Kourabiedes are a type of Greek cookie that is traditionally made during the Christmas season. They consist of a shortbread-like dough that is rolled into balls, coated in powdered sugar, and then baked. Kourabiedes have a delicate, crumbly texture and a sweet, buttery flavor. While they are most commonly associated with Christmas, these cookies can be enjoyed all year round. This article provides recipes for traditional kourabiedes as well as several variations, including:
* **Classic Kourabiedes:** This recipe yields a classic butter cookie that is coated in powdered sugar.
* **Chocolate Kourabiedes:** These cookies are made with the addition of cocoa powder, giving them a rich chocolate flavor.
* **Walnut Kourabiedes:** Walnuts are added to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor in this variation.
* **Pistachio Kourabiedes:** These cookies are made with ground pistachios, giving them a green color and a subtly sweet flavor.
* **Almond Kourabiedes:** Ground almonds are used in the dough for these cookies, resulting in a tender texture and a nutty flavor.
* **Orange Kourabiedes:** Orange zest and orange extract are added to the dough for a citrusy twist on the classic recipe.
* **Lemon Kourabiedes:** Lemon zest and lemon extract add a bright, refreshing flavor to these cookies.
KOURABIEDES (GREEK BUTTER COOKIES)
I had to bake something from my heritage for school. So, I made this heavenly kourabiedes recipe. -Rebecca Sprague, St. Louis, Missouri
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield about 5 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar until blended. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour and baking powder; gradually stir into butter mixture until blended (mixture will be crumbly). , Shape heaping tablespoons of dough into crescents. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool 15 minutes., Place remaining sugar in a small bowl. Toss slightly cooled cookies in sugar; return cookies to wire rack to cool completely. , Toss cookies in sugar once more before serving. Store in an airtight container, adding any remaining confectioners' sugar to cover cookies.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 128 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 3mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
KOURABIEDES I
Buttery Greek crescent shaped cookie.
Provided by Ceil Wallace
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek
Yield 18
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Sift flour with baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream butter and gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg yolk, brandy and vanilla. Beat again until very light. Stir in almonds.
- Blend in flour mixture, mix to form a soft, smooth dough. Chill 30 minutes or until it can be handled easily.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C).
- Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into crescent-shapes. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Insert whole clove into center of each. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until light...do not brown. Cool on rack. Dust generously with confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.8 calories, Carbohydrate 16.5 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 12.8 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 2.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 93.4 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
KOURAMBIETHES
My daughter-in-law gave me this recipe. Her grandmother was born in Greece and bakes these cookies for special occasions, including Christmas.-Carol Dale, Greenville, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 55m
Yield 5 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place almonds in an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° until lightly browned, 5-10 minutes, stirring several times. When cool, process in a food processor until finely chopped; set aside. , In a large bowl, cream butter and 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, whiskey or juice and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and reserved almonds; gradually beat into creamed mixture., Shape tablespoonfuls of dough into 3-in. logs. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets; shape into crescents. Bake at 350° until set and bottoms are lightly browned, 14-18 minutes. , Carefully roll warm cookies in remaining confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks. Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 128 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 51mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
KOURAMBIEDES (A GREEK CHRISTMAS COOKIE)
Basically a Greek butterball cookie recipe. These, with Melomakarona, are found in every Greek home during the Christmas Holidays. I go through phases. One year, or for a couple of years, these are my favourites, then Melomakarona are, and I keep switching back and forth. They're both wonderful! These keep wonderfully, long after Christmas is over, if any are left.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Dessert
Time 30m
Yield 30-40 cookies, 30-40 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer for 15 minutes, until it begins to turn white. Mix in the baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add the egg yolks, the brandy, vanilla extract, and gradually add the flour, until you have a dough that is neither too soft nor too firm (you may need to add slightly more than the amount I've written); stir in the almonds.
- Let the dough stand for an hour at room temperature, covered with a clean dish towel.
- Next, with small amounts (about 1 1/2 teaspoons of dough), shape small rounds by gently rolling the dough around between the palms of your hands.
- Arrange the round cookies on a buttered pan and flatten ever so slightly on top with your hand.
- Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes.
- Immediately upon removing the kourambiedes from the oven, sprinkle them with rose water (or orange water or ouzo. I do this by putting a small amount of the liquid in a bowl, wetting my fingertips, and shaking the droplets over the hot cookies a few times. The scented water or ouzo gives the cookies a very delicate fragrance).
- Roll the hot cookies in icing sugar to cover and let cool.
- When cool, arrange on a pretty holiday platter, sieving more icing sugar between the cookie layers to give a snowdrift effect.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.8, Fat 16.3, SaturatedFat 8.2, Cholesterol 43.6, Sodium 184.7, Carbohydrate 15.1, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 4.3, Protein 3
Tips:
- Use cold butter: This will help keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help incorporate air into the cookies, making them light and tender.
- Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the flour: This will help ensure that the cookies are smooth and free of lumps.
- Chill the dough before baking: This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Bake the cookies until they are just starting to brown around the edges: This will ensure that the cookies are cooked through but not overbaked.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm: This will help the powdered sugar stick to the cookies.
Conclusion:
With their delicate flavor, crumbly texture, and festive appearance, these Greek Christmas cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends during the holidays. Try out these tips and tricks to make the best Kourabiedes you can. Experiment with different variations of the recipe and find your favorite way of enjoying this special treat. Whether you're looking for a traditional holiday cookie or a delectable treat to share with loved ones, Kourabiedes are a perfect choice. When stored properly, they can be enjoyed for several weeks, making them an excellent option for holiday gift-giving.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love