Description
Greek Easter cookies (koulourakia) are a beloved tradition during Holy Week. These aromatic, buttery cookies are crispy on the outside and soft inside, made with simple ingredients that fill the house with the wonderful scent of vanilla and citrus. Perfect for dipping in coffee or milk, this recipe is a must-try for your Easter celebration!
Ingredients
🍪 For the dough:
- 250 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml fresh milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking ammonia (optional, for extra fluffiness)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 500 g soft flour (sifted)
🍯 For the glaze:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
🍽 Instructions
- Prepare the mixture
In a bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one by one, beating continuously. - Add the flavors
Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and milk. If using baking ammonia, dissolve it in the milk first. - Kneading
Sift the flour with the baking powder and gradually add it to the mixture, kneading gently until you get a soft, pliable dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. - Shaping
Shape the cookies into braids, spirals, or any other fun designs you like! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Glazing & baking
Brush the cookies with the egg yolk-milk mixture and bake at 180°C (conventional oven) for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Beat the butter and sugar well for a light and airy texture.
✔ Don’t over-knead the dough – keep it soft and smooth.
✔ Experiment with different shapes to make them extra fun.
✔ Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp for days!
Enjoy!