Greek Butter Cookies Koulourakia
Greek Butter Cookies, known as Koulourakia, are traditional cookies made during Easter. They have a light, buttery taste with a hint of vanilla or orange. These cookies are shaped by hand, often into twists or coils. The outside is perfectly crisp, while the inside remains soft and delicate. Koulourakia is perfect with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional for flavor)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. First, set the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cover your baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Beat together 1 cup soft butter and ¾ cup sugar until fluffy (4-5 minutes)
3. Mix in 2 eggs separately, blending well each time.
4. Add 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tbsp orange zest if desired
5. Whisk 4 cups of flour with 2 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt in another bowl
6. Little by little, blend the flour mixture with the creamed butter to create dough.
7. Take small dough pieces (about walnut-size) and roll into 15 cm ropes.
8. Form into shapes, spacing them 5 cm apart on trays.
9. Brush tops with egg wash (1 yolk + 1 tbsp milk)
10. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden, switching tray positions halfway.
11. Cool pans briefly before transferring
Notes
- Always use soft butter. It helps to smooth and make the dough easier to mix.
- Allow the eggs to come to room temperature before use. It gives a better texture.
- Do not leave the orange zest. It adds a light and fresh taste.
- Cold the dough if it sounds very soft for its size. It helps in creating a clean design.
- Fold the dough gently. Do not press very hard, or cookies may break.
- Brush with egg wash before baking. It gives a bright golden top.
- Small and even shapes. It helps to bake cookies evenly.
- Allow the cookies to cool fully before storing. It keeps them out of the outside.
- Store in an airtight container. They remain fresh for roughly 7–10 days.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or milk to treat an ideal breakfast or celebration.