Traditional Greek Koulourakia Recipe: Perfect Butter Cookies for Any Occasion

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 additional egg for egg wash
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, baking soda, salt and 7 cups of the flour. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. If the dough is sticky, add up to 1 more cup of flour.
  5. Divide the dough into pieces about the size of a walnut, and roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long. Twist the ropes into shapes such as spirals, figure-eights, circles or braids. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the additional egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush the top of each cookie with the egg wash, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to cream the butter and sugar together.
  • Electric mixer - Used to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - To measure small amounts of ingredients such as vanilla extract and salt.
  • Zester - For zesting the oranges to add flavor to the cookies.
  • Baking sheets - Two baking sheets lined with parchment paper to bake the cookies on.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheets and prevent the cookies from sticking.
  • Wire racks - Used to cool the cookies after baking.
  • Pastry brush - To brush the cookies with the egg wash.
  • Sesame seeds (optional) - Used to sprinkle on top of the cookies for added flavor and decoration.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and aromatic twist.
  • Mix in 1 cup of finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor.
  • Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier or gluten-free version.
  • Brush the cookies with a flavored syrup, such as honey or maple syrup, instead of the egg wash for a different glaze.
  • Add a teaspoon of anise extract or ground anise seeds to the dough for a traditional Greek flavor.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent twist.
  • For a savory option, omit the sugar and orange zest, and add 1/2 cup of grated cheese and a pinch of herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the dough.
  • Experiment with different shapes and sizes for the cookies, such as twists, knots, or pretzel shapes.
  • Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or sprinkle them with colored sugar for a festive touch.

Recipe overview

This traditional Greek cookie recipe is for Koulourakia, a beautifully shaped and deliciously flavored sweet treat. These cookies are lightly sweet with a hint of orange and a soft, cake-like texture. They're known for their unique twisted shapes and a glossy egg wash finish, often sprinkled with sesame seeds. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, these cookies are traditionally made for Easter but are a delightful treat any time of the year. In terms of preparation, Koulourakia requires some time and patience, but the process is quite straightforward. You'll start by creaming together butter and sugar, adding eggs one at a time, and then incorporating the dry ingredients. The fun part is shaping the dough into various forms like spirals or figure-eights before baking. They come out of the oven golden brown and absolutely irresistible. Whether you're of Greek heritage or simply love trying new baking traditions, this Koulourakia recipe will surely become a favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
  2. Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. However, it's important to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over-salting the dough.
  3. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
  4. The recipe is specifically designed for all-purpose flour, which provides the desired texture and consistency. While you may be able to substitute with other flours, such as bread flour or cake flour, it may affect the results.
  5. Can I omit the orange zest?
  6. Yes, you can omit the orange zest if you prefer. However, the zest adds a delightful citrus flavor to the cookies. You may consider adding other flavorings such as lemon zest or almond extract as a substitute.
  7. How should I store the Koulourakia?
  8. Once the Koulourakia have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
  9. Can I freeze the Koulourakia?
  10. Yes, you can freeze the Koulourakia. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Koulourakia, the delightful Greek butter cookies you're about to bake, have a long history tied to the traditions of Easter in Greece. Traditionally, these delicacies are prepared during the Holy Week - the week leading up to Easter. The simple, twist shapes of these cookies are said to symbolize the twists and turns of life and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Moreover, their distinctive, sweet-yet-not-too-sweet flavor makes them an ideal accompaniment to the strong, dark Greek coffee often sipped in the afternoons. Despite their strong connection to Easter, these buttery treats have become a beloved staple in Greek households year-round. So, as you're mixing and shaping, take a moment to imagine the sun setting over the Aegean Sea, the scent of orange zest filling the air, and generations of Greek families gathered around, continuing this age-old baking tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.