Greek Christmas Recipe is a traditional holiday dish that brings the flavors of Greece to your table. Known for its rich, comforting, and festive dishes, Greek cuisine offers some of the best holiday meals to enjoy with family and friends. One of the most beloved recipes during Christmas is Melomakarona—a honey-soaked cookie that’s spiced with cinnamon and clove, then topped with walnuts. These cookies are a staple on Greek Christmas tables and are the perfect treat to celebrate the season.
My opinion: Greek Christmas recipes always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been making these Melomakarona for years, and they bring back so many wonderful memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. The combination of honey, walnuts, and spices makes them incredibly aromatic, and they’re a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. They never fail to impress!
Greek Christmas recipes are filled with flavors that feel both exotic and comforting. The honey-soaked Melomakarona is one of those cookies that can only be described as magic. They’re soft, fragrant, and have the perfect sweetness, making them the ideal dessert for Christmas. Paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea, these cookies will surely brighten up your holiday season. Plus, they make a fantastic homemade gift for friends and family!
Greek Christmas Recipe, especially Melomakarona, is an easy way to share the warmth and joy of the holiday season with loved ones.
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Greek Christmas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ Cup Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Orange Juice
- ¼ Cup Brandy or Raki optional
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Clove
- ¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ Cup Walnuts Chopped (for topping)
For Syrup
- 1 Cup Honey
- ¼ Cup Water
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- 2 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
- 1/4 Cup Brandy or Raki (optional)
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Clove
- 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Walnuts, Chopped (for topping)
For Syrup:
- 1 Cup Honey
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, clove, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, orange juice, sugar, and brandy (if using). Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and shape them into oval-like cookies.
- Place the shaped cookies on the baking sheet and gently press each with a fork to make a pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup by combining the honey, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately dip them into the warm syrup for a few seconds.
- Place the soaked cookies on a plate and sprinkle with the chopped walnuts. Allow them to cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- Make sure the cookies are warm when dipping them into the syrup. This helps them soak up the syrup more easily.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
- For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough or a splash of vanilla extract.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, dip them in the syrup for a shorter time or reduce the sugar in the syrup.