Finikia –Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that brings a taste of Greece into your kitchen. These Melomakarona, also known as Finikia, are traditional Greek honey cookies that are rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Let’s get started!
Melomakarona (Greek Honey Cookies)
These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. Their combination of spices, olive oil, and orange zest makes them irresistible. Once dipped in honey syrup, they become even more delectable!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Syrup Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into small oval balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine honey, water, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Stir until well blended and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before dipping them in the warm syrup. Make sure they are fully coated and then place them on a cooling rack.
- For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle crushed walnuts on top of the cookies after dipping in the syrup.
Let the Melomakarona soak up the syrup for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor. Enjoy these delightful Greek cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
