Ever thought you could whip up a batch of cookies that’ll make your kitchen smell like a cozy holiday bazaar? Well, grab your apron because we’re diving into my absolute fave treat—Olive Oil Nut and Spice Cookies, the perfect blend of citrusy zing and warm spices that’ll have you reaching for another (and another).

A photo of Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe

I love how the deep taste of olive oil marries so perfectly with the fragrant and sweet essence of orange juice and brandy in these delightful Melomakarona Me Elaiolado cookies. The rich flavor of ground walnuts, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and cloves, makes for a beautiful cookie.

They taste like family. They taste like tradition.

Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe

  • Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, adds moisture and rich flavor.
  • Orange Juice: Provides natural sweetness and a citrusy aroma.
  • Brandy or Cognac: Adds depth and a warm, complex flavor profile.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Aromatic spice that offers sweetness and warmth.
  • Ground Cloves: Adds a warm, slightly sweet and spicy note.
  • Zest of Orange: Provides intense citrus flavor and aromatic oils.
  • Ground Walnuts: Rich in healthy fats and protein, adds texture.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener, adds moisture and caramel-like flavor.

Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ground walnuts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup water

How to Make this Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe

1. Set the temperature of your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), and cover two sheets for baking with parchment paper.

2. In a sizable mixing basin, mix together the olive oil, orange juice, brandy or cognac, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. Mix well the following: ground cinnamon, ground cloves, orange zest, baking soda, and baking powder. You will be mixing all of these with the olive oil.

4. Slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture, mixing until a soft dough comes together. You might not need all the flour, so incorporate it in stages, and stop when the dough feels manageable.

5. Form the dough into small oval cookies, roughly the size of a walnut, and set them on the baking sheets you’ve prepared. The cookies should be placed with some space between them.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Retrieving racks from the oven under the hot oven door can aid in sliding the pan smoothly out of the oven. More time may be necessary if baking cookies in multiple pans.

7. As the cookies bake, the syrup can be prepared. This involves taking honey and water in a small saucepan. The saucepan is placed over medium heat until the honey is fully dissolved. Then, the mixture is allowed to simmer for about 5 minutes. After that, it is removed from heat and set aside.

8. Let the baked cookies cool a little, only enough so that you can handle them. Dip each one into the warm honey syrup for a moment, making sure it is completely covered.

9. Arrange the cookies, which have been coated with syrup, on a rack so that they can drip and drain. Then, while they are still sticky, dust them with finely ground walnuts.

10. Allow the cookies to cool down fully prior to serving or putting in an airtight container for storage. Have fun with your Olive Oil Nut and Spice Cookies!

Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheets (2)
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowls (sizable)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Zester/Grater (for orange zest)
9. Spatula or wooden spoon
10. Small saucepan
11. Cooling rack
12. Airtight container (for storage)

FAQ

  • Q: Can I substitute the brandy or cognac with something else?A: Yes, you can use an equal amount of apple juice, or omit it completely for a version that has no alcohol.
  • Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?A: For certain! Almonds or pecans can serve as substitutions, but ensure that you keep the grind fine.
  • Q: How should these cookies be stored?A: Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for no longer than a week. For the best storage over time, freeze the cookies.
  • Q: Is it necessary to use olive oil, or can I use another type of oil?A: Olive oil is traditional and adds a distinct flavor; however, if you prefer, you can use mild vegetable oils.
  • Q: Can I make the cookies gluten-free?A: Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour mix. Just know that the texture may be different.
  • Q: What is an ideal companion beverage for these cookies?A: Black coffee, or a spiced tea, pairs wonderfully with this, to complement its rich flavors.

Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive Oil: Replace with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil.
Brandy or Cognac: Substitute with an equal amount of apple juice or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Sugar: Substitute with an equal amount of coconut sugar or brown sugar.
Ground Walnuts

Substitutions:
1. Ground almonds or hazelnuts in the same quantity.
Honey: Replace it with the same measure of maple syrup or agave nectar.

Pro Tips

1. Flavor Infusion: To enhance the citrusy aroma, allow the orange zest to sit mixed with the sugar for about 10 minutes before combining it with the other wet ingredients. This will help release the essential oils from the zest into the sugar.

2. Dough Texture Control: When forming the dough, if it feels too sticky, lightly oil your hands with a bit of olive oil to make shaping the cookies easier and to prevent them from sticking.

3. Syrup Temperature: Ensure the honey syrup is warm, not hot, when dipping the cookies. If the syrup is too hot, it may make the cookies soggy. If it’s too cool, it won’t coat properly.

4. Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to promote even baking. This is especially important if your oven has any hotspots.

5. Nut Topping Tip: For the best flavor, toast the ground walnuts lightly in a dry pan before using them as a topping. Let them cool completely before sprinkling them on the syrup-coated cookies. This will add an extra layer of nuttiness and a slight crunch.

Photo of Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe

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Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe

My favorite Olive Oil Nut And Spice Cookies Melomakarona Me Elaiolado Recipe

Equipment Needed:

1. Oven
2. Baking sheets (2)
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowls (sizable)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Zester/Grater (for orange zest)
9. Spatula or wooden spoon
10. Small saucepan
11. Cooling rack
12. Airtight container (for storage)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ground walnuts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Set the temperature of your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), and cover two sheets for baking with parchment paper.

2. In a sizable mixing basin, mix together the olive oil, orange juice, brandy or cognac, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. Mix well the following: ground cinnamon, ground cloves, orange zest, baking soda, and baking powder. You will be mixing all of these with the olive oil.

4. Slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture, mixing until a soft dough comes together. You might not need all the flour, so incorporate it in stages, and stop when the dough feels manageable.

5. Form the dough into small oval cookies, roughly the size of a walnut, and set them on the baking sheets you’ve prepared. The cookies should be placed with some space between them.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Retrieving racks from the oven under the hot oven door can aid in sliding the pan smoothly out of the oven. More time may be necessary if baking cookies in multiple pans.

7. As the cookies bake, the syrup can be prepared. This involves taking honey and water in a small saucepan. The saucepan is placed over medium heat until the honey is fully dissolved. Then, the mixture is allowed to simmer for about 5 minutes. After that, it is removed from heat and set aside.

8. Let the baked cookies cool a little, only enough so that you can handle them. Dip each one into the warm honey syrup for a moment, making sure it is completely covered.

9. Arrange the cookies, which have been coated with syrup, on a rack so that they can drip and drain. Then, while they are still sticky, dust them with finely ground walnuts.

10. Allow the cookies to cool down fully prior to serving or putting in an airtight container for storage. Have fun with your Olive Oil Nut and Spice Cookies!