Koulourakia

Name: Koulourakia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6-1/2 dozen
Cuisine: Europe, Greek, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups butter, softened; 1-1/4 cups sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 3 teaspoons vanilla extract; 5-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch

Yield 6-1/2 dozen

Test Kitchen Approved

Koulourakia, traditional Greek Easter cookies, have a crunchy texture and subtly sweet flavor with a hint of warm vanilla and bright citrus flavor.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups butter, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons orange juice
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
5-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add 2 eggs; beat well. Beat in orange juice and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
Roll dough into 1-1/4-in. balls. Shape each into a 6-in. rope; fold in half and twist twice. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
In a small bowl, beat remaining 2 eggs; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 7-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire racks.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 79 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Koulourakia are a traditional treat in Greece, where they are usually made for Easter and other celebrations. I enjoy making these buttery, golden cookies to keep me in touch with my heritage. —Nicole Moskou, New York, New York

Recipe Creator