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4.5 from 117 votes

Koulourakia: Greek Easter Cookies

Koulourakia are traditional Greek Easter cookies that are infused with orange zest and perfect for dunking in coffee.

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 125 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Egg Wash
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1½ teaspoons water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large mixing bowl, use your fingertips to rub together the sugar and orange zest until all of the sugar is evenly moistened with the zest.
  2. Add the butter and beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally, until the mixture is pale, light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for a full minute on medium speed after each addition. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat to combine.
  4. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the dough a little at a time, and beat on low speed until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to give the dough a final mix and incorporate any pockets of flour. The dough should be soft, but not sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  6. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time (or a medium cookie scoop), roll the dough into 7-inch ropes and then shape as desired: braids, circles, pinwheels, "S"s, etc. Place at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water for the egg wash. Brush over the shaped cookies.
  8. Bake, one sheet at a time, until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Nutritional values are based on one serving

Nutrition Information

Calories 125kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 32mg (11%) Sodium 56mg (2%) Potassium 41mg (1%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 155IU (3%) Vitamin C 0.7mg (1%) Calcium 17mg (2%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 125

% Daily Value*

Calories 125kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 56mg 2%
Potassium 41mg 1%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 155IU 3%
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1%
Calcium 17mg 2%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.