Greek Easter Cookies
Chewy Greek Easter cookies with sesame seeds, twisted into braided shapes, offering a delightful blend of buttery, sweet, and nutty flavors perfect for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and Crisco.
- Gradually add the sugar to the creamed mixture.
- Mix the egg yolk and vanilla, then add to the mixture.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and mix well.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture.
- Add the flour and baking powder gradually, kneading with your hands until the dough comes together.
- Let the dough rest for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into long strips and twist into braided shapes.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough. If you're out of evaporated milk, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cream. When mixing the dough, avoid over-kneading to keep the cookies tender. You can also experiment with different seeds like poppy or flax for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Greek Easter Cookies alongside tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with a light dessert like Greek Mushroom Salad or can be enjoyed as part of a festive spread. For a more substantial offering, complement them with Cheese & Wild Rice to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Greek Easter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Easter Cookies contains roughly 3352 calories, with 77g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 271g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (160% of the Daily Value), protein (155% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contributes 36g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. Baked cookies can also be made ahead and stored as mentioned, making them a convenient option for gatherings.
What can I use instead of Crisco?
If you prefer not to use Crisco, you can substitute it with an equal amount of softened butter or coconut oil. Both alternatives will give the cookies a delightful flavor, though the texture might vary slightly. Just ensure the fat is at room temperature for easy mixing.
How do I know when the cookies are baked properly?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens vary. You can also do a toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the cookies are ready!
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).