Kourampiedes

Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies - Kourampiedes

Christmas is a joyful celebration filled with traditions, and the preparation of traditional Greek cookies known as Kourampiedes is a ritual that brings family and friends together. This delicious dessert, with its fluffy texture and refined taste of almonds and vanilla, is perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Let’s explore how to make these wonderful treats!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies

Ingredients

- 450 g flour
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 250 g butter (82% fat)
- 100 g almonds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Ouzo (or another flavored liqueur)
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional, but recommended)
- 6 g baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Necessary utensils

- Oven
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Blender or grinder
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer (or spatula for mixing)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the oven and almonds
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, place the almonds on a baking tray and roast them for 7-8 minutes until they are lightly browned. This step will not only enhance their flavor but also improve their texture. After roasting, let them cool, then place them in a blender and grind them into a fine powder.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the softened butter (at room temperature) and mix it with the powdered sugar for about 20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture in the cookies. If you are using a turbo mixer, 10 minutes will suffice. Then add the vanilla extract, Ouzo, and rose water, mixing well.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This will help achieve a fine and uniform texture. Add the flour and almond powder to the butter mixture and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Finally, stop the mixer and knead the dough by hand until it is smooth and easy to shape.

4. Shaping the cookies
Prepare the baking tray with parchment paper. Take a piece of dough and roll it into balls about 3-4 cm in diameter. Place them on the prepared tray, leaving space between them. Using your finger or a teaspoon, create a small indentation in the center of each ball for a characteristic appearance.

5. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 20 minutes until they are golden around the edges. Be careful not to leave them too long, as the sweet taste of the almonds is best when the cookies are lightly browned.

6. Cooling and dusting
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, generously dust them with powdered sugar. This step not only gives them an elegant presentation but also adds a touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestions

Kourampiedes are delightful enjoyed alongside a cup of aromatic coffee, tea, or a glass of sweet wine. You can also gift them for Christmas by beautifully packaging them in a decorative box. An interesting variation is to pair them with vanilla ice cream, creating a pleasant contrast between warm and cold.

Possible variations

If you wish to experiment, you can add various flavors to the dough, such as rum essence or orange blossom water. You can also replace the almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts, thus adapting the recipe to your preferences. Another idea is to substitute Ouzo with another flavored liqueur to give the cookies a personal touch.

Nutritional benefits

Kourampiedes cookies are a good source of healthy fats from butter and almonds, which contribute to heart health. Additionally, almonds are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and minerals, positively impacting skin health and the immune system. However, it’s important to note that these cookies contain sugar and fats, so moderation is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the final texture will be different.

2. How can I store the cookies?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few weeks.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, Kourampiedes cookies can be frozen. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, then transfer them to an airtight container after they have hardened.

Personal note

This Kourampiedes recipe brings back memories of my childhood when my grandmother and I would make these cookies every Christmas. The aroma of roasted almonds and our smiles as we dusted them with powdered sugar are precious memories. I encourage you to share this recipe with your loved ones and create equally beautiful memories filled with flavor and warmth.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 450 g flour, 100 g powdered sugar, 250 g butter (82%), 100 g almonds, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons Ouzo, 1 teaspoon rose water (optional and other flavors, rum essence, orange blossom water), 6 g baking powder, powdered sugar for dusting

 Tags:  kourabiedes traditional greek biscuits for christmas. cookies biscuits