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Melomakarona soaked in honey syrup, served sprinkled with ground walnuts
Traditional Greek Christmas cookies soaked in honey syrup and topped with crushed walnuts.

Classic honey Melomakarona

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Cakes and Desserts
Classic Melomakarona is the soul of Greek homes in December. The etymology of the name comes from 'meli' (honey) and 'makaria', the latter once being a sacrificial meal, but today a symbol of celebration. The secret to the perfect consistency is the balance between the fat content of the dough and the density of the syrup. The goal is a biscuit that is slightly crisp on the outside, and honeyed, spiced and juicy on the inside, without becoming mush. The walnut on top is not just decoration, but gives textural contrast too.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
🍽️ Servings 20 servings
🔥 Calories 320 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Greek

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Slotted spoon
  • Knife or chopper for walnuts

Allergen Information

⚠️ Cereals containing gluten
⚠️ Nuts (Walnuts)

Instructions

1 ✓

Boil the syrup from the water, honey and 150g sugar for 5 minutes, then cool completely.

Tip: Make this the day before or hours earlier, because the 'hot biscuit - cold syrup' rule is inviolable.
2 ✓

Mix the oil with the sugar intended for the dough, spices and orange zest. Add the bicarbonate of soda dissolved in the orange juice.

Tip: When the soda meets the acidic juice, gas formation starts (fizzing), this loosens the dough.
3 ✓

Sprinkle in the semolina and flour, then fold together with loose movements until the dough comes away from the wall of the vessel.

Tip: Forbidden to knead! If the gluten strands in the flour strengthen from kneading, the dough will be hard and won't drink the syrup.
4 ✓

Shape ovals, pattern the tops with a fork, and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: The fork marks serve as small channels for the syrup.
5 ✓

Dip the hot biscuits taken from the oven into the cold syrup for 10-20 seconds, then remove to a plate and immediately sprinkle with the walnuts.

Tip: The walnut sticks better to the wet, sticky surface.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it keep?
In a sealed box at room temperature for up to 3-4 weeks. Honey acts as a natural preservative.
Can I make it with butter?
The classic recipe is made with oil, this gives the characteristic short texture. With butter it becomes more biscuit-like.

Ingredients

  • 400 g plain flour
  • 100 g fine semolina
  • 100 ml fresh orange juice
  • 50 g granulated sugar (in the dough)
  • 150 ml olive oil (mild flavour)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 0.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 whole orange zest
  • 150 g honey (for the syrup)
  • 150 g sugar (for the syrup)
  • 200 ml water (for the syrup)
  • 100 g walnut kernels (ground or chopped)