Koulourakia(Easter Cookies)
Golden-baked Easter cookies with a crisp sesame seed coating, featuring a buttery, vanilla flavor and twisted shape—perfect for festive gatherings and cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour with baking powder and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, 3 eggs, and vanilla at high speed until light and fluffy.
- At low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and beat until combined.
- Shape a heaping teaspoonful of dough into a 6-inch long rope.
- Fold the rope in half and twist together with two turns.
- In a small bowl, slightly beat the remaining egg with one tablespoon of water.
- Place sesame seeds on waxed paper.
- Brush each cookie with the beaten egg, then dip the egg side into the sesame seeds.
- Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cookies are firm and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to the dough. If you're out of sesame seeds, finely chopped nuts or poppy seeds can be a delightful substitute. Make sure to let the cookies cool completely before storing them to maintain their crisp texture. These koulourakia can also be flavored with lemon zest for a citrus twist.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful koulourakia are perfect for an Easter celebration or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Tomato And Mozzarella Salad, offering a contrast of flavors. For a festive touch, serve them alongside colorful Easter eggs or arrange them on a platter with other cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover koulourakia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, avoid placing them in the fridge as this can make them lose their crispness. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Koulourakia(Easter Cookies) contains roughly 2223 calories, with 58g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 174g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (115% of the Daily Value), iron (115% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 626mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
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 freeze koulourakia?
Yes, you can freeze koulourakia for up to three months. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. This will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still yield delicious cookies. Ensure the substitute is softened, similar to room temperature butter, for optimal mixing.
How can I make koulourakia more colorful?
To add a splash of color to your koulourakia, consider brushing them with a mixture of food coloring and egg wash before baking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top before they go into the oven for an eye-catching finish.
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).