If someone asked me to describe Christmas in a cookie, I would say this is that cookie! Not only because I would typically make these with my Mom or YiaYia (Grandmother) during Christmas time but, because the incredible smell these cookies give off is unbelievable! Your home will immediately fill with beautiful notes of cinnamon and clove – literally Christmas! I know it’s a little early to be taking about Christmas but, I can’t but reminisce when my YiaYia (Grandmother) first taught me how to make these and I was so happy to be her little helper. I would say I became an expert at forming these cookies in no time! I must say, I was always amazed at how everything was done by eye (no measuring cups or spoons needed!) and the cookies would always turn out perfectly. Now, my Mom and I have carried on this cookie making tradition, although we get some help for our measuring utensils!
If you’ve tried my Greek Baklava recipe, you’ve probably learned that us Greeks like to douse our desserts in a honey syrup coma. These cookies are certainly no exception! I would consider these cookies to be baklava but in cookie form. The honey syrup is very similar to the one used for baklava but here, we’re infusing it with cinnamon and lemon (yum!). The technique of piercing the cookies with a fork prior to baking really helps to soak up that honey goodness! It also acts as a great platform for your nut topping. Just be sure to be gentle with these during the honey soaking process! You want to make sure your cookies are completely cooled before soaking or they’ll completely fall apart (no bueno!).
When done right, these cookies turn out so deliciously tender and moist, it’s unreal! You just have to make them to see for yourself! Enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Greek Honey-Walnut Cookies (Melomakarona)
Ingredients
For the cookies:
1/2 Pound Unsalted Butter or Shortening
2 Cups Vegetable Oil
1/2 Cup White Sugar
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Orange Juice
2 oz. Brandy or Cognac (try a liqueur like amaretto as an alternative!)
2 Tbsp. Vanilla Extract
4 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp. Ground Clove
Rind of one orange, grated
White Flour (enough to form dough)
For Honey Syrup:
2 -1/2 Cups Water
3 Cups Sugar
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
1 Tbsp. Honey
A few cloves (optional)
For Walnut Topping:
1 1/2 Cups Finely Chopped Walnuts
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp. Ground Clove
To make cookies:
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until pale yellow and fluffy. Mix in oil by hand.
Step 2:
Add baking powder, cinnamon, and clove to the oil mixture and stir to combine. Add milk and stir to combine. Combine baking soda and orange juice together. Once mixture begins to foam, add to oil mixture and stir to combine.
Step 3:
Gradually add flour to mixture, stirring after every addition. You should have the consistency of a manageable cooking dough (not too stiff). Form a small piece of dough (about the size of a ping-pong ball) into an oval shape.
Step 4:
Arrange cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet. Using a fork, gently press along your cookies, leaving small indents. This will help your cookies to absorb all that syrupy awesomeness! Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Set cookies on rack to cool.
To make syrup:
Step 1:
Combine all ingredients into a small pot and bring to a boil. Gently boil mixture until sugar and honey have completely dissolved (don’t burn your sugar!). Keep syrup warm during the cookie dipping process.
To make walnut topping:
Step 1:
Add walnuts to a food processor and pulse to form small pieces.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, combine walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and clove. Set aside.
For cookie dipping process:
Step 1:
Once cookies have cooled, place 3-4 cookies at a time in the pot of honey syrup a let soak for a few seconds, turning cookies to coat both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain excess syrup, arrange on baking sheet, and immediately sprinkle with walnut topping. Enjoy!
Makes 24 cookies
Photos: omgfood.com
