Traditional Greek Butter Cookies (Kourabiedes)
These delightful Greek butter cookies, known as Kourabiedes, are a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. Originating from a close-knit Greek community, these cookies are traditionally baked during festive seasons and holidays. With their rich buttery flavor, hint of vanilla, and subtle notes of almond, they are the perfect treat to share with neighbors and loved ones. Dusting them with confectioners' sugar adds a lovely touch, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and experience a taste of Greek culture in every bite.
48
Servings
75
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
white sugar
3/4 cup
egg
1
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a spatula.
3
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If necessary, knead the dough gently by hand to bring it together.
5
Take approximately one teaspoon of dough and shape it into balls, logs, or S-shapes, depending on your preference. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of space between them.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies feel firm to the touch.
7
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
8
Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with confectioners' sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Information
4.8g
Fat
8.8g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kourabiedes?
Kourabiedes are traditional Greek butter cookies, often made for festive seasons and holidays, known for their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What is the calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 75 calories.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 48 servings or cookies.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
What are the primary flavor extracts used?
This recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of vanilla extract and almond extract.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of softened butter to ensure it creams well with the sugar.
What type of flour is best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour is used to create the soft dough for these Greek cookies.
When should I add the confectioners' sugar?
Dust the cookies generously with confectioners' sugar only after they have cooled completely on a wire rack.
How should I store Kourabiedes to keep them fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
What shapes can I make with the dough?
You can shape the dough into balls, logs, or S-shapes depending on your personal preference.
How much space should be left between cookies on the tray?
Leave about 1 to 2 inches of space between the cookies on the prepared sheets.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheets?
You should either grease the sheets lightly or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Is an electric mixer necessary for this recipe?
While an electric mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar, you can also mix it by hand with a spatula.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.8 grams of fat.
How much sugar goes into the dough itself?
The dough requires 3/4 cup of white sugar.
What are the carbohydrate and protein values?
Each cookie has 8.8 grams of carbohydrates and 0.6 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: butter, white sugar, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, all-purpose flour, and confectioners' sugar.
Is kneading required?
If necessary, you can knead the dough gently by hand to help it come together before shaping.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the typical texture of a Kourabiedes cookie?
They have a rich, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What can I serve with these cookies?
They are perfect when enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Can these cookies be given as gifts?
Yes, they are traditionally shared with neighbors and loved ones during festive occasions.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe calls for one egg.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
How do I know the cookies are done baking?
They are finished when the edges are lightly browned and they feel firm to the touch.
What is the purpose of the confectioners' sugar?
It is used for dusting the cookies to add sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol info?
The provided data indicates these values are not specified (null).
Are these cookies suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are a staple for Greek holiday treats and festive seasons.
What is the preparation for the confectioners' sugar?
The 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar is intended specifically for dusting after baking.