In Greece, the Christmas season wouldn't be complete without the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Melomakarona filling the home. These traditional Greek Christmas cookies are delicately flavored with orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves, then dipped in fragrant honey syrup and generously sprinkled with crushed walnuts.

Made with Laconic Foods Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sweetened with Greek honey, Melomakarona celebrate the simple, beautiful ingredients at the heart of Mediterranean cooking.

Passed down through generations, these beloved holiday treats are more than just cookies. They're a cherished Greek tradition, bringing families together around the kitchen table and filling every home with the warmth and sweetness of Christmas.

Ingredients

Makes approximately 30–35 cookies

For the Cookies

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra if needed

• ½ cup fine semolina

• ¾ cup Laconic Foods Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brandy or cognac (optional; substitute orange juice)

• Zest of 2 oranges

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• Pinch of salt

For the Honey Syrup

• 1 cup Laconic Foods raw Greek honey

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 strips of orange peel

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Topping

• ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Extra Laconic Foods Greek honey for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the honey syrup

In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat, stir in the Laconic Foods Greek honey until dissolved, and set aside to cool completely. Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel before using.

2. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

3. Prepare the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine Laconic Foods Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil, orange juice, sugar, brandy (if using), and orange zest.

Stir until well combined.

4. Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, semolina, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

Stir the baking soda into the wet ingredients, then gradually add the dry mixture.

5. Make the cookie dough

Mix gently until a soft, slightly oily dough forms. Avoid kneading or overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense.

6. Shape the melomakarona

Take small portions of dough and shape into oval cookies, approximately 2 inches long.

Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.

Lightly press the tops with a fork to create a traditional textured pattern that helps hold the honey syrup.

7. Bake until golden

Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Dip in the honey syrup

While the cookies are still hot, carefully dip them into the completely cooled honey syrup for approximately 15–20 seconds, turning to coat both sides.

For softer, more syrup-soaked cookies, leave them in the syrup a little longer.

Transfer to a serving platter.

9. Add the finishing touches

Combine the finely chopped walnuts with ground cinnamon.

Sprinkle generously over the honey-soaked cookies. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with a little more Laconic Foods Greek honey.

Allow the cookies to rest so the syrup can absorb before serving.

A Little Greek Baking Tip

The secret to perfect melomakarona is the contrast between hot cookies and cool syrup. Prepare the syrup first and allow it to cool completely before baking.

Avoid overworking the dough, and remember that the cookies will continue absorbing the honey syrup as they rest.

A Little Greek Tradition

In Greek homes, melomakarona are a cherished part of the Christmas season. Families prepare large batches to share with relatives, friends, and holiday visitors.

Alongside kourabiedes, these fragrant honey cookies are among Greece's most beloved Christmas sweets.

Their beautiful combination of olive oil, orange, warm spices, walnuts, and honey reflects the flavors and traditions of Greek holiday baking.

Shop the Ingredients

• Laconic Foods Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Laconic Foods Raw Greek Honey