Greek Koulourakia Recipe (Traditional Greek Easter Cookies)
Greek Koulourakia are classic butter-based cookies traditionally prepared around Greek Orthodox Easter but loved year-round. These delightful cookies are lightly sweet, aromatic with orange zest and vanilla, and shaped into twists, braids, or rings before baking to a golden perfection. Perfect with hot coffee or tea!
What Are Greek Koulourakia?
Koulourakia (pronounced koo-loo-RAH-kee-ah) are traditional Greek Easter cookies known for their buttery base, crumbly centred texture, and shiny egg-glazed tops. These cookies are often flavoured with orange zest and vanilla, and sometimes topped with sesame seeds for extra crunch and aroma.
The word koulourakia actually comes from the diminutive form of koulouri, a Greek word for a ring-shaped bread, reflecting the cookies’ classic twist and ring designs.
Ingredients (Makes ~80 Cookies)
🍪 Dough
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 250 g butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup lukewarm milk
- Zest of 1 orange (adds aroma)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 tsp baking ammonia (or substitute baking powder)
🍳 Glaze
- 2 egg yolks + 1 tbsp water (for brushing before baking)
How to Make Greek Koulourakia (Step-by-Step)
1. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat room-temperature butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy. This step creates the tender, buttery texture that Koulourakia are known for.
2. Dissolve Leavening
Warm the milk slightly and whisk in the baking ammonia (or baking powder if substituting). This helps the cookies rise and become light and crisp.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one by one to the butter mixture, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix well till combined.
4. Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour and the milk mixture into the bowl, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms. Don’t overwork it — you want a pliable yet not sticky dough.
Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
5. Shape the Cookies
Take portions of dough and roll into ropes. You can twist them into:
- Classic ring shape
- Braided twists
- Figure-eights or S-shapes
This shaping makes them fun and perfect for gifting or festive trays!
6. Glaze & Bake
Place shaped cookies on a lined baking tray. Brush with egg yolk glaze for shiny, golden tops. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C (400 °F) for about 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Koulourakia
✅ Use room-temperature ingredients to help dough come together smoothly.
✅ Add orange zest for a fragrant, citrus flavour that complements the buttery cookie.
✅ Shape cookies uniformly so they bake evenly.
✅ Swap baking ammonia for baking powder if unavailable — the texture remains delightful.
Serving Suggestions
Koulourakia are best served with:
🍵 Hot coffee or espresso
☕ Afternoon tea or milk
🍪 Dessert platters at gatherings or festive celebrations
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
✔ Store cooked koulourakia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
✔ These cookies also freeze beautifully — thaw then reheat lightly before serving.
Why Learn This Koulourakia Recipe?
Greek Koulourakia are beloved for their balance of crisp exterior and tender crumb, their aromatic profile from orange and vanilla, and their versatility for gifting or holiday feasts. They’re a delightful twist on classic butter cookies with Mediterranean charm.
