How to make Cypriot Melomakarona in 2 mins

Traditional Cypriot Melomakarona are a quintessential Cypriot dessert, enjoyed during festive seasons. These honey-syruped cookies are aromatic delights infused with orange, cinnamon, and cloves, and garnished with crunchy almonds. Indulge in this sweet Mediterranean treat!

Ingredients

🌽 480g corn oil
🍷 50g brandy
🍚 200g sugar
🌿 2 tsp ground cinnamon
🌸 1/2 tsp ground cloves (Carnation)
🍊 Zest from 2 oranges
🍊 160g fresh orange juice
🥄 1 tsp baking soda
🌾 900g all-purpose flour
🥄 2 tsp baking powder

For the Syrup
🍚 400g sugar
🍯 400g honey
💧 400g water
🍊 Orange zest (peel) from 1 orange
🌿 Cinnamon sticks
🌸 Whole cloves

For Garnish
🌰 Chopped almonds

Instructions

1- Prep the Dough:

• In a large glass mixing bowl, whisk together the corn oil, brandy, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and zest from 2 oranges until well combined.

2- Activate the Soda:

• In a small glass bowl, mix the fresh orange juice with baking soda until the mixture bubbles. Pour this foamy mixture into the large mixing bowl with the liquid dough ingredients.

3- Mix the Dough:

• Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the liquid ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4- Shape Cookies:

• Take portions of the dough and mold them into small ovals or finger-shaped cookies. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5- Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 170°C. Bake the cookies for about 25 minutes until they achieve a light golden brown color.

6- Prepare the Syrup:

• In a stainless steel saucepan, combine sugar, honey, water, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer gently.

7- Soak the Cookies:

• When the cookies are baked, immerse them directly and fully into the simmering syrup using a slotted spoon. Allow them to soak thoroughly.

8- Final Touches:

• Remove the syrup-saturated cookies and place them onto a plate. Generously sprinkle with chopped almonds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 50 cookies
Calories: 110 per cookie
Proteins: 1.5g
Fats: 5.5g
Carbohydrates: 14.5g
Equipment: Large glass mixing bowl, NEFF Electric stovetop, Whisk, Small glass bowl, Stainless steel saucepan, Slotted spoon, Baking tray, Parchment paper

Cooking Tips

• The reaction between baking soda and orange juice helps leaven the cookies, making them fluffy.
• Ensure both the cookies and the syrup are hot for optimal syrup absorption.

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Traditional Cypriot Melomakarona