4.5 from 117 votes
Koulourakia: Greek Easter Cookies
Koulourakia are traditional Greek Easter cookies with a subtly sweet, fragrant dough infused with orange zest and vanilla. They are shaped by hand into braided or twisted forms, baked to a golden finish, and brushed with an egg wash for a shiny surface. These cookies have a tender but slightly crisp texture, ideal for sharing during festive occasions.
Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
24
cookies
Calories:
125 kcal
Course:
Snacks
Cuisine:
Greek
Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- orange zest of 1
- ½ cup butter unsalted
- 2 egg
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- 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.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water for the egg wash. Brush over the shaped cookies.
- 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Nutritional values provided are based on one serving of these cookies.
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: 24 cookies
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.