Twisted Sesame Greek Easter Cookies (Koulourakia)
Delight in the rich flavors of traditional Greek Koulourakia, a beloved Easter cookie that combines buttery goodness with a subtle hint of orange. These cookies are crafted from soft dough, shaped into delightful twisted strands, and adorned with a golden egg-milk wash and toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for celebrating the festive season or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to add a sweet note to your table. Create lasting memories as you bake and share these treats with family and friends.
48
Servings
64
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
eggs
3 (large, at room temperature)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
flour
6 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (sifted with flour)
egg
1 (beaten, mixed with milk for brushing)
milk
7 tablespoons (for brushing)
sesame seeds
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and combine until smooth.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5
Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into two long strands and twist them together to form a braided shape.
6
Place the twisted cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush each cookie with the egg and milk mixture for a glossy finish.
7
Sprinkle the tops generously with sesame seeds.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Koulourakia?
Koulourakia are traditional Greek Easter cookies known for their buttery flavor, hint of orange, and distinctive twisted shapes.
What does this recipe taste like?
These cookies offer a rich buttery taste with a subtle citrus note from fresh orange juice, topped with toasted sesame seeds.
Is this an authentic Greek recipe?
Yes, this is a traditional recipe for Greek Easter cookies, often enjoyed during the festive season.
How many cookies does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 48 cookies.
What is the calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 64 calories.
What temperature should I bake the cookies at?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a light golden color.
What type of orange juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
You should cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
What is the purpose of sifting the dry ingredients?
Sifting the flour, baking soda, and baking powder together helps ensure a smooth dough without lumps.
How do I shape the twisted cookies?
Divide the dough into portions, roll them into two long strands, and twist them together into a braid.
What is the egg and milk mixture used for?
The mixture is used as a wash to brush over the cookies, giving them a glossy, golden finish.
How many eggs are needed for the dough?
The dough itself requires 3 large eggs at room temperature.
Is there an extra egg needed for the topping?
Yes, one additional egg is beaten and mixed with milk for the cookie wash.
Can I use different seeds besides sesame?
While sesame seeds are traditional, you can customize the topping or omit them if preferred.
What type of flour is best for these cookies?
This recipe calls for 6 cups of all-purpose flour.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened at room temperature for proper creaming.
Why should eggs be at room temperature?
Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the butter mixture for a smoother dough.
How much milk is used in the egg wash?
The recipe uses 7 tablespoons of milk mixed with one beaten egg for the wash.
How should I prepare my baking sheets?
You can either grease your baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too soft to handle, you can gradually add a little more flour until it reaches a rollable consistency.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a stand mixer is very helpful for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the dough.
How do I know when the cookies are finished cooling?
Allow them to sit on a wire rack until they are firm and reach room temperature.
What are the fat and protein contents per serving?
Each serving contains 3.75g of fat and 0.75g of protein.
Can these cookies be served with drinks?
Yes, they are traditionally enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
How should I store the leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture.
Is baking soda or baking powder used?
Both are used; the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies stay fresh for several days when stored properly, making them great for preparation in advance.