Greek Easter cookies from Smyrna, also known as Koulourakia, are a traditional treat that holds a special place in Greek Orthodox culture and cuisine. These delicate, buttery cookies are often prepared during the Easter season and are characterized by their unique flavor, intricate designs, and symbolic meaning. With a rich history and diverse variations, these cookies have become a beloved part of Greek Easter celebrations, representing joy, prosperity, and the promise of renewal. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Greek Easter cookies from Smyrna, uncovering their origins, culinary significance, and the art of creating these exquisite treats.
Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!
SESAME GREEK EASTER COOKIES (KOULOURAKIA)
Traditional Greek cookies are 2 small strands of dough twisted together and brushed with egg-milk mixture and sprinkled with sesame seed.
Provided by Tonkcats
Categories Dessert
Time 22m
Yield 48 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cream butter. Add sugar gradually.
- Add eggs one at a time alternately with orange juice.
- Add flour that has been sifted with soda and baking powder, a little bit at a time. Should be a soft dough.
- Shape as desired and brush with egg and milk mixture. Traditional Greek cookies are 2 small strands of dough twisted together and brushed with egg-milk mixture and sprinkled with sesame seed.
- Use greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees to 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.
GREEK HOLIDAY COOKIES
Koulourakia are a traditional treat in Greece, where they are usually made for Easter and other celebrations. I enjoy making these buttery, golden Greek cookies to keep me in touch with my heritage. -Nicole Moskou, New York, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield 6-1/2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add 2 eggs; beat well. Beat in orange juice and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle., Roll dough into 1-1/4-in. balls. Shape each into a 6-in. rope; fold in half and twist twice. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. , In a small bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 7-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 79 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 53mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
GREEK EASTER COOKIES FROM SMYRNA
I acquired in this recipe while in Greece.
Provided by Rosina
Categories Greek Recipes
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Sift together flour and baking powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each one. Add milk and flour.
- Work with the hands until dough is smooth. Add grated orange rind. Dough should be stiff so add additional flour if needed.
- Break off small portions of dough and roll out into pencil-size strips about 11 inches long. Fold each strip into thirds, sideways, and press lightly together at ends.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 62.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
GREEK EASTER COOKIES FROM SMYRNA
I acquired in this recipe while in Greece.
Provided by Rosina
Categories Greek Recipes
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Sift together flour and baking powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each one. Add milk and flour.
- Work with the hands until dough is smooth. Add grated orange rind. Dough should be stiff so add additional flour if needed.
- Break off small portions of dough and roll out into pencil-size strips about 11 inches long. Fold each strip into thirds, sideways, and press lightly together at ends.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 62.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
GREEK EASTER COOKIES FROM SMYRNA
I acquired in this recipe while in Greece.
Provided by Rosina
Categories Greek Recipes
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Sift together flour and baking powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each one. Add milk and flour.
- Work with the hands until dough is smooth. Add grated orange rind. Dough should be stiff so add additional flour if needed.
- Break off small portions of dough and roll out into pencil-size strips about 11 inches long. Fold each strip into thirds, sideways, and press lightly together at ends.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 62.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
GREEK EASTER COOKIES FROM SMYRNA
I acquired in this recipe while in Greece.
Provided by Rosina
Categories Greek Recipes
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Sift together flour and baking powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each one. Add milk and flour.
- Work with the hands until dough is smooth. Add grated orange rind. Dough should be stiff so add additional flour if needed.
- Break off small portions of dough and roll out into pencil-size strips about 11 inches long. Fold each strip into thirds, sideways, and press lightly together at ends.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 62.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
GREEK EASTER COOKIES FROM SMYRNA
I acquired in this recipe while in Greece.
Provided by Rosina
Categories Greek Recipes
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Sift together flour and baking powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each one. Add milk and flour.
- Work with the hands until dough is smooth. Add grated orange rind. Dough should be stiff so add additional flour if needed.
- Break off small portions of dough and roll out into pencil-size strips about 11 inches long. Fold each strip into thirds, sideways, and press lightly together at ends.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 62.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
Tips:
- To make the cookies extra crispy, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If you don't have a meat grinder, you can finely chop the walnuts and almonds by hand.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will make the cookies tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more butter or oil.
- Bake the cookies until they are golden brown around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Conclusion:
Greek Easter cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their unique flavor and texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special treat, be sure to give these cookies a try!
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