Melomakarona (Christmas Honey Spiced Cookies)
Makes approx. 3 dozen Cookies
Syrup
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup honey
1 ¼ cup water
Cookie Dough
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups extra virgin olive oil
½ cup of cognac or brandy
½ cup of orange juice
zest of one large orange
½ tbsp baking soda
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp ground clove
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Sprinkle on top of cookies
2 cups walnuts
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp Sugar
To make the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, honey and water and heat until sugar has dissolved – set aside to cool.
Preheat the oven 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
For cookie dough: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, brandy and stir to dissolve the sugar. Then, add orange juice and orange zest to the mixture
In a separate bowl mix the flour with baking soda, cinnamon, and clove
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring well to combine everything completely. Mix them well until the flour is no longer visible, but do not overmix.
Use a cookie scoop to make 1 ½-inch round pieces of cookie dough. Roll the cookies into oblong shape that’s about ½-inch thick, leaving 1-inch between each cookie on the baking sheet.
Bake the cookies at 350 for about 20 – 25 minutes until golden brown on the top and bottom
While cookies are baking, using a food processor to grind the walnuts, cinnamon and sugar together – set aside.
When the cookies are done baking allow them to cool for 3 minutes. Then, submerge the hot cookies in cool syrup or pour syrup over the cookies in a deep pan – let them soak for about 20 -30 minutes. They will soak up most of the syrup.
Place the cookies in cookie liners and sprinkle with nut mixture
Cookies will last about a month you can make early in the season and store in an airtight container in a cool dry space. I like to double this recipe and use these cookies for the cookie platters that I distribute to neighbors, friends and teachers for Christmas.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.