MELOMAKARONA GREEK CHRISTMAS HONEY COOKIES

Boil 500 mL of water with 800 g of sugar, 3 sticks of cinnamon, and 3 cloves for about 5 minutes until sugar dissolves.

Add 2 small oranges (or 1 large orange) cut in half to the syrup mixture.

Remove from heat and add 150 g of honey (or syrup for a vegan option) and stir. Let cool for 3-4 hours.

Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius.

In a bowl, mix 400 mL of freshly squeezed orange juice, 400 mL of vegetable oil, 180 mL of olive oil, 0.5 tsp ground cloves, 2-3 tsp cinnamon, 0.25 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp baking soda, and the zest of 2 oranges.

In another bowl, combine 1 kg of all-purpose flour and 200 g of semolina.

Combine the wet and dry mixtures gently for about 10-15 seconds.

Shape the dough into oval shapes, about 3-4 cm in length and 30 g each.

Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Dunk the hot cookies into the cold syrup for 15-20 seconds and drain on a wire rack.

Drizzle additional honey over the cookies and sprinkle with crushed walnuts.

Equipment Needed

Dietary

Allergens