Embrace the flavors of tradition with these delightful Greek Easter Cookies, known as Koulourakia. Featuring a heavenly blend of rich butter, zesty orange, and aromatic vanilla, these beloved holiday treats are lightly sweet, crisp on the outside, and tender within. Hand-shaped into elegant twists, their golden sheen comes from a delicate egg wash that bakes into the perfect finish. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and milk, these cookies are easy to make yet packed with charm and festive flair. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, Koulourakia are an essential addition to your Greek Easter celebration—or any time you crave a taste of Mediterranean heritage. Plus, their long shelf life makes them ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Scoop out small portions of dough (about the size of a ping pong ball) and roll each one into a long rope about 15 cm (6 inches) long.
Fold each rope in half and twist it to form a spiral or braid shape. Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) of space between them.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
Brush the top of each cookie with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy! These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Serving size | 1197.5 grams (1197.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 4581 |
Total Fat 223.10g | 286% |
Saturated Fat 122.70g | 614% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 1257mg | 419% |
Sodium 733mg | 32% |
Total Carbohydrate 593.30g | 216% |
Dietary Fiber 15.10g | 54% |
Total Sugars 205.70g | |
Protein 76.30g | 153% |
Vitamin D 165IU | 827% |
Calcium 312mg | 24% |
Iron 27mg | 149% |
Potassium 949mg | 20% |
Source of Calories