Melomakarona (Greek Honey Spice Cookies)
Soft orange and cinnamon olive oil cookies soaked in warm honey syrup and scattered with walnuts, a Greek Christmas favourite.
- Time1 hr 15
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £0.11 a head
- Oven180°C (160°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line two trays with baking paper.
- 2
Whisk the oil, orange juice, 60 g sugar and zest until the sugar mostly dissolves. In another bowl mix the flour, semolina, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon and cloves.
- 3
Add the wet mix to the dry and knead lightly for 1 minute to a soft, slightly oily dough. Do not overwork or the biscuits turn tough.
- 4
Shape pieces of dough, about 35 g each, into ovals and flatten slightly. Place on the trays and press the tops with a fork.
- 5
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden underneath. Cool on a rack.
23 min - 6
Make the syrup: simmer the honey, 100 g sugar, water and cinnamon stick for 5 minutes. Drop the cookies in a few at a time for 30 seconds, turning. Lift out, drain on a rack, scatter with walnuts and leave to set.
5 min
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.