Melomakarona (Orange, Honey, Cinnamon, Walnut Olive Oil Cookies)

These flavor rich Greek holiday cookies are scrumptious--and vegan! Traditional honey-dipped treats with orange, cinnamon, and walnuts.

1Ingredients

• -- For the syrup: --
• 1 cup (250g) water
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) sugar
• 1 orange, halved
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons Greek honey
• -- For the cookies: --
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 1/4 cups (265g) EVGE extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (200g) fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 cups (600g) all-purpose flour
• -- For topping: --
• Greek thyme honey
• Chopped walnuts

2Instructions

1. 1MAKE SYRUP (day before): Combine water, sugar, and cinnamon stick in saucepan. Bring to boil and cook for 1 minute.
2. 2Remove from heat. Stir in honey and add orange half. Let cool, then refrigerate overnight (or at least several hours). THE SYRUP MUST BE COLD!
3. 3MIX WET: In large bowl, combine olive oil, orange zest, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. 4ACTIVATE SODA: In separate container, combine orange juice with baking soda - it will foam up. This is expected.
5. 5COMBINE: Add foaming orange juice to oil mixture and stir well.
6. 6ADD FLOUR: Gradually fold in flour until you have a soft dough. Don't overmix.
7. 7SHAPE: Form into oval shapes about thumb-sized. Place on parchment-lined sheets. Score tops lightly with a fork.
8. 8BAKE: 350F (175C) for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
9. 9SOAK: While cookies are HOT from oven, dip 5-6 at a time into COLD syrup, about 30 seconds per side. Don't leave too long or they'll get soggy.
10. 10TOP: Place on platter. Drizzle with additional honey and sprinkle generously with chopped walnuts.

3Tips & Notes