×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
01
May 2026
weather symbol
Athens 13°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Mediterranean cooking

The Greek Christmas dessert that was named the best in the world

Greek melomakarona named world’s best cookies by international taste platform

Newsroom December 22 02:13

It has often gone head-to-head with its rival, the kourabiedes (Greek almond cookie), even appearing in a children’s book, and has come out the winner. It also wins the preferences of those who try to watch their diet, as while they cannot resist a festive sweet, they at least choose the one with fewer calories. Now, melomakarona (Greek honey cookies) have reached the top of the world, according to a new list by the international tasting platform Taste Atlas—though perhaps not in the category we might expect: they are titled “the best cookies in the world,” taking the number one spot on a list of one hundred sweets from around the globe.

Specifically, it is noted that although they were introduced by the ancient Phoenicians, today they are considered a traditional Greek Christmas sweet. Made from semolina, they are traditionally flavored with honey, orange zest, cinnamon, and other ingredients such as olive oil and cognac. “Immediately after baking, they are soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with ground walnuts. Although some argue that ‘phoínikia’ refers to a slightly different sweet that may be fried and served without nuts, the two names are often used interchangeably.”

The following are the sweets that ranked next in the Taste Atlas list:

Makroud el louse, Algeria: “Flourless cookies made from almonds, eggs, sugar, and orange blossom water. They are baked until lightly browned and then dusted with powdered sugar until completely covered.”

Alfajores, Argentina: Filled cookies with dulce de leche in the middle, coated with a layer of chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar. Their name, derived from the Arabic word al-hasú, means “filled.” They are now especially popular throughout Latin America, having arrived with the Spanish conquistadors.

Stroopwafel, Netherlands: “These tasty cookies consist of a very thin layer of syrup, sugar, butter, and cinnamon between two thin waffles. Invented in the late 18th century in the city of Gouda, they traditionally accompany coffee or tea—it is customary to place one on the rim of the cup and let it warm and soften the syrup inside over the steam.”

>Related articles

A Greek restaurant in the 101 best steakhouses in the world

Jamie Oliver Kitchen at Golden Hall: A culinary experience that complements shopping

The 10 best meat restaurants in the world for 2026

Petticoat Tails, Scotland: Named “petticoat tails” because their shape resembles a piece of fabric used to decorate the dress of the 16th-century queen Mary of Scotland, as well as the buttery shortbreads themselves. Another less romantic explanation is that they derive from the small French biscuits called petits cotés. In any case, they remain very popular today and, unlike other shortbreads, are often dusted with powdered sugar before accompanying afternoon tea.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#Christmas dessert#Greek Christmas#Greek melomakarona
> More Mediterranean cooking

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

The 5-year-old boy who had his finger amputated at a kindergarten in Evosmos was operated

May 1, 2026

Iran submits new proposal to US to end the war

May 1, 2026

Rain and strong winds bring a cooler start to May

May 1, 2026

New Euroepean pharmaceutical hub in Tripoli

May 1, 2026

1.7 million euros would be made by the circuit from the half ton of skunk found in Igoumenitsa

May 1, 2026

Eurovision 2026: 95,000 tickets already sold to fans from 75 countries

May 1, 2026

Heavy traffic on national highways as May Day weekend getaway continues – Delays also reported on Attiki Odos (Livefeed)

May 1, 2026

Emotional video shows Aegean pilot’s final landing after 45 years of service: «Today I am not changing profession, but way of life» (video)

May 1, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα