GREEK EASTER COOKIES
My recipe for Greek Easter Cookies does not smell like grandma, nor was it written in an old blue recipe book. But it has my own taste and my own preferences, as it is my effort to love them. You see, I didn’t like them so much.
Sometimes I wonder why there are so many recipes. For instance, try to find a recipe for Greek cookies. There are so many. But why there are so many versions? What makes each of us want to change a recipe? Is it our personal preferences in food or the need to change it simply to present it as our own? Have I ever fallen into the trap of the second?
I do not have an answer for the above but I can tell you that in this recipe, what made me to change it was the fact that I did not enjoy the traditional Easter cookies very much. But what is different about my recipe? There are two main points that differentiate it, kefir and orange flavored sugar.
ORANGE FLAVORED SUGAR
Lately I have been experimenting in my kitchen with flavored sugar. So far I have tried the vanilla flavored sugar, and now the orange one. But what is flavored sugar? It is crystal sugar which has got aroma and taste from another ingredient such as vanilla, orange, coffee or even a flower, such as e.g. the lilac.
There are two ways to flavor granulated sugar. Both require mixing sugar with the ingredient of your choice. The only difference is that in one method the added ingredient is removed before using the sugar (eg the vanilla pod). While in the second method the ingredient of our choice is impossible to remove as it has become one with the sugar. Just like with flavored orange sugar.
Both methods require time, with the difference that in the first method the sugar with the added ingredient should be mixed for a longer period (maybe even a week). While, you need to stir the mixture frequently. The second method requires less time, 24 hours most of the times are enough.
WHY TO FLAVOR THE SUGAR?
If you wish you can make my recipe for Greek cookies without flavoring the sugar. Especially if you do not have the necessary time, then you can skip it without a second thought. Just have in mind that if you do not flavor the sugar, add the orange zest to the butter and sugar mixture.
The reason I thought of adding flavored sugar is to enhance the orange flavor on the cookies. And I think I made it as I now had two ingredients in my dough that smelled like orange.
WHAT SHAPE SHOULD I GIVE TO THE COOKIES?
Every year we see different shapes for Easter cookies. Personally, I preferred to give the cookies their classic traditional shape. But if you want you can experiment with different designs. But be sure to use the same amount of dough for each cookie (25 grams) so that they are cooked properly and evenly.
DO I HAVE TO USE KEFIR?
You may have noticed that lately in many of my recipes I prefer to use kefir or sour milk instead of milk. Using whole milk kefir in baked goods adds richness to the final product, without the addition of oil or shortening. It’s High in Protein. The high protein content of kefir adds to the nutritional benefit of baked goods, making a healthier and more satiating recipe.
Greek Easter cookies
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Resting Time
1 hr
Course: Baking Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: cookies, easter
Ingredients
- 150 gr granulated sugar
- orange zest from 1 orange
- 500-550 gr all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 100 gr butter
- 2 eggs
- 40 ml orange juice
- 40 ml kefir
- 1 egg yolk, diluted in 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a small bowl add the granulated sugar and the orange zest. Grate the sugar together with the zest and place in a jar. Set aside for at least 24 hours.
- In a bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir and set aside.
- Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of the mixer. Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes until the mixture gets fluffy.
- Then add the eggs and orange juice one by one.
- Add the flour mixture and kefir. Beat for another 1-2 minutes. At this point we may need to remove it from the mixer and work it by hand. Set the dough covered in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C air.
- Take a small amount of dough (25 g) and form a string of about 14 cm. Then twist the two ends together.
- Transfer the cookies into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, spread with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
So this was my recipe for Greek cookies with a strong orange aroma and strong flavor. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. You just have to add orange flavor sugar and kefir. Ingredients that will make your cookies amazing.
I am Stefania, or Teti. I am fascinated to explore the aromas and flavors that each season offers, to make the most of raw materials while reducing food waste and to enjoy tables full of friends and smiles of pleasure. And all this through a recipe, sometimes complicated and sometimes simple. But always seasonal and delicious.
