Cinnamon-Infused Koulourakia (Greek Tea Biscuits)
Koulourakia, the beloved Greek cinnamon biscuits, are a cherished treat enjoyed year-round, especially during special occasions such as Easter. Their delightful crunch and aromatic spices make them the perfect companion for coffee or tea. These biscuits can be fashioned into various shapes, from traditional āSā curves to beautiful braids and spirals, allowing bakers to showcase their creativity. The combination of warm cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of butter creates a rich flavor that invites you to indulge. Whether for gatherings or to savor quietly by yourself, each bite of these biscuits is a warm embrace of Greek culinary tradition.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
4 (beaten)
egg yolk
1 (reserved for wash)
sugar
1 1/4 cups (granulated)
flour
10 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
cinnamon
3 tablespoons (ground)
ground cloves
1 teaspoon (ground)
butter
6 ounces (melted and cooled)
milk
8 ounces (lukewarm with dissolved baking ammonia)
baking ammonia
2 teaspoons (dissolved in milk)
egg white
1 (reserved for wash)
water
2 tablespoons (for egg wash)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 5-6 minutes.
2
In another bowl, sift together the flour, ground cinnamon, and cloves. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3
Pour the melted and cooled butter into the well, and using your hands, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking ammonia in the lukewarm milk. Once dissolved, pour this mixture into the well along with the beaten egg-sugar mixture.
5
Mix the ingredients together until a soft and pliable dough forms. If necessary, adjust the flour or milk to achieve the right consistency.
6
Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (170Ā°C).
7
Shape the dough into your desired forms, such as traditional āSā shapes, snails, or braids. Place the shaped biscuits onto a greased cookie sheet, parchment, or Silpat mat.
8
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water. Brush this wash over the tops of the shaped biscuits for a beautiful finish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the koulourakia to cool on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon-Infused Koulourakia?
Koulourakia are traditional Greek cinnamon tea biscuits known for their delightful crunch and aromatic spices.
When are Koulourakia typically enjoyed?
They are enjoyed year-round but are a cherished treat for special occasions like Greek Easter.
What is the flavor profile of these biscuits?
These biscuits feature a rich flavor profile created by warm cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of butter.
How long should I beat the eggs and sugar?
You should beat the eggs and sugar together for approximately 5-6 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What spices are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How do I incorporate the butter into the flour?
After melting and cooling the butter, pour it into a well in the flour mixture and rub it in with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What is baking ammonia used for in this recipe?
Baking ammonia is used as a leavening agent and should be dissolved in lukewarm milk before being added to the dough.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350Ā°F (170Ā°C) for baking these biscuits.
What shapes can I form with the dough?
You can create various traditional shapes such as 'S' curves, snails, braids, or spirals.
How do I achieve a beautiful finish on the biscuits?
Whisk together an egg white and 2 tablespoons of water to create a wash, then brush it over the shaped biscuits before baking.
How long do Koulourakia need to bake?
Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
How should the biscuits be cooled?
Allow the koulourakia to cool completely on a wire rack.
How should I store these Greek tea biscuits?
Store the cooled biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies 10 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Can I use a Silpat mat for baking?
Yes, you can place the biscuits on a greased cookie sheet, parchment paper, or a Silpat mat.
How many eggs are required for the dough?
The dough requires 4 beaten eggs.
What should the dough consistency be?
The dough should be soft and pliable; you can adjust flour or milk slightly to reach this consistency.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk in the ingredients list?
One egg yolk is reserved specifically for the egg wash used to finish the biscuits.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
What kind of milk should be used for dissolving the ammonia?
You should use 8 ounces of lukewarm milk.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of butter, which should be melted and cooled.
Is the cinnamon used in ground form?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
What kind of beverage pairs well with Koulourakia?
They are the perfect companion for coffee or tea.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the flour along with the cinnamon and cloves is recommended.
Can I make these biscuits for tea time?
Absolutely, they are traditionally known as Greek tea biscuits and are excellent for tea time.
How much water is added to the egg wash?
The egg wash uses 2 tablespoons of water whisked with egg white.
What is the texture of a finished Koulourakia?
The finished biscuits have a delightful, firm crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, with 10 cups of flour, this recipe makes a significant amount of biscuits suitable for sharing.
How much baking ammonia is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of baking ammonia.
Does this recipe represent Greek culinary tradition?
Yes, each bite is described as a warm embrace of Greek culinary tradition.