Greek Butter Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 60 Cuisine: Greek

Greek Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holidays or tea parties, offering rich vanilla and sweet confectioners sugar flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 1/2 cups flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Cream butter in a bowl for 10 to 15 minutes or until very light.
  2. Add 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla; mix well.
  3. Stir in sifted flour and baking powder.
  4. Shape dough into small crescents.
  5. Place 1-inch apart on 2 ungreased cookie sheets.
  6. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
  7. Carefully place cookies on waxed paper sprinkled with 1/4 cup confectioners sugar.
  8. Sprinkle with remaining confectioners sugar.
  9. Cool thoroughly.
  10. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of salted and unsalted butter. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut down the confectioners' sugar by about a quarter. To achieve a more delicate texture, be sure to sift the flour properly before measuring. Experiment with adding lemon or orange zest for a bright note, which pairs beautifully with Grandma Oliver'S Fruit Cake.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek butter cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea and make a delightful addition to any dessert platter. Pair them with sweet treats like Cherry Supreme Chiffon Cake or a light salad like Swedish Seafoam Salad for a balanced spread. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar right before serving for an elegant touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Greek Butter Cookies contains roughly 2623 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 271g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

2623 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 271g 100% DV
Carbs 25.4g 9% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 482.1mg 21% DV
Potassium 75.4mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 275.1mg 21% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, it may alter the taste and texture of the cookies. Butter provides a rich flavor and contributes to the delicate crumb. If you prefer a non-dairy option, look for a high-quality vegan butter specifically designed for baking.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles before baking or drizzling them with chocolate after they cool. You could also incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday twist. Serve them alongside holiday favorites like Cheddar Cheese Rings for a well-rounded treat selection.

What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough is too crumbly, it may be due to excess flour or not enough moisture. Try adding a teaspoon of milk or an additional egg yolk to bring it together. Make sure to measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off for best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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