Kourabiedes Recipe: Greek Butter Cookies Perfect for Any Occasion

Kourabiedes are traditional Greek butter cookies, known for their crumbly texture and delicate, nutty flavor. They’re often enjoyed during festive occasions, but these cookies are so delicious you’ll want to make them all year round. Here’s how you can bake these melt-in-your-mouth delights at home.

Ingredients for Kourabiedes

To make approximately 20-25 cookies, you’ll need the following:

Main Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened at room temperature)
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup
• Egg yolk: 1
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Almond extract: ½ teaspoon (optional, for added nutty aroma)
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (sifted)
• Ground almonds: ½ cup
• Powdered sugar: For dusting

Optional Additions

• Rosewater or orange blossom water: 2 tablespoons (for sprinkling after baking for a fragrant touch)
• Clove: One for each cookie, for decoration.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor, as it’s the star ingredient of Kourabiedes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on high speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This can take around 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the sugar gradually and continue beating for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using.

Pro Tip: Beating the butter thoroughly ensures the cookies are light and crumbly.

2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually fold in the sifted flour and ground almonds. Mix gently until a dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Take small portions of dough and shape them into round balls or crescent shapes. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
4. If using cloves for decoration, press one gently into the center of each cookie.

4. Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden at the edges. Avoid over-baking, as these cookies are meant to be pale.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

1. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
2. While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle or sift powdered sugar generously over them. For an aromatic twist, sprinkle them lightly with rosewater or orange blossom water before adding the sugar.

Serving and Storage

Kourabiedes are best enjoyed fresh, but they also keep well for up to a week in an airtight container. Their flavor deepens over time, making them even more irresistible.

Pro Tips for Perfect Kourabiedes

• Chill the dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Avoid over-handling the dough: This keeps the texture tender and crumbly.
• Generous sugar dusting: Don’t hold back on the powdered sugar; it’s what gives these cookies their signature look and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Kourabiedes at home is a rewarding experience. These cookies are not only a treat to the taste buds but also a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Their delicate flavor and festive charm make them a favorite for holidays and special gatherings.