Cookies
Koulourakia tou Paska - Greek Cookies for the Holiday
Koulourakia tou Paska are traditional Greek cookies, perfect for celebrating Easter. They are fragrant, soft, and slightly crispy on the outside, with a combination of orange and butter that gives them an irresistible taste. Although they are often made in traditional shapes, I decided to use my creativity and make them more appealing for my little girls by using cookie cutters. I hope this recipe will also become your favorite!
Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 45-50 minutes
- Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies
Ingredients:
- 250g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 250g sugar
- 700g flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of one orange
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Preparation steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients you will use. It is important for the butter to be soft, so you can take it out of the fridge about an hour before you start. Make sure the oranges are fresh to get the juice and fragrant zest.
2. Mixing the flour: In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. It is essential to mix these dry ingredients separately to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed in the dough.
3. Preparing the wet mixture: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine them until they become a fluffy, light-colored cream. This is when the cookies will take on a light and airy texture.
4. Adding the liquids: To the same mixture, add the olive oil, milk, orange juice, and the grated orange zest. Mix well to combine all the wet ingredients. The aroma will be absolutely delightful!
5. Incorporating the egg yolks: Beat the two egg yolks in a small bowl and then add them to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
6. Combining dry ingredients with wet: Start adding the flour mixture gradually, using the mixer on a low speed. When the dough becomes thicker, switch to kneading it by hand. This step will require some energy, but the result will be worth it!
7. Shaping the cookies: Now comes the fun part! Take a piece of dough and shape the cookies into various forms: spirals, braids, or animal shapes, according to the children's preferences. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand while baking.
8. Glazing the cookies: To give them a golden and shiny color, beat an egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush each cookie with this mixture. Alternatively, if you want a simpler look, you can brush them with egg white.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for your oven, if it is stronger). Bake the cookies for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and slightly crispy at the edges. Make sure to keep an eye on them, as each oven behaves differently.
10. Cooling: Once the cookies are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a rack. This step is crucial, as the cookies become crispier as they cool down.
Serving suggestions: Koulourakia can be enjoyed plain, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. If you want to turn them into a special dessert, you can serve them with caramel sauce or fresh fruits.
Possible variations: You can experiment by adding different flavors, such as cinnamon or vanilla extract. Additionally, by substituting some of the flour with cocoa, you can create a delicious chocolate version of Koulourakia.
Nutritional benefits: Koulourakia cookies are a good source of energy due to their butter and sugar content, but they also contain vitamins from the orange juice and zest. Whole wheat flour can be a healthy alternative, providing more fiber.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of oil? Yes, you can use any type of neutral oil, but olive oil gives them a special flavor.
- Can I store the cookies? Absolutely! They keep well in an airtight container for weeks.
- How can I make the cookies less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, but make sure not to eliminate it completely, as it helps with the cookie's texture.
Koulourakia tou Paska are not just a cookie recipe, but a family experience, a moment of joy and celebration. I hope this recipe brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones and becomes a tradition in your kitchen! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 250 g butter, 250 g sugar, 700 g flour, 2 egg yolks, 1 cup olive oil, 1 cup milk, 1 cup juice from a squeezed orange, grated orange peel, 1 pinch of baking powder
