Kourambiedes: Festive Greek Butter Cookies
Kourambiedes are classic Greek butter cookies traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor, these enchanting treats are infused with a hint of brandy and adorned with a delicate dusting of icing sugar. Often found in every Greek household alongside the equally beloved Melomakarona, these cookies truly embody the spirit of holiday celebrations. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with a warm cup of tea, Kourambiedes also have a remarkable shelf life, allowing their delightful flavor to be enjoyed well beyond the festive season.
30
Servings
80
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 cups (450 g) (At room temperature)
Icing Sugar
1 cup (For mixing and additional for rolling)
Egg Yolks
2 (Fresh)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (Dry)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (Dry)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Brandy
1 tablespoon (Preferred type)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
All-Purpose Flour
3-4 cups (Sifted)
Almonds
1 1/2 cups (Chopped and roasted)
Orange Flower Water or Ouzo
As needed (For sprinkling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and icing sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 15 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar.
3
Add the egg yolks, brandy, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft but workable dough forms. You may need to adjust the flour amount slightly to achieve the correct consistency.
5
Fold in the chopped and roasted almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6
Cover the dough with a clean dish towel and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly with butter.
8
With clean hands, take small portions of dough (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) and roll them into round balls.
9
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, allowing space between them, and slightly flatten the tops with your palm.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
11
As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle the cookies with orange flower water or ouzo by wetting your fingertips and gently shaking droplets over the cookies.
12
While the cookies are still warm, roll them generously in icing sugar until completely coated.
13
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.
14
Once cool, arrange the Kourambiedes on a festive platter, dusting additional icing sugar in between the layers for a charming snowdrift effect.
Nutrition Information
5.3 g
Fat
7.7 g
Carbs
1.2 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kourambiedes?
Kourambiedes are classic Greek butter cookies traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor.
What is the traditional occasion for serving these cookies?
These cookies are a holiday staple in Greek households, typically served during the Christmas season alongside Melomakarona.
What alcohol is used in the Kourambiedes dough?
The dough is infused with a hint of brandy to provide a delicate flavor.
How are these cookies typically decorated?
They are adorned with a delicate dusting of icing sugar, often layered to create a charming snowdrift effect.
What is the shelf life of Kourambiedes?
Kourambiedes have a remarkable shelf life, allowing their delightful flavor to be enjoyed well beyond the festive season.
How long should you cream the butter and sugar?
The butter and icing sugar should be creamed together using an electric mixer for about 15 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be at room temperature for optimal creaming.
Which leavening agents are required for this recipe?
This recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda.
How many egg yolks are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 fresh egg yolks.
What type of flour is recommended?
You should use 3 to 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What kind of nuts are added to the cookies?
The recipe includes 1 1/2 cups of chopped and roasted almonds.
Does the dough need to rest?
Yes, the dough should be covered with a clean dish towel and left to rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do you prepare the baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly with butter.
What size should the dough balls be?
Take small portions of dough, approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons, and roll them into round balls.
Should the cookies be flattened before baking?
Yes, place the balls on the baking sheet and slightly flatten the tops with your palm.
How long do Kourambiedes take to bake?
They should be baked for 15-20 minutes.
How do you know when the cookies are done baking?
The bottoms should be lightly golden, while the tops should remain pale.
What is sprinkled on the cookies immediately after baking?
As soon as they leave the oven, sprinkle them with orange flower water or ouzo.
When should you coat the cookies in icing sugar?
Roll the cookies generously in icing sugar while they are still warm until completely coated.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe produces approximately 30 servings.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 5.3 g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
Each cookie contains 7.7 g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a single Kourambiede?
Each serving provides 1.2 g of protein.
Can I use ouzo instead of orange flower water?
Yes, the recipe allows for either orange flower water or ouzo for sprinkling over the hot cookies.
How should the almonds be prepared before adding them to the dough?
The almonds should be chopped and roasted before being folded into the dough.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is included for flavor.
Should the cookies be cooled on the baking sheet?
After coating them in sugar, they should be transferred to a cooling rack to cool completely.
What is the best way to present Kourambiedes on a platter?
Arrange them on a festive platter and dust additional icing sugar between layers for a snowdrift effect.