posted by Lisa UK 04-25-100 2:44 PM
Koulourakia (Easter Cookies)
1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 eggs (reserve one yolk for glaze)
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
finely grated rind from an orange
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed orange or lemon juice
sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter. Add sugar gradually and cream together thoroughly. Add eggs, reserving one yolk for glaze. Beat well. Blend in juice, vanilla, and grated rind. Stir in the dry ingredients. Knead well until dough is smooth and does not stick to your fingers.
Pinch off pieces and roll on board lightly by hand to desired length. Fold in half and make into braided twists. The cookies are usually about 2 inches in length.
Place on cookie sheet. Add a few drops of cold water to egg yolk and beat. Brush tops of koulourakia with yolk mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately
15 minutes or until lightly browned. Place on cookie rack to cool.
Store in airtight container
makes 4 dozen - coffee dipping size
Optional: You may wish to add a little sugar and cinnamon instead of the sesame seed sprinkle for topping.