Koulourakia Greek Easter Biscuits

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.

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.

 

Koulourakia

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!

This recipe will make 50 biscuits. The ingredients are pretty much store cupboard basics;

• 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

Method

• 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 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.

Greek Easter

So while you may not be in Greece enjoying Easter this year (I’m at home in Scotland this year) you can enjoy these delightfully tasty Koulourakia Greek Easter biscuits and imagine all the fun and sunshine.

Kali Orexi!

Karon x

Here are some other Greek treats you might like to try;

Kourabiethes (Greek Christmas biscuits)

Fig and Feta Tarts

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