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Koulourakia: Greek Easter Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

Koulourakia are traditional Greek Easter cookies known for their buttery, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of orange zest. These delicate, braided cookies are perfect for festive occasions and make a wonderful treat alongside coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For Egg Wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1½ teaspoons water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sugar and Orange Zest: In a large mixing bowl, rub together the granulated sugar and orange zest using your fingertips until the sugar is evenly moistened and fragrant with the zest.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar Mixture: Add the unsalted butter to the sugar mixture and beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the bowl, until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating for a full minute on medium speed after each addition to ensure a smooth blend. Then add the milk and vanilla extract and beat again until combined.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add them to the wet mixture on low speed. Beat until just combined, then use a rubber spatula to mix any remaining flour pockets. The dough should feel soft but not sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
  6. Shape the Dough: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie or a medium cookie scoop, roll the dough into ropes about 7 inches long. Shape the ropes into traditional forms like braids, circles, pinwheels, or ‘S’ shapes. Place shaped cookies at least 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
  7. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water. Brush this egg wash evenly over the shaped cookies to give them a shiny, golden finish after baking.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven until the cookies turn golden brown, approximately 20 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
  9. Storage: Store cooled Koulourakia in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
  • Resting the dough allows the flour to hydrate and helps the dough firm up for easier shaping.
  • Egg wash gives the cookies a beautiful glossy, golden crust.
  • Feel free to use different traditional shapes to give your cookies a festive look.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture to keep them crisp.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/koulourakia-greek-easter-cookies-recipe/