Orange Cookies Koulourakia
Brighten up your cookie jar with these delightful Orange Cookies Koulourakia, a traditional Greek treat bursting with the refreshing flavors of citrus! These buttery, tender cookies feature fresh orange juice, aromatic orange zest, and a hint of vanilla, creating a zesty and fragrant bite. Hand-shaped into elegant twists and brushed with milk for a glossy finish, these cookies can also be topped with sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. Perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, this easy-to-make recipe requires just 25 minutes of prep time and yields about 30 cookies, making it ideal for gatherings or gifting. Whether you're exploring Greek baking or simply seeking a citrus-forward dessert, these orange Koulourakia are sure to become a household favorite.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Unsalted butter
- 200 grams Granulated sugar
- 3 Large eggs
- 80 ml Fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 10 grams Baking powder
- 550 grams All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Milk (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing well until the wet ingredients are fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Pinch off small pieces of dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll them into thin ropes about 15 cm (6 inches) long. Fold them in half and twist to create a braided or swirled shape.
Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) of space between each cookie.
Brush the top of each cookie with milk to give them a glossy finish. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra texture and flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on top and fully cooked through.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4986 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 245.1 g | 314% | |
| Saturated Fat | 132.2 g | 661% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1116 mg | 372% | |
| Sodium | 1257 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 644.8 g | 234% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.8 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 210.7 g | ||
| Protein | 81.7 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.5 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 506 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 31.4 mg | 174% | |
| Potassium | 1222 mg | 26% | |
*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.
