Kourabiethes (greece)
Kourabiethes are Greek butter cookies known for their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture, often enhanced with orange zest and almonds. These festive treats are traditionally dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed during celebrations.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 cup butter2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp orange zest
1 egg
2.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup almonds
Kourabiethes, also known as Greek Butter Cookies, are a delightful treat enjoyed especially during festive seasons in Greece. These rich, buttery cookies have a crumbly texture and are often generously dusted with powdered sugar, making them a traditional favorite for celebrations. Whether served with a warm cup of coffee or shared among friends and family, Kourabiethes bring a taste of Greek hospitality to any occasion.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Take tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Flatten each ball slightly and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain pale.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, generously dust them with the remaining powdered sugar.
- Serve your delicious Kourabiethes with coffee or tea, and enjoy a taste of Greece!
Kourabiethes are a classic example of Greek culinary tradition that combines simple ingredients to create a delightfully rich and flavorful cookie. Once you've baked your Kourabiethes to golden perfection and covered them with a blanket of powdered sugar, you'll have a festive treat that is sure to impress. Enjoy these cookies as part of your holiday celebrations or simply as a sweet snack with loved ones. Kali orexi (enjoy your meal)!
Kourabiethes (greece) FAQ:
Bake Kourabiethes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should remain pale in color.
Kourabiethes are done when the edges turn light golden brown. They should remain pale in the center, so avoid letting them brown too much.
Store Kourabiethes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a well-sealed container for up to three months.
Yes, you can substitute almonds with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if desired, or omit them for a nut-free version of Kourabiethes.
For a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free margarine or a plant-based butter substitute, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature before you begin to achieve the proper creamy consistency when beaten.
- Toast the almonds lightly before chopping them to enhance their flavor and add a delicious nutty depth to the cookies.
- When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it to maintain the delicate and crumbly texture characteristic of Kourabiethes.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming the cookies; this helps in maintaining their shape during baking.
- After baking, let the cookies cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar to ensure the sugar sticks but doesn't melt.
Nutrition per serving
12 ServingsCalories 370kcal
Protein 4.86g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 1.41g
Sugar 27g
Fat 18g
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