Koulourakia
User Reviews
5
Koulourakia
Description
This Koulourakia recipe starts by combining flour and baking powder, then creaming together sugar and orange zest to release citrus oils that enhance flavor. Softened butter is beaten until fluffy, followed by the addition of eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, creating a moist batter. Flour is then incorporated gradually at low speed until a sticky dough forms, which is chilled before shaping to improve handling and final texture.
The dough is portioned into 1-inch balls, rolled into 7-inch ropes, folded in half, and twisted to form classic Koulourakia shapes. An egg wash made from egg and water is brushed on top, and sesame seeds may be added for texture and mild nutty notes. Baking at 375°F until golden results in cookies that are crisp on the outside yet tender within, with an aromatic combination of butter and orange zest.
These cookies can be twisted into various shapes, including rings and S-shapes, offering decorative variety. Measures such as using room temperature eggs and butter enable proper incorporation and smooth texture. The recipe encourages precise flour measurement with a scale or spooning method to avoid dense dough. These features make the cookies suitable for gifting, coffee breaks, or cultural celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
- orange zest of 1 large
- ½ cup butter softened, 2 tablespoons
- 2 egg yolk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk room temperature, (120ml)
For the Topping:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- sesame seeds optional
Instructions
For the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar and orange zest. Rub the mixture together until well combined and very fragrant. Add the butter and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks, egg, and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Add the milk and mix until combined. Stop and scrape down the bowl as needed. (It is normal for the mixture to look curdled.)
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in the flour, mixing just until a sticky dough forms and all of the flour is combined. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Turn out the cookie dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pinch off enough dough to form a 1-inch ball. Roll the ball into a 7-inch long rope, fold it in half, and twist the ends together. Place on a lined cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Repeat with remaining cookie dough. If the dough gets too soft to roll, chill again until firm enough to handle.
For the Topping:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together until well combined. Brush the egg wash over each cookie. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Koulourakia can be stored in an airtight container for a few weeks.
Notes
- Rubbing orange zest into sugar enhances the citrus flavor by releasing essential oils before mixing with other ingredients.
- Use a scale to measure flour accurately or fluff and spoon the flour into measuring cups without packing to avoid dense dough.
- Eggs and butter should be at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a smooth dough texture.
- Cookie shapes can vary; try rings, S-shapes, or three-fold twists for traditional Koulourakia designs.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 36cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 105kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 49mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 27mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 135IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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