brought generations together. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest would waft through the house as my grandmother, mother, and I prepared trays of melomakarona. These cookies were more than just a treat — they were a labor of love, carefully crafted to be shared with neighbors, friends, and family.

Now, as an adult and a passionate foodie, I’ve kept this tradition alive. Every December, my kitchen transforms into a festive workshop where I bake melomakarona with my daughters. The joy of passing down this recipe to them warms my heart and reminds me of the importance of keeping our Greek heritage alive.

Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for melomakarona, slightly adapted for modern kitchens but just as delicious and heartwarming. Whether you’re Greek or simply someone who loves trying new recipes, these cookies are bound to bring a little Greek Christmas magic to your home.

Melomakarona Recipe

For the Dough:

• 120 g sunflower oil
• 120 g light olive oil
• 25 g brandy
• 80 g freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 100 g fine granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 unwaxed orange
• 450 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

For the Syrup:

• 200 g sugar
• 200 g water
• 200 g thyme honey
• Some cloves and a stick of cinnamon
• 1/4 unwaxed lemon
• Ground walnuts (for sprinkling)

Why Melomakarona Are the Ultimate Christmas Treat

For me, making melomakarona is more than a culinary task; it’s a way to connect with my roots and share the love of Greek traditions. The cookies’ rich flavors of honey, cinnamon, and cloves evoke memories of festive family gatherings, laughter, and the comfort of home.

This recipe is perfect for creating new memories with your loved ones. Bake a batch, share them with friends and neighbors, or enjoy them with a cup of Greek coffee as you bask in the glow of your Christmas tree.

So, this holiday season, let the magic of melomakarona bring warmth and love to your home. After all, Christmas is about savoring life’s sweetest moments — one honey-soaked bite at a time.

Other famous Christmas recipes that we enjoy in Greece and Cyprus are:

Cypriot Rusk

New Year’s Bread

What are your favorite Christmas traditions or recipes? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your melomakarona creations with me on Instagram!

Melomakarona

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Serves: 35 cookies Prep Time: 20 min Cooking Time: 25 min 25 min

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 2 voted )

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 120 g sunflower oil
• 120 g light olive oil
• 25 g brandy
• 80 g freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 100 g fine granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 unwaxed orange
• 450 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• For the Syrup:
• 200 g sugar
• 200 g water
• 200 g thyme honey
• 1/4 unwaxed lemon
• Some cloves and a cinnamon stick
• Ground walnuts (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oils, brandy, orange juice, and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder, kneading gently until a soft, pliable dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookies tender.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

1. Take small portions of dough (about the size of a walnut) and shape them into oval cookies. Use a fork to create a light pattern on top.
2. Place the cookies on the prepared trays, leaving some space between them.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, the lemon half, cloves and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
2. Once the sugar dissolves, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the honey.

Step 4: Soak in Syrup

1. Once baked, let the cookies cool slightly.
2. Dip them into the lukewarm syrup for 10-15 seconds, ensuring they absorb the sweet honey goodness. If you find that the syrup has cooled down, reheat it gently.
3. Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle generously with ground walnuts.