Description
Koulourakia are Greek Easter cookies bursting with flavor. With orange zest and a tender texture, these cookies are a simple, delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (1 stick, 113g)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (87ml)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (100ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 450 g
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Rub the zest with sugar to infuse the flavor.
- Cream the butter, sugar mixture, and olive oil until doubled in size, about 8 to 10 minutes. Switch to paddle attachment after creaming.
- Stir orange juice with baking soda, then add to the mixture with baking powder, 1 egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually incorporate the flour until a soft dough forms. Stop when the dough is pliable but not sticky.
- Knead the dough on a clean surface and shape into balls the size of walnuts. Roll into long ropes, twist, and shape as desired.
- Prepare an egg wash with the remaining egg and milk, brush over cookies, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden on the sides and bottom.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well to achieve a light texture.
Do not flour the work surface to prevent tough cookies.
Experiment with different shapes for the cookies to add variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg