Greek Easter Cookies from Smyrna

Jun 07, 2023June 7, 20230 3

Greek Easter Cookies from Smyrna with a delicious touch of orange zest

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

30 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

241

Sugar

11g

Fat

13g

Greek Easter Cookies from Smyrna, also known as 'Koulouraki', are a traditional Easter treat that originates from the ancient city of Smyrna, now known as Izmir. These cookies are soft on the inside and have a slightly crunchy texture on the outside, shaped into rings, or braids. They are typically made with butter and eggs, and in this recipe, a touch of fresh orange zest is added to give it an extra boost of flavor. Koulourakia are commonly served during the Greek Easter celebrations, but they are also enjoyed year-round as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. The recipe is easy to make, and you can have fun experimenting with different shapes and sizes of the cookies.

Instructions

1.	In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2.	Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the milk and orange zest.
3.	In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4.	Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.
5.	On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness, then cut it into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
6.	Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then brush it onto the cookies.
7.	Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool before serving.

PROS

These cookies are sweet, buttery, and make an excellent treat for Easter or any special occasion.

The touch of orange zest adds a lovely citrussy flavor.

CONS

These cookies are not very healthy as they contain a high amount of butter and sugar.

They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

These cookies are not particularly healthy, but they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.
Orange zest is a good source of vitamin C, which can help to boost immune function and protect against diseases.
However, these cookies should be enjoyed in moderation as they are high in calories and sugar.

	2 cups butter
	1 1/2 cups white sugar
	4 egg yolks
	1/2 cup milk
	8 cups sifted all-purpose flour
	2 teaspoons baking powder
	1 tablespoon orange zest
	1 egg