Best 4 Greek Easter Cookies From Smyrna Recipes

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## A Taste of History and Tradition: Explore the Delightful World of Greek Easter Cookies from Smyrna

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Greece with our exquisite collection of Easter cookies from Smyrna. These delectable treats, known as "Koulourakia tis Smyrnis," embody the spirit of the Greek Orthodox Easter celebration. With their delicate texture, aromatic flavors, and intricate designs, these cookies are a testament to the culinary artistry and traditions of the Smyrna region.

Our curated selection of recipes offers a diverse range of these traditional cookies, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors. From the classic Koulourakia adorned with sesame seeds, to the aromatic Mastic Koulourakia infused with the distinct flavor of mastic gum, to the indulgent Chocolate Koulourakia that blend rich chocolate with the cookie's traditional charm, there's something for every palate to savor.

Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire or a curious home cook seeking a taste of Greek culture, our recipes provide clear instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the baking process. Join us on this culinary journey as we explore the delightful world of Greek Easter cookies from Smyrna, creating a delectable symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of this vibrant tradition.

Let's cook with our recipes!

KOULOURAKIA RECIPE (GREEK EASTER COOKIES)



Koulourakia recipe (Greek Easter cookies) image

The fluffiest and crunchiest traditional Greek Easter cookies recipe (koulourakia) you have ever made! These sweet little Greek Easter cookies are super quick to bake, so much fun to make and highly addictive to eat! Discover how to bake them to perfection with this traditional Greek recipe.

Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

250g butter (8.8 oz.)
1 1/2 cup plain white sugar
13g powdered baking ammonia (2.5 tsp, flat). If you have trouble finding baking ammonia, or you don't like the taste, you could substitute with 2.5tsp double acting baking powder.
1/2 cup lukewarm milk (130ml)
4 medium eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
zest of 1 orange
1kg all-purpose (plain) flour (35 oz.)
2 egg yolks and 1 tbsp water for glazing the koulourakia

Steps:

  • To prepare this traditional koulourakia recipe, start by mixing the butter and sugar. In a mixer's bowl add the sugar and butter (chopped) and mix for about 10-15 minutes, until the butter is creamy and fluffy. (Once starting to prepare this koulourakia recipe, make sure that the butter is at room temperature).
  • In the meantime warm the milk until lukewarm and remove the pot from the heat. Add the ammonia and whisk until fully dissolved. Set aside.
  • , whilst mixing, allowing time for each one to be absorbed, before adding another. Pour in the the vanilla extract, the orange zest and the milk & ammonia blend and mix to combine. Add the flour, a little bit at a time, whilst mixing, until the ingredients are combined and the dough is soft and not too sticky.
  • Cover the dough for the koulourakia with some plastic wrap and set aside to rest for 30 minutes.
  • Place the dough for the koulourakia on a clean working surface, take a small piece of dough and form long cords. Shape the koulourakia with your hands, giving them any shape you like.
  • Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and place the koulourakia, leaving some distance between them as they will rise a lot when baked. For this koulourakia recipe, you will need approx. 4-5 large baking trays, depending on the size of the cookies you make.
  • In a small bowl add the egg yolks and 1 tbsp water and whisk with a fork. Brush the top of the koulourakia and bake in preheated oven at 200C/400F fan for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside (or the ammonia would not have been fully used up).
  • Let the koulourakia cool down completely on a cooling rack and store in airtight containers for up to three weeks.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cookie, Calories 88kcal, Sugar 3.9g, Sodium 4.9mg, Fat 3g, SaturatedFat 1.7g, UnsaturatedFat 1.1g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 13.6g, Fiber 0.4g, Protein 1.7g, Cholesterol 19.5mg

KOULOURAKIA (GREEK EASTER COOKIES)



Koulourakia (Greek Easter Cookies) image

Koulourakia are a crispy, orange-scented Greek Easter Cookies that are the perfect treat with coffee or hot chocolate. Yield: 60 (3 inch) cookies

Provided by Sarah

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

½ c unsalted butter, (softened)
¾ c sugar
2 eggs
¼ c milk, (warmed to 80F)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 orange, (zested)
2 tsp baking powder
2 ½ c unbleached all-purpose flour
1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp of water ((for the glaze))
Sesame seeds ((to top))

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, and beat until lightly colored. Add the milk, vanilla, orange zest, and baking powder. Mixing as you add.
  • Add the flour, a little at a time, while mixing, until you have a soft, but not sticky, dough.
  • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill 30 min.
  • While your dough is resting, preheat your oven to 350F
  • Once the dough has rested, dip your fingers in a little flour and pinch off a 1 inch ball of dough. Roll the ball into a 7 inch rope on a lightly floured surface. Fold the rope in half and twist the two strands together to form the cookie. Continue with the remaining dough.
  • Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
  • Brush each cookie with the egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water). Sprinkle the cookies with sesame seeds, if desired
  • Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, rotating your baking sheet halfway through baking time for more even cooking. Cookies are done when they are lightly golden.
  • Let the koulourakia cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
  • (This recipe makes a lot of koulourakia) so, if you need to, just cover any excess dough while your first batch bakes, so it doesn't dry out.)

GREEK EASTER COOKIES FROM SMYRNA



Greek Easter Cookies from Smyrna image

I acquired in this recipe while in Greece.

Provided by Rosina

Categories     Greek Recipes

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups butter
1 ½ cups white sugar
4 egg yolks
½ cup milk
8 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 egg

Steps:

  • Sift together flour and baking powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each one. Add milk and flour.
  • Work with the hands until dough is smooth. Add grated orange rind. Dough should be stiff so add additional flour if needed.
  • Break off small portions of dough and roll out into pencil-size strips about 11 inches long. Fold each strip into thirds, sideways, and press lightly together at ends.
  • Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 62.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

GREEK EASTER COOKIES FROM SMYRNA



Greek Easter Cookies from Smyrna image

I acquired in this recipe while in Greece.

Provided by Rosina

Categories     Greek Recipes

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups butter
1 ½ cups white sugar
4 egg yolks
½ cup milk
8 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 egg

Steps:

  • Sift together flour and baking powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each one. Add milk and flour.
  • Work with the hands until dough is smooth. Add grated orange rind. Dough should be stiff so add additional flour if needed.
  • Break off small portions of dough and roll out into pencil-size strips about 11 inches long. Fold each strip into thirds, sideways, and press lightly together at ends.
  • Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 62.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

Tips:

  • Use room temperature butter and eggs: This will help the cookies spread evenly and bake more evenly.
  • Chill the dough before baking: This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Bake the cookies until they are just set: Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before storing them: This will help them keep their shape and prevent them from becoming soft.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature: They will keep for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

These Greek Easter cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any Easter celebration. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their orange and lemon zest, these cookies have a bright and citrusy flavor that is sure to please everyone. So next time you are looking for a special treat to make for Easter, give these Greek Easter cookies a try. You won't be disappointed!

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