Greek easter cookies (koulourakia)
Greek Easter cookies, or Koulourakia, are buttery, slightly sweet treats featuring a delightful blend of vanilla, lemon, and orange zest. These traditional cookies are shaped into twisted forms and are perfect for festive celebrations.
Cook time 22 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 cup butter1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp orange zest
1 yolk
1/4 cup milk (1% fat)
2 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup self-raising flour
Greek Easter cookies, known as Koulourakia, are delicious, buttery, slightly sweet treats perfect for festive occasions. These traditional cookies are characterized by their distinct twisted shape and slight citrus flavor, making them a beloved dessert during Easter time in Greece. With a delightful combination of vanilla, lemon, and orange zest, Koulourakia offer a unique and aromatic taste experience.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just combined.
Add the egg yolk and milk to the mixture. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and self-raising flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough is smooth and fully combined.
Break off small pieces of dough and roll them into ropes about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) long. Fold each rope in half and twist to form a braid or coil, pressing the ends together lightly to secure the shape. Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked Greek Easter cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. Koulourakia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
These delightful Greek Easter cookies, Koulourakia, not only bring festive cheer but also serve as a beautifully fragrant and flavorful dessert. Following these steps and tips will help ensure your cookies come out perfect every time, ready to be enjoyed by family and friends during the Easter celebration. Kali Orexi!
Greek easter cookies (koulourakia) FAQ:
The cookies are done baking when they are lightly golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. It's best to use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a better outcome.
Koulourakia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, as a substitute for the whole milk.
Use standard baking sheets (about 18x13 inches) lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. This size will allow sufficient space for the cookies to spread.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature before you start mixing it with sugar. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- When zesting the lemon and orange, avoid the bitter white pith layer beneath the zest.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid making the cookies too dense.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
- Shape the cookies into traditional twisted braids or form them into simple rings.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking, as they can burn quickly. They should be light golden brown when ready.
- Serve these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly authentic Greek experience.
Nutrition Facts
10 ServingsCalories 370kcal
Protein 4.57g
Carbohydrates 44g
Fiber 0.98g
Sugar 20g
Fat 20g
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