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Greek Koulourakia Cookies

Koulourakia are a traditional Greek cookie, typically made the week of Easter, to be eaten after Holy Saturday. This Koulourakia recipe is one of three recipes I included in this family collection of recipes. Why you ask? Because they are all a little different and all are delicious.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 2/3 cup flour

Wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
Directions
  • Bring butter and eggs to room temperature.
  • Pre-heat oven to 360˚f.
  • In a electric mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until smooth and light in color.
  • Add beaten eggs one at a time to butter mixture.
  • If using liquid vanilla, mix into batter. If using the powder vanilla add to the next step.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and (powdered vanilla) together.
  • Pour 1/3 of the flour into the batter and mix until almost blended. Continue in thirds with the flour until all is blended.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, kneading by hand to bring dough together.
  • Break off pieces of dough the size of walnuts and roll into a ball, then into a rope about 6-7 inches long. (pencil size)
  • Fold the rope in half and then twist two times making a braid like appearance.
  • Beat the remaining egg yolk in a small bowl and add the milk.
  • Brush the cookies lightly with egg wash.
  • Bake at 360˚F for approximately 15 - 20 minutes until golden on the bottom.
  • These cookies should be baked a little longer than a regular butter cookie. The extra baking gives the cookie an added crunch which is great with coffee.