What are Greek honey cookies?

Greek honey cookies, also known as melomakarona, are traditional Greek treats soaked in a sweet honey syrup and flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. They are soft, aromatic, and perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a sweet snack with coffee or tea. This Greek honey cookies recipe captures the authentic flavors of Greece in every bite.

Can I make melomakarona Greek cookies without semolina?

Yes, you can make melomakarona without semolina by using only all-purpose flour. This version of Greek honey cookies results in a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture while keeping the traditional honey syrup and spice flavors intact.

How many calories are in Greek honey cookies?

Calories vary depending on size and syrup absorption, but a typical melomakarona cookie contains around 150–200 calories. Using less syrup or smaller cookies can reduce calorie content while maintaining the classic Greek honey cookies taste.

Can I make these Greek honey cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. Greek honey cookies can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The honey syrup keeps them moist, making them ideal for preparing ahead of holidays or special occasions.

Greek Honey Cookies Recipe – Easy Traditional Melomakarona 2026

Name: Greek Honey Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup olive oil; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup sugar; ¼ cup orange juice; Zest of 1 orange; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup honey; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup sugar; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 strip orange peel; ½ cup chopped walnuts

Description

Soft, aromatic Greek honey cookies (melomakarona) soaked in a fragrant honey-cinnamon syrup and topped with crushed walnuts. Perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. These traditional Greek cookies are moist, flavorful, and melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for ~24 cookies):

For the Cookies:

1 cup olive oil
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sugar
¼ cup orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Honey Syrup:

1 cup honey
¼ cup water
¼ cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 strip orange peel

For Topping:

½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, softened butter, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
Add cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda. Gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough.
Shape dough into oval or round cookies (~2 inches each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make Honey Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Soak Cookies

While cookies are still slightly warm, dip each cookie into the honey syrup for 10–15 seconds, then place on a wire rack to drain.

Step 5: Add Topping

Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of each cookie while syrup is still sticky.

Notes

Texture Tip: Slightly underbake for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Variations: Add a splash of brandy or cognac to the dough for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Category: Dessert / Traditional Greek Cookies
Method: Baked / Soaked / Topped
Cuisine: Greek