Christmas Greek Cookies Melomakarona

One of the most favorite traditional Christmas cookies in all parts of Greece is the Melomakarona. You will definitely find it in a houses during the holiday season! Try it out and be blown away by the rich, aromatic flavor and texture. 

Ingredients

8 Cups flour for all purpose

2 Table spoons baking powder

1 Table spoon baking soda

1½  Cup olive oil

½  Cup of melted butter

¾  Cup orange juice

1 Cup sugar

¼ Cup of brandy

2 Table spoons orange zest

1 Table spoon cinnamon

½ Table spoon clove

For the Syrup

2 Cups honey

2 Cups sugar

2 Cups water

 Method

In large bowl add the flour, baking powder and baking soda. In mixer place the olive oil, butter, orange juice, sugar, brandy, the orange zest, cinnamon, clove and blender at high speed. Then mix the two together until it becomes dough. Form the dough into oval shapes, try to keep them as similar as possible. Place them in a pan and bake at 175C for about 30 minutes, until golden browned.

Meanwhile, prepare the syrup. Boil the honey with the sugar and water 5‘, remove the foam. Let it get cold until the melomakarona get ready, as soon as they come out of the oven, soak them into the syrup. You can soak them as long as you want to match your tasting. You can finish by sprinkling some walnuts and drizzle with honey. Enjoy!