Traditional Greek Kourabiedes - Almond Snow Cookies
Experience the essence of Greek celebrations with these delightful Kourabiedes, also known as almond snow cookies. Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, weddings, and Easter, these buttery confections bring a sense of festivity with their rich flavors and snowy sugar coating. The addition of clove on top symbolizes the spices brought by the Three Wise Men, making them not just delicious, but also a treat steeped in festive traditions. With toasted walnuts and a hint of orange flower water, each bite embodies a heavenly melt-in-your-mouth experience that will elevate any holiday gathering or special occasion.
12
Servings
125
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
walnuts
3/4 cup (toasted and chopped)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (none)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted and softened)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (for dough)
large egg yolk
1 (none)
brandy
1 tablespoon (none)
pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
orange flower water
1-2 tablespoons (none)
confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup (for coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Toast the walnuts on a baking sheet for about 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Allow them to cool, then chop half of the nuts to yield about 1/2 cup. Process the remaining nuts in a food processor until finely ground, which will give you about 1/4 cup.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and both the chopped and ground nuts. Set this mixture aside.
4
In a separate medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 10 minutes. Add the egg yolk, brandy, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of orange flower water, and beat until fully incorporated.
5
Gradually stir in the flour and nut mixture at low speed until the dough is crumbly but combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
6
Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or coating them with nonstick spray.
7
Using a tablespoon, scoop out approximately 1-inch pieces of dough and roll them into balls between your hands. Pinch the ends to form a football shape. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
8
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until they are set and beginning to brown.
9
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, lightly sprinkle them with orange flower water. Use your fingers or a brush to ensure they are just lightly misted and carry the floral aroma.
10
In a zip-top bag, add 3/4 cup of confectioners' sugar. Gently toss in 5 to 6 warm cookies at a time to coat them with sugar. Remove them from the bag and place them on a cooling rack. Repeat the process with the remaining cookies. Allow the cookies to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy your Kourabiedes with a delightful cup of tea or coffee.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Traditional Greek Kourabiedes?
They are almond snow cookies often enjoyed during Christmas, weddings, and Easter celebrations.
What characterizes the flavor and texture of Kourabiedes?
These cookies are rich, buttery, and provide a heavenly melt-in-your-mouth experience with toasted walnuts and orange flower water.
What does the clove on top of the cookie symbolize?
The addition of a clove on top symbolizes the spices brought by the Three Wise Men.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
How many calories are in one Kourabiedes cookie?
Each serving contains 125 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
Each serving contains 12.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these cookies?
There are 2.5g of protein per serving.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of walnuts.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
Toast them for 6 minutes, then chop half to get 1/2 cup and grind the rest to get 1/4 cup.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What dry ingredients are mixed with the flour?
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the prepared walnuts.
How long should the butter and sugar be beaten?
Beat the softened butter and confectioners' sugar for about 10 minutes until light and fluffy.
What liquid flavorings are added to the butter mixture?
Add brandy, pure vanilla extract, and orange flower water.
Does this recipe use the whole egg?
No, this recipe specifically uses one large egg yolk.
How long must the dough rest?
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
How are Kourabiedes traditionally shaped?
Roll 1-inch pieces into balls and pinch the ends to form a football shape.
What is the recommended baking time?
Bake the cookies for approximately 18 minutes until they are set and beginning to brown.
What should be done immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven?
Lightly sprinkle the warm cookies with orange flower water to provide a floral aroma.
How do you apply the sugar coating?
Place 3/4 cup of confectioners' sugar in a zip-top bag and gently toss 5 to 6 warm cookies at a time.
What type of sugar is used for the dough and coating?
Confectioners' sugar is used for both the dough mixture and the final snowy coating.
Should the cookies be warm when coated with sugar?
Yes, the cookies should be warm when tossed in the sugar bag.
How should the baking sheets be prepared?
Line the sheets with parchment paper or coat them with nonstick spray.
How much brandy is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of brandy.
What is the best way to enjoy these cookies?
They are best enjoyed with a delightful cup of tea or coffee.
How much orange flower water is needed for the dough?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of orange flower water in the dough mixture.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is salted or unsalted butter recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted, softened butter.
What size should the dough balls be?
The dough should be scooped into approximately 1-inch pieces.
Can these cookies be served immediately after coating?
It is best to allow the cookies to cool to room temperature before serving.