Few things evoke the warmth and generosity of Greek culture quite like a plate piled high with kourabiethes – delicate, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies generously dusted with powdered sugar. These traditional treats are a staple at celebrations and holidays in Greece, and once you taste their exquisite buttery flavor, you’ll understand why.
This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating these delightful cookies, ensuring your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of Greek baking. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a delicious journey to Greece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Special Equipment:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Guide to Greek Butter Cookie Perfection
1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Blending the Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
4. Shaping the Cookies
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently for a minute or two until it forms a smooth ball.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
- Slice each log into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Gently press each cookie round down with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
5. Baking to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown.
6. Cooling and the Final Flourish
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before dusting them generously with powdered sugar.
Greek butter cookie ingredients
Tips for the Best Kourabiethes
- Use high-quality butter: The flavor of the butter shines through in these cookies, so using a high-quality butter makes a noticeable difference.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
- Chilling the Dough: For cookies that hold their shape better, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- Storage: Store your kourabiethes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs About Greek Butter Cookies
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply arrange the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I add nuts to the recipe?
A: While the traditional recipe doesn’t include nuts, you can definitely add chopped almonds or walnuts to the dough for a delicious crunch. Simply fold in about ½ cup of chopped nuts after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
Baking Greek butter cookies
A Taste of Greece in Every Bite
These kourabiethes are more than just cookies – they represent the warmth, generosity, and celebratory spirit of Greece. As you savor each buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite, allow yourself to be transported to a sunny Greek island, surrounded by loved ones and the aroma of delicious food.
Don’t hesitate to share this taste of Greece with your friends and family – after all, good food is always better when shared!
Let us know in the comments below how your kourabiethes turn out! And be sure to check out our other delicious cookie recipes on [internal_links] for more baking inspiration.
