TasteAtlas has ranked Greek melomakarona second on its list of the world’s 50 best cookies.
Czech Christmas biscuits Vánoční cukroví took first place with a rating of 4.4 out of 5. Melomakarona, the traditional Greek honey-soaked Christmas biscuits made with walnuts and spices, scored 4.3.
Algeria’s Makroud el Louse placed third, also with 4.3, followed by Argentina’s alfajores and Dutch stroopwafels.
Three other Greek sweets appear in the top 50: amygdalota (almond sweets) in 24th place, moustokouloura (grape must biscuits) in 28th, and kourabiedes (butter biscuits coated in icing sugar) in 47th. Both of Greece’s best-known Christmas biscuits feature on the list.
The ranking includes treats from dozens of countries and ends with Iran’s Naan Berenji in 50th place.
Other Greek Cookies in TasteAtlas Top 50
- Amygdalota (24th, 3.9/5): Delicate almond cookies made with ground almonds, egg whites, sugar and flavourings such as orange blossom water. Often served at weddings and christenings.
- Moustokouloura (28th, 3.9/5): Soft, chewy biscuits made with grape must (petimezi). Spiced with cinnamon and cloves, they have a gingerbread-like flavour and are traditionally eaten in autumn and winter.
- Kourabiedes (47th, 3.8/5): Classic Greek Christmas shortbread cookies made with butter and almonds, heavily dusted in icing sugar. Often shaped as crescents or rounds.
Related Traditional Melomakarona Recipe for the Festive Season
Stella Mazonakis
Stella Mazonakis is a contributor at Greek City Times, covering Greek news, community stories, sport, culture, and current affairs for readers in Greece and the diaspora.