Melomakarona

Melomakarona – Delicious syrup-soaked cookies with orange and spice flavor

After a long day, there’s nothing more comforting than a dessert to sweeten your soul. Melomakarona are traditional cookies, perfectly flavored, combining the intense taste of nuts with the sweetness of honey and orange syrup. These little delights are a symbol of the festive season but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Are you ready to discover their simple and tempting recipe? Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 70 pieces

Ingredients for Melomakarona

For the dough:
- 1 cup sunflower oil
- 1 cup melted butter, cooled
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 cup semolina
- 6 cups flour
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon clove powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup ground walnuts

For the syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cloves
- Zest (not grated) of 1 orange

Preparing the syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the cookies.

2. Prepare the syrup: In a pot, add the water, honey, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange zest. Place the pot over low heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the syrup begins to boil, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly – its wonderful aroma will fill the kitchen.

Preparing the dough

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, semolina, and baking soda. Make sure to mix them well for an even distribution of the baking soda.

4. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the oil, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Continue whisking until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, add the orange juice, orange zest, lemon zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Combine the two mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture, one cup at a time. Use a wooden spoon to mix, then move on to kneading the dough by hand. Be careful not to over-knead, or the cookies will become tough.

Shaping and baking the cookies

6. Shape the cookies: Take a tablespoon of dough and form it into a ball, then elongate it slightly. Place the cookies on a baking tray, leaving space between them, as they will not rise much in the oven.

7. Bake the cookies: Place the tray in the oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden. Check them occasionally to ensure they do not burn.

Finishing touches

8. Soaking in syrup: After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool for 2 minutes on the tray. Then, dip each cookie in the warm syrup for about 1 minute. This step will give them that moist and aromatic texture.

9. Serving: Sprinkle ground walnuts on top of the syrup-soaked cookies. They are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also try olive oil for a more intense flavor.
- Vegan option: Substitute butter with coconut oil for a vegan version of melomakarona.
- Pairing with beverages: These cookies pair perfectly with mint tea or sweet wine, turning them into an unforgettable treat.

Nutritional benefits

Melomakarona are rich in healthy oils and nuts, providing protein and essential fatty acids. Additionally, the honey syrup adds a boost of antioxidants, making them not only delicious but also a bit healthier than other sweet treats.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.

2. How can I store melomakarona?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture. They will stay good for several days.

3. Can I freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before soaking them in syrup. When you want to serve them, let them thaw, and then dip them in syrup.

Personal note

I have always loved making melomakarona during the holidays when the aroma of cinnamon and oranges fills the house. It’s a recipe that brings family and friends together, each having the chance to share stories while enjoying these delicious cookies.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it’s time to start cooking! Enjoy every moment and don’t forget to share these little delights with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Ingredients (70 pieces): Dough: 1 cup oil, 1 cup melted butter, cooled, 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted, 1 cup semolina, 6 cups flour, 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, grated zest of 1 orange, grated zest of 1 lemon, 1 cup ground walnuts. Syrup: 1 cup water, 1 cup honey, 1 cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 cloves, cut zest (not grated) from 1 orange.