Zhejiang-style Honey Walnut Cookies

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Greek Melomakarona is transformed into Zhejiang-style Honey Walnut Cookies by incorporating the unique flavors and techniques of Zhejiang cuisine. The original recipe's use of olive oil is replaced with Zhejiang cuisine's preference for vegetable oil. Additionally, the cookies are soaked in a fragrant honey syrup, which is a characteristic element of Zhejiang cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Melomakarona, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) brandy 1/4 cup (60ml) brandy
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) finely chopped walnuts 1 cup (120g) finely chopped walnuts
• For the syrup: For the syrup:
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest 1 teaspoon orange zest

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 21g, 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, orange juice, brandy, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Shape the dough into small rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. 5.
   Press a small indentation into the center of each cookie and fill it with chopped walnuts.
6. 6.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
7. 7.
   While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup by combining the honey, water, lemon juice, and orange zest in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
8. 8.
   Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately transfer them to a shallow dish.
9. 9.
   Pour the warm syrup over the cookies, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the cookies to soak in the syrup for at least 1 hour before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Make sure to finely chop the walnuts to ensure they fit well into the cookie indentations and provide a balanced texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Zhejiang flavor, add a teaspoon of Zhejiang vinegar to the syrup.
• If you prefer a softer texture, allow the cookies to soak in the syrup for a longer period of time.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a unique twist on the recipe.
• Serve the cookies with a drizzle of extra honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving advice

Serve the Zhejiang-style Honey Walnut Cookies at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole walnuts for an elegant presentation.