10 Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies To Try

Christmas is a magical time of the year, and in Greece, it's a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious traditional cookies. Greek Christmas cookies are a staple of the holiday season, and each region has its own unique recipes and traditions. In this article, we'll explore 10 traditional Greek Christmas cookies that you should try this holiday season.

Greek Christmas cookies are known for their rich flavors, aromas, and textures, which are often achieved with the use of ingredients like honey, walnuts, and spices. These cookies are typically made with love and care, and are often exchanged as gifts or served at holiday gatherings.

The History of Greek Christmas Cookies

Greek Christmas cookies have a long history that dates back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks would bake sweet treats made with honey and nuts to honor the gods and goddesses of the winter solstice. These early cookies were often flavored with spices and herbs, which were believed to have medicinal properties.

Over time, Greek Christmas cookies evolved and were influenced by the country's rich cultural heritage. Today, each region in Greece has its own unique cookie recipes and traditions, which are often passed down from generation to generation.

1. Melomakarona: A Classic Greek Christmas Cookie

Melomakarona is a classic Greek Christmas cookie that's made with flour, sugar, and olive oil. These cookies are flavored with citrus zest and spices, and are often topped with a sweet honey syrup.

To make melomakarona, you'll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons citrus zest
• 1 cup honey syrup (see below for recipe)

Combine the flour, sugar, and olive oil in a large bowl, and mix until a dough forms. Add the baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, and mix until well combined. Stir in the citrus zest and honey syrup.

Shape the dough into small balls and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Kourabiedes: Shortbread-Like Christmas Cookies

Kourabiedes are shortbread-like Christmas cookies that are made with ground almonds and powdered sugar. These cookies are flavored with rose water and are often topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

To make kourabiedes, you'll need:

• 2 cups ground almonds
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine the ground almonds and powdered sugar in a large bowl, and mix until well combined. Add the softened butter, rose water, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until a dough forms.

Shape the dough into small balls and bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Other Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies

In addition to melomakarona and kourabiedes, there are many other traditional Greek Christmas cookies that you should try. Some of these include:

• 3. Tsoureki: A Sweet Bread-Like Cookie

Tsoureki is a sweet bread-like cookie that's made with mahlepi (a spice blend) and topped with a red egg.

• 4. Finikia: A Crunchy Cookie Made with Nuts

Finikia is a crunchy cookie made with nuts and honey.

• 5. Karidopita: A Walnut Cake-Like Cookie

Karidopita is a walnut cake-like cookie that's made with ground walnuts and spices.

• 6. Revani: A Semolina Cake-Like Cookie

Revani is a semolina cake-like cookie that's made with semolina flour and syrup.

• 7. Gastrin: A Shortbread-Like Cookie Made with Nuts

Gastrin is a shortbread-like cookie made with nuts and honey.

• 8. Diples: A Fried Dough Cookie

Diples is a fried dough cookie that's made with flour, water, and oil.

• 9. Loukoumades: A Fried Dough Ball Cookie

Loukoumades is a fried dough ball cookie that's made with flour, water, and oil.

• 10. Zeppole: A Fried Dough Cookie

Zeppole is a fried dough cookie that's made with flour, water, and oil.

Conclusion: Trying Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies

Trying traditional Greek Christmas cookies is a great way to experience the country's rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking for a classic cookie like melomakarona or something new like loukoumades, there's a traditional Greek Christmas cookie out there for you.

So why not try making some traditional Greek Christmas cookies this holiday season? With their rich flavors, aromas, and textures, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.