Greek Easter Cookies

Greek Easter cookies, also known as Koulourakia, are traditional biscuits that are prepared in Greece to celebrate Easter. They are sweet, with a donut or twisted shape, and feature a shiny, golden surface thanks to an egg wash applied before baking. Here’s the recipe to make them:

Ingredients

• 500g of flour
• 200g of sugar
• 250g of butter (at room temperature)
• 2 whole eggs + 1 yolk for brushing
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon of orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of milk (if necessary)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to work the dough until it is homogeneous.
3. Stir in the grated orange zest and vanilla extract into the mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, kneading well until you get a soft and workable dough. If it’s too dry, add a bit of milk.
5. Take small portions of dough and roll each portion into long ropes, then form braids or donuts.
6. Beat the yolk with a little water and brush the cookies before baking. If you like, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sesame seeds.
7. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool on a rack before serving.

Curiosity

Koulourakia is often served during Easter festivities and is paired with coffee or tea. Their braided shape represents tradition and unity. In some variations, a pinch of mastic or mahlepi is also added, which are typical flavors of Greek pastry. Happy Easter and enjoy tasting these traditional Greek sweets!