Go Back

Koulourakia Orange Butter Cookies

These buttery Greek koulourakia cookies are tender and fragrant with orange, perfect for sharing with family and friends during any special occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 80 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 88
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Use real unsalted butter for the richest taste.
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar Can partially replace with superfine sugar if desired.
  • 0.5 cup lukewarm milk Can substitute with evaporated milk or a plain unsweetened dairy alternative.
  • 2.5 teaspoons double-acting baking powder Baker's ammonia can be used instead.
  • 4 medium eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Almond extract can be used in a smaller amount for a different flavor.
  • 1 zest of 1 orange Lemon zest can be used as an alternative.
  • 8 cups all-purpose flour, added gradually Can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend.
Egg Wash
  • 2 egg yolks whisked with 1 tablespoon water Can brush tops with milk instead of egg wash.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl for 10 to 15 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy.
  2. Warm the milk until it is just lukewarm, then whisk in the baking powder until it dissolves.
  3. Beat the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract, orange zest, and milk mixture, stirring until evenly combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough is soft but not sticky, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line baking trays with parchment paper.
  2. Pinch off small pieces of dough, roll them into ropes, and shape them into twists, braids, rings, or S-curls, placing them on the trays with space in between.
  3. Brush the tops with the egg wash and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until deep golden and cooked through, watching closely the first tray.
Cooling and Storing
  1. Move the baked cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Notes

These cookies stay fresh for up to 3 weeks stored at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.