Classic Melomakarona with Semolina: Greek Christmas Cookies

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 °F, 180 °C.

Step 3

Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 5

Make the Syrup: In a saucepan combine the sugar, water, cinnamon, and orange peel. Bring to a boil and as soon as the sugar dissolves add the honey. Remove from the heat, stir and set aside to cool.

Step 7

Make the Dough: Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk them together.

Step 9

In another bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients and whisk together.

Step 11

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the bowl. Gently mix together until a dough has formed. Do not over-mix or the cookies will become oily.

Step 13

Form the Cookies: Take a piece of dough (walnut-sixed, about 35-40g) and roll it in your hands. Form it into an oval and then press the tips in so that they are rounded and they don't burn.

Step 15

Place the dough on the prepared baking trays and then flatten the tops a bit. Pierce the top of each cookie with a fork to create a decorative pattern (see video).

Step 17

Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Step 19

Using a slotted spoon immediately dip the hot cookies (about 4-5 at a time) into the cool syrup. Let them soak for 20-25 seconds flipping them over a few times.

Step 21

Transfer the cookies to a serving tray and pour the remaining syrup on top.

Step 23

Combine all of the topping ingredients into a small bowl and mix them together. Sprinkle over the cookies and serve!

Step 25

Kali Orexi.