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Ladokouloura (Greek Olive Oil Cookies)
5 from 14 votes

Ladokouloura (Greek Olive Oil Cookies)

Ladokouloura are traditional Greek olive oil cookies shaped into mini doughnuts, coated with sesame seeds, and flavored with orange juice, zest, brandy, cinnamon, and cloves. These cookies are gently mixed to a soft dough, formed by hand, and baked until lightly brown, resulting in a tender, aromatic cookie with a subtle citrus and spice profile.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
22 mins
Total Time
52 mins
Servings: 35 cookies
Calories: 102 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 550 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 125 grams sugar
  • 250 ml olive oil (see note 1)
  • 250 ml orange juice freshly squeezed (see note 2)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (approx. 1 orange)
  • 60 ml brandy
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (see note 3)
  • ½ teaspoon cloves ground
  • 140 grams sesame seeds

Instructions

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  1. Preheat your oven to 170 deg C (340 F).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, olive oil, orange juice and zest, brandy and ground cinnamon and cloves.
  4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the olive oil mixture and gently stir.
  5. Mix until the cookie dough is soft, and no flour remains. (see note 4)
  6. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out a piece of dough and form it into a ball. (see note 5)
  7. Poke your finger into the centre of the ball to create a hole.
  8. Very gently form the cookie to resemble a "mini doughnut". (use your fingers to shape it out).
  9. Dip the cookie into the sesame seeds to coat it thoroughly. Repeat for the remainder of the ladokouloura cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (each cookie sheet should hold 6-8 cookies).
  10. Bake for 22 mins until the cookies are a light brown colour. Remove and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving. (see note 6)

Notes

  • Baking should be done one cookie sheet at a time for even results.
  • Substituting part of the olive oil with vegetable oil can reduce cost but may lessen the distinct olive oil flavor.
  • Using fresh orange juice enhances the final flavor compared to bottled juice.
  • Optional spices like nutmeg and ginger can be added carefully to increase warmth without overpowering the base spice mix.
  • Test dough readiness by rolling a small piece; if smooth and pliable, it is ready to shape.
  • Cool cookies completely after baking to allow proper setting and shape retention.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cookie Calories 102kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 9g (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 35 cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 102

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cookie
Calories 102kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 9g 14%

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