Melomakarona Loukoumi Bites

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Add the orange and lemon zest and mix well.

   ~5 min
2. 2

   In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, vegetable oil, orange juice, honey, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

   ~3 min
3. 3

   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

   ~5 min
4. 4

   Finely dice the rosewater loukoumi and gently fold it into the dough along with the chopped walnuts.

   ~2 min
5. 5

   Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

   ~30 min
6. 6

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. 7

   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 cm or 1.5-2 inches in diameter) to cut out shapes.

   ~10 min
8. 8

   Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

   ~3 min
9. 9

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

   ~25 min
10. 10

    While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup. In a large pot, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

    ~15 min
11. 11

    Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel from the syrup. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities.

    ~2 min
12. 12

    Once the melomakarona are out of the oven, immediately dip them, a few at a time, into the warm syrup for about 30-60 seconds. Ensure they are well coated.

    ~15 min
13. 13

    Remove the cookies from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack to drain any excess. You can garnish with a few extra chopped walnuts if desired.

    ~5 min
14. 14

    Let the melomakarona loukoumi bites cool completely before serving.

    ~30 min