Celebrate the Holidays with Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies

Celebrate the Holidays with Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies

The holiday season in Greece is a magical time filled with family, tradition, and, of course, delicious sweets. Greek Christmas cookies not only fill homes with the irresistible aroma of honey, spices, and butter, but they also carry a rich history of celebration and symbolism. If you’re looking to bring a Mediterranean-inspired twist to your Christmas baking, here are three iconic Greek cookies with recipes to try at home.

Melomakarona (Μελομακάρονα)

These soft, syrupy cookies are a staple in Greek households during Christmas. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and soaked in a luscious honey syrup, they’re topped with crushed walnuts for the perfect finish.

Ingredients:

  • For the cookies:

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour

    • 1 cup olive oil

    • 1/2 cup orange juice

    • 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

    • 1/2 cup sugar

    • 1 tsp baking powder

    • 1/2 tsp baking soda

    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

    • Zest of 1 orange

  • For the syrup:

    • 1 cup honey

    • 1/2 cup sugar

    • 1/2 cup water

    • 1 cinnamon stick

  • Topping:

    • 1 cup crushed walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, brandy, sugar, and orange zest.

  3. Gradually add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix until a soft dough forms.

  4. Shape the dough into oval cookies and place them on the baking sheet.

  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

  6. While the cookies bake, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.

  7. Once the cookies are out of the oven, dip each one into the warm syrup for a few seconds and place them on a platter.

  8. Sprinkle generously with crushed walnuts.

Flavor Profile: Soft, syrupy, spiced, and nutty – a true taste of Greek Christmas!

Kourabiedes (Κουραμπιέδες)

Buttery, crumbly, and dusted in a cloud of powdered sugar, Kourabiedes are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Often flavored with almonds and a hint of rosewater, they symbolize purity and joy during the holidays.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

  • 1 egg yolk

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup finely chopped almonds

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tbsp brandy or ouzo (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • Rosewater (optional, for a light spray)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy (around 5 minutes).

  3. Add powdered sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and brandy. Mix until smooth.

  4. Gradually add in flour, baking powder, and almonds. Mix until a soft dough forms.

  5. Roll the dough into small balls or crescent shapes and place them on the baking sheet.

  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

  7. Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then spray or brush lightly with rosewater (if using).

  8. Generously dust with powdered sugar while they are still warm.

Flavor Profile: Buttery, sweet, and delicate with hints of almond and rosewater.

These classic Greek Christmas cookies – Melomakarona and Kourabiedes– are more than just desserts; they represent hospitality, love, and tradition during the festive season. Whether you’re baking them for friends, family, or yourself, these recipes will transport you to a cozy Greek kitchen, filled with the warmth and joy of the holidays.

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of Greek coffee or herbal tea, and enjoy the sweet taste of a Mediterranean Christmas.

Kali Christougenna! (Merry Christmas!)

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