Orange Cookies Koulourakia

Brighten up your cookie jar with these delightful Orange Cookies Koulourakia, a traditional Greek treat bursting with the refreshing flavors of citrus! These buttery, tender cookies feature fresh orange juice, aromatic orange zest, and a hint of vanilla, creating a zesty and fragrant bite. Hand-shaped into elegant twists and brushed with milk for a glossy finish, these cookies can also be topped with sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. Perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, this easy-to-make recipe requires just 25 minutes of prep time and yields about 30 cookies, making it ideal for gatherings or gifting. Whether you're exploring Greek baking or simply seeking a citrus-forward dessert, these orange Koulourakia are sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 30

Ingredients

• 250 grams Unsalted butter
• 200 grams Granulated sugar
• 3 Large eggs
• 80 ml Fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Orange zest
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 10 grams Baking powder
• 550 grams All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Milk (for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4

Add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing well until the wet ingredients are fully combined.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 7

Pinch off small pieces of dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll them into thin ropes about 15 cm (6 inches) long. Fold them in half and twist to create a braided or swirled shape.

Step 8

Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) of space between each cookie.

Step 9

Brush the top of each cookie with milk to give them a glossy finish. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra texture and flavor.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on top and fully cooked through.

Step 11

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1307.2 grams (1307.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4986

Total Fat 245.10g	314%
Saturated Fat 132.20g	661%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1116mg	372%
Sodium 1257mg	55%
Total Carbohydrate 644.80g	234%
Dietary Fiber 18.80g	67%
Total Sugars 210.70g
Protein 81.70g	163%

Vitamin D 140IU	700%
Calcium 506mg	39%
Iron 31mg	174%
Potassium 1222mg	26%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 6.4%

Carbs: 50.5%