Greek Sesame Cookies: Authentic Koulourakia Recipe

Introduction

Greek Sesame Cookies, known as authentic Koulourakia, are a delightful treat with a crisp texture and a subtle sweetness. These traditional cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, especially with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together well.
5. Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough and roll it into 24 sticks, each about 10 inches long.
7. Step 7: Lightly brush each dough stick with melted butter.
8. Step 8: Roll the sticks in sesame seeds to coat them evenly.
9. Step 9: Arrange the coated sticks on baking sheets, leaving space between each.
10. Step 10: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden.
11. Step 11: While the cookies bake, whisk together the egg white and water in a small bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth to create the glaze.
12. Step 12: As soon as the cookies come out warm from the oven, brush the glaze over each one to give them a sweet finish.
13. Step 13: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough before chilling.
• If you prefer, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture.
• Brush the dough with egg wash instead of melted butter for a shinier, richer finish before adding sesame seeds.

Storage

Store Koulourakia cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of seed instead of sesame?

Yes, you can try poppy seeds or even chopped nuts for a fun variation, but sesame seeds are traditional and give the classic flavor and texture.

What texture should the cookies have?

Koulourakia are meant to be crisp on the outside while slightly tender inside. Overbaking can make them too hard, so watch carefully during the last few minutes in the oven.

Greek Sesame Cookies: Authentic Koulourakia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 125 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Greek Sesame Cookies, known as authentic Koulourakia, are traditional butter cookies with a delightful sesame seed coating, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and finished with a sweet glaze, they offer a classic Mediterranean treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat fully for consistent baking results.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a nice texture for the cookies.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the whole egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough is smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until the dough is thoroughly combined and holds together.
5. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes; this firms up the dough, making it easier to shape.
6. Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 24 sticks, each about 10 inches long, which is the traditional shape for Koulourakia.
7. Butter and Coat with Sesame: Lightly brush each dough stick with melted butter, then roll them in sesame seeds to ensure even coating and added crunch.
8. Prepare for Baking: Place the coated dough sticks onto baking sheets, spacing them apart so they bake evenly without sticking.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn a golden color indicating they are perfectly baked.
10. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water, then add powdered sugar and mix until smooth and glossy for the traditional sweet glaze.
11. Glaze Cookies: While the cookies are still warm, brush the glaze over the surface to give them a shiny finish and additional sweetness.
12. Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing to maintain their crispness.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and to help the cookies keep their shape during baking.
• The glaze gives an authentic sheen and slight sweetness; do not skip it to maintain traditional flavor and texture.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.
• For a nuttier flavor, you can lightly toast the sesame seeds before coating the cookies.
• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Greek cookies, Koulourakia, Sesame cookies, traditional Greek dessert, butter cookies, holiday cookies