Koulourakia Authentic
Indulge in the delightful tradition of Greek baking with this authentic Koulourakia recipe, a timeless favorite for Easter celebrations and beyond. These buttery, twisted cookies are irresistibly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with a hint of fragrant vanilla and optional citrusy orange zest for a subtle burst of flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, these hand-shaped delights are brushed with an egg wash for a gorgeous golden finish. Perfectly paired with coffee or tea, Koulourakia are ideal for entertaining or as a sweet everyday treat. With an easy-to-follow recipe yielding up to 40 cookies, this is your chance to bring a slice of Greek heritage to your kitchen today!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 230 grams unsalted butter
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 60 milliliters milk
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 large egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two large baking trays with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Pour in the milk and mix briefly until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and orange zest (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft, pliable dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Lightly flour a clean surface and take small portions of the dough. Roll each portion into a log approximately 15 cm (6 inches) long and about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
Shape the log into your desired pattern, such as a twist, braid, or spiral, and place it on the prepared baking tray. Repeat for the remaining dough, spacing the cookies slightly apart.
In a small bowl, prepare the egg wash by whisking the egg yolk with water. Lightly brush the surface of each cookie with the egg wash to give them a glossy finish during baking.
Bake the Koulourakia in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4599 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 222.2 g | 285% | |
| Saturated Fat | 122.8 g | 614% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1257 mg | 419% | |
| Sodium | 1185 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 593.0 g | 216% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 206.3 g | ||
| Protein | 77.0 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 307 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 26.3 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 939 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
