4.8 from 15 votes
Easter Greek Cookies
Easter Greek Cookies, also known as Koulourakia, are crispy on the outside and sweet, tender, and fluffy on the inside.
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
1 hr 12 mins
Servings: 16 cookies
Calories: 353 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking ammonia or baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Brush:
- 1 egg beaten
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions
- In a medium bowl mix flour, salt, baking powder, and baking ammonia or baking soda.
- Add butter to a large bowl and cream it with beaters. Add sugar gradually. Add orange zest.
- Add eggs one at a time alternating with orange juice. Add vanilla extract.
- Add flour mix a little bit at a time and mix. You should end up with a soft, pliable dough.
- Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Shape as desired, check the Notes for details on how to create the shape.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cookies on it, 2 inches apart.
- Whisk egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush cookies with the egg and milk mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 - 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Braiding the cookies is very simple. The important thing is to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before braiding it. I roll them out into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and then roll the balls into log shapes. Then, fold the legs of the log in half and cross them over each other to create a braid down to the bottom. Watch my video to see exactly what I mean.
- Let the butter come to room temperature before starting.
- To make the braid neater, cut the ends straight with a knife.
- Instead of using egg wash, use honey or syrup for a sweeter cookie.
- Try not to use flour when shaping the cookies, so they don't get dry.
- These can also be made into different shapes.
Nutrition Information
Calories
353kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
52g
(17%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Cholesterol
71mg
(24%)
Sodium
263mg
(11%)
Potassium
203mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
19g
(38%)
Vitamin A
530IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
3.9mg
(4%)
Calcium
96mg
(10%)
Iron
3.5mg
(19%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 353
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 353kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 71mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 263mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 203mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin A | 530IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 3.9mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 96mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.