Traditional Greek Easter Cookies with Sesame Seeds (Koulourakia)
These classic Greek Easter cookies feature a tender, buttery dough enriched with orange juice and formed into traditional twisted shapes. The egg wash gives them a beautiful golden shine while sesame seeds add a delicate nutty flavor and festive appearance. Perfect for Easter celebrations or any special occasion, these cookies have a soft, cake-like texture that's not overly sweet. The orange juice adds a subtle citrus note that balances the rich butter, making them irresistible to both children and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup orange juice
- 6 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 7 tablespoons milk
- sesame seeds, for sprinkling(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cream butter until light and fluffy
- 2
Add sugar gradually while continuing to cream
- 3
Add eggs one at a time alternating with orange juice
- 4
Sift flour with baking soda and baking powder
- 5
Add flour mixture a little at a time until soft dough forms
- 6
Shape dough as desired into traditional twisted forms
- 7
Brush shaped cookies with beaten egg and milk mixture
- 8
Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using
- 9
Place on greased cookie sheets
- 10
Bake at 375-400 degrees for 10-12 minutes until golden
Tips
Keep dough soft for easier shaping - add a tablespoon of milk if it becomes too stiff while working.
Traditional shapes include twisted ropes, braids, or figure-8s, but any shape works well for these versatile cookies.
Brush egg wash gently to avoid deflating the shaped dough, and sprinkle sesame seeds immediately while wash is wet.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, bring to room temperature before shaping
Serve at room temperature with coffee or tea
Common Mistakes
Don't overwork dough to avoid tough cookies
Apply egg wash gently to prevent deflating shaped dough
Watch carefully during baking as temperature range can cause uneven browning
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without sesame seeds?
Yes, sesame seeds are traditional but optional. You can omit them or substitute with poppy seeds or leave plain with just the egg wash for shine.
What if my dough is too sticky to shape?
Add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable, but keep dough soft. Lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking during shaping.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer bags.