Easter in Greece is a huge celebration that spreads over an entire weekend. Food is a big part of this of course and these Koulourakia, Greek Easter biscuits are very much a part of things.
Koulourakia, Greek Easter Biscuits
Food is everything in Greece. Food and sharing, the whole family thing. Unfortunately, this seems to be waning the world over.
I’ve been lucky enough to live in Crete and enjoy much of their wonderful hospitality. Being invited to the Easter feast is one of the highlights of the year.
Greek Easter
After the austerity of Lent, the Greeks really celebrate Easter with a feast of lamb cooked over coals, all sorts of fabulous veggies, salads and other dishes.
Tables fairly groan under the weight of all the food. These Koulourakia biscuits are a treat served with coffee and given to guests to take home.
The local bakeries are full of them and of course, a lot of people there make their own.
Butter Biscuits
Koulourakia are butter biscuits flavoured with vanilla and orange zest and with the crunch of sesame seeds and almonds.
Served with a Greek coffee, or well any coffee really and this is the perfect treat at any time of year.
Ingredients for Koulourakia
- 125g butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp grated orange zest
- 150g caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 450g self-raising flour
- 1 egg yolk for glazing
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 35g flaked almonds
How to make these Greek Easter biscuits
These delightful biscuits are made in fun shapes so are good for kids to help with. There are swirls, knots, circles, and twists. Let the kids get in there and be as creative as they like!
- Preheat the oven to 180C and grease and line a couple of large baking trays.
- Beat together the butter, vanilla extract, orange zest and sugar till fluffy.
- Add the eggs and stir to combine then add the milk and sifted flour a bit at a time to form a dough.
- Divide this into 10 balls then divide each ball into 5 balls (good for the kid’s maths this stuff!).
- Roll each ball into sausages and then make into all sorts of shapes.
- Brush with the egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds and flaked almonds.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes till lightly golden then cool on a rack.
How many biscuits does this recipe make
This recipe will make 50 biscuits.
How long will they keep?
Koulourakia will keep for up to a week in a sealed container.
Are they freezable?
Yes, wrap well in foil and freezer bag and pop them in the freezer to enjoy again within 3 months.
Kali Orexi!
Looking for more simple cookies to make at home? Then check these out before you go;
Kourabiethes (Greek Christmas biscuits)
3 ingredient peanut butter cookies (with video)
Gingernut biscuits (aka gingersnaps)
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Koulourakia Greek Easter Biscuits
Ingredients
- 125 g butter softened well
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 150 g caster sugar
- 2 medium eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 450 g self raising flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 35 g flaked almonds
Instructions
- preheat oven to 180C and grease and line 2 baking sheets
- beat together the butter and sugar with vanilla and zest till fluffy
- add eggs one at a time and stir in
- add sifted flour and milk a bit at a time and bring everything together as a dough
- divide dough into 10 balls then each ball into 5 smaller balls (50 balls total)
- roll out into sausage shapes about 12 cm long and twist into circles, knots and plaits etc
- brush with egg yolk then sprinkle with seeds and nuts
- bake for approximately 15 minutes till lightly golden and allow to cool on a rack
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